Why Is My Fridge Not Cooling?
A fridge that has stopped cooling is one of the most frustrating appliance problems — especially with food at risk. The good news is that most causes are repairable and an experienced engineer can often diagnose and fix the problem on the first visit.
1. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils
The condenser coils at the back or underneath your fridge are responsible for releasing heat from the refrigerant. When they become clogged with dust and debris, the fridge can’t cool efficiently. This is one of the most common causes of poor cooling in older fridges and is usually a straightforward fix.
2. Thermostat Fault
A faulty thermostat may fail to signal the compressor to run, resulting in a fridge that doesn’t cool despite the motor working normally. Thermostat replacement is typically one of the cheaper repairs, costing between £60 and £120 in the UK.
3. Damaged Door Seal
A worn or damaged door seal allows warm air to enter the fridge continuously, preventing it from maintaining the correct temperature. You can check this yourself by closing the door on a piece of paper — if it pulls out easily, the seal needs replacing.
4. Fan Motor Failure
In frost-free and fan-assisted models, the evaporator fan circulates cool air throughout the compartment. A failed fan motor causes warm spots and eventually complete cooling failure. Fan replacement costs £80–£150 and is usually completed in a single visit.
5. Defrost System Fault
Many fridge freezers have an automatic defrost system to prevent ice build-up on the evaporator coils. When the defrost heater, timer, or thermostat fails, the coils ice up and airflow is blocked, causing the fridge to warm up gradually. Engineers diagnose this quickly with a defrost test.
6. Compressor Problems
The compressor is the heart of the refrigeration system. When it fails, the fridge will run but won’t cool. Compressor replacement is one of the more expensive repairs (£150–£350), so for older appliances it may be worth weighing up replacement instead. An engineer will advise honestly.
7. Refrigerant Leak
If refrigerant is leaking, the fridge gradually loses its ability to cool. A refrigerant recharge typically costs £120–£200, but the leak must be found and repaired at the same time or the problem will recur.
8. Electrical or Control Board Fault
Modern fridge freezers have electronic control boards that manage temperature, defrost cycles, and displays. A failed PCB can cause all sorts of cooling issues. Replacement costs vary by brand but typically range from £100–£250.
What to Do Next
Move perishable food to a cool bag or neighbour’s fridge if possible, then get free quotes from local engineers covering your area. Most will be able to attend within 24–48 hours and diagnose the fault on arrival.