A fridge that is no longer keeping food cold can become a serious problem very quickly. Milk spoils, meat becomes unsafe, and leftovers turn into waste. Many people assume this means the fridge is “dying”, but in reality, poor cooling is often caused by one failing component or a simple airflow issue.
Understanding what is actually going wrong can help you decide whether a repair is worthwhile or if replacement makes more sense.
How fridge cooling is supposed to work
Your fridge does not create cold air. Instead, it removes heat from inside the cabinet and pushes it out through the back. This process depends on a balance of sensors, fans, coils, and the compressor. If any one of these parts fails, cooling becomes inconsistent or stops entirely.
This is why some fridges feel slightly cool but never cold enough, while others swing between warm and cold.
Most common reasons cooling becomes weak
Airflow problems
Cold air must move freely from the freezer section into the fridge. When vents become blocked by food packaging, ice buildup, or collapsed containers, the fridge warms up even though the freezer seems fine.
This is one of the easiest problems to fix. Rearranging food and defrosting may restore cooling with no parts needed.
Faulty thermostat or temperature sensor
The thermostat tells the fridge when to start and stop cooling. If it misreads the temperature, the fridge may shut off too early or fail to activate the cooling cycle.
This often causes a fridge that feels slightly cool but never reaches a safe food temperature.
Typical repair cost ranges from £60 to £150.
Dirty or damaged condenser coils
The coils at the back or underneath your fridge release heat. When they are covered in dust or pet hair, heat cannot escape properly. The fridge then struggles to cool and runs longer than it should.
Professional coil cleaning usually costs between £50 and £100.
Evaporator fan failure
The evaporator fan pushes cold air around the fridge. When it slows down or stops, cold air never reaches the food shelves properly.
This often leads to warm spots, spoiled food, and uneven temperatures.
Fan replacement usually costs £80 to £200.
Sealed system or refrigerant issues
If refrigerant levels drop or the sealed system develops a fault, cooling performance drops dramatically. These repairs are more complex and should only be handled by certified engineers.
Costs usually range from £150 to £350.
Warning signs you should not ignore
- Milk or meat spoiling faster than usual
- Fridge feels cool but not cold
- Motor running almost constantly
- Condensation inside the fridge
- Clicking, humming, or buzzing noises
Is it safe to keep using a fridge that is not cooling properly
No. Food safety becomes a real risk when temperatures rise above 5°C. Bacteria multiply quickly, even if food looks fine.
If your fridge cannot maintain safe temperatures, it should not be used until repaired.
Related problems
- Fridge freezer running constantly
- Fridge freezer temperature fluctuations
- Condenser coil issues and repair costs
Get a repair quote
A professional diagnosis can pinpoint the exact fault and prevent unnecessary part replacements.
Visit our homepage to get free local repair quotes.