What is the reason if refrigerator runs normally but no cooling effect?

Author: Prof. Russ Hilpert Jr.  |  Last update: Thursday, October 2, 2025

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops cooling?

Clear blocked air vents: Inspect the air vents inside the fridge and freezer compartments to ensure they are not obstructed by food or containers. Proper air circulation is vital for even cooling. Check the door seals: Inspect the rubber gaskets (door seals) around the refrigerator and freezer doors for damage.

What does it mean when the fridge is running but not cooling?

If you can hear the compressor running but the fridge isn't cooling, the problem is most likely either frost-clogged evaporator coils or a stuck or broken evaporator fan. If you hear constant and loud humming noise which doesn't shut off, your compressor may be broken or have a refrigerant leak.

How do I get my fridge to start cooling again?

  • 1. Check the Temperature Settings Ensure that the refrigerator is set to the appropriate temperature (usually around 37°F or 3°C). Sometimes, the settings can be accidentally changed.
  • 2. Inspect the Air Vents Make sure the air vents inside the fridge are not blocked by food items.
  • 3. Clean the Condenser Coils

How to fix a fridge when it's not cold?

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Here's What To Check (And How To Fix It)
  1. Check the power Plug.
  2. Adjust the Thermostat.
  3. Clearing the Inside Vents.
  4. Check the Mechanism Underneath.
  5. Inspect the Door Gaskets.
  6. Create More Space.
  7. Check the Door Switch.
  8. Is Your Refrigerator Not Cooling Yet? It's Time to Call a Technician!

Refrigerator not Cooling? Check these things first!

How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

How to tell if a refrigerator compressor is bad?

What Are the Signs of a Bad Refrigerator Compressor?
  1. Your Refrigerator is Constantly Running. Does it seem like your refrigerator is running all the time? ...
  2. Your Energy Bill is Rising. ...
  3. It Doesn't Stay Cold. ...
  4. You Hear More Noise than Usual. ...
  5. The Circuit Breaker Trips. ...
  6. You Notice a Burning Smell. ...
  7. Refrigerator Problems?

Why is my compressor running but not cooling?

There are a number of reasons why your air conditioner might be running but not cooling. It could be an issue with the thermostat, the compressor, or the evaporator coils. Or, it could simply be clogged with dust and debris, which is preventing it from working properly.

Why is my fridge light on but not cooling?

If your fridge is not cooling but the light is on, your freezer may have an icy build-up. Unplugging your refrigerator may be a good troubleshooting move. The ice may be blocking a vent in the freezer that's preventing your refrigerator portion from properly cooling.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator that is not cooling?

Depending on the issue you're experiencing, fixing your fridge will average around $650, but you could pay anywhere from $200 to $1,300 or more.

Is there a reset button on a refrigerator?

Appliances do not have a reset button on them - to reset any appliance you UNPLUG the unit from the outlet for 3 minutes - plug back in - or turn off breaker to outlet and appliance for that long - then turn back on. That will reset the control computer board and reset the appliance.

Should I unplug a refrigerator that is not cooling?

Resetting your refrigerator is simple and can help resolve functionality issues to get the temperature back on track. First, unplug or shut off the power to your fridge on your home's circuit breaker.

How do you clean a refrigerator that is not cooling?

To fix this issue, regularly clean your condenser coils using a vacuum or a coil brush. The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air throughout the fridge. If the fan is not working correctly, the air won't circulate, and the refrigerator won't cool efficiently.

Which part is responsible for cooling in refrigerator?

EVAPORATOR COILS. The evaporator coils are where the actual cooling of the refrigerator occurs.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

How do I know if my evaporator coil needs cleaning?

Here Are Five Telltale Signs That Your AC Coils Are Dirty And Need to be Cleaned
  1. Your electricity bill has been going up. ...
  2. Your unit seems to be running longer for no reason. ...
  3. Your home doesn't feel as cool as it should be. ...
  4. The Coil is Covered in Frost While Running. ...
  5. Higher Indoor Humidity.

Why is my Freon full but no cold air?

If your AC is running but not cooling, it could be due to a dirty air filter, incorrect thermostat settings, a malfunctioning thermostat, a refrigerant leak, dirty condenser coils, blocked vents or ducts, a faulty compressor, frozen evaporator coils, or electrical issues.

How do I reset my refrigerator compressor?

Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systems—including the compressor—time to reset. Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Leave the unit unplugged for five to ten minutes.

Is it worth replacing a compressor in a refrigerator?

Over time, compressors may wear out or encounter mechanical issues, leading to decreased cooling efficiency or even complete failure. In some cases, it might be worth just replacing the compressor rather than investing in a brand-new refrigerator system.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

What is the most common cause of refrigerator compressor failure?

One of the most common causes is a lack of lubrication. The compressor relies on oil to keep it running smoothly, and if the oil level gets too low, the compressor can overheat and break down. Another common cause of compressor failure is a build-up of dirt and dust.

How do I get my refrigerator compressor to kick on?

Reset Power
  1. Unplug your refrigerator. If the plug is too hard to reach, switch the circuit breaker off.
  2. Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the fridge.
  3. Once power is back, open your freezer and push the light switch 3 times to trigger a cooling cycle.
  4. Monitor temperature over the next 24 hours.

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