In most fridges, cold air is made in the freezer and blown into the fresh-food side. So when the freezer is still cold but the fridge is warm, the problem is usually with moving the cold air, not making it. Here are the usual suspects, from easiest to hardest.
1. Blocked air vents
A big grocery run can push containers right against the vent that brings cold air in from the freezer. Move food a few inches away from the vents on the back or top wall of the fridge and give it a few hours.
2. Temperature settings
Check that the fridge control wasn't bumped. Aim for about 37°F in the fridge and 0°F in the freezer. A cheap appliance thermometer in a glass of water is more accurate than the display.
3. Evaporator fan not running
Open the freezer and press the door switch (or the light button). You should hear and feel a fan blowing inside. No fan sound — or a loud squeal or ticking — often means a failing evaporator fan motor or ice hitting the blades.
4. Defrost problem (frost buildup)
If you see thick frost on the back wall of the freezer, or the fan is ticking against ice, the defrost system isn't doing its job. Ice blocks the airflow to the fridge. Causes include a failed defrost heater, defrost thermostat or sensor, or the control board.
5. Dirty condenser coils or a struggling compressor
If both sides are getting warmer, clean the condenser coils first (here's how). If the compressor is running but nothing gets cold, it may be a start relay, the condenser fan or a sealed-system issue that needs a technician with gauges.
When to call
If moving food and checking the settings didn't help, it's time for a diagnosis. We'll test the fans, defrost parts and controls and give you a price before any work. $55 service call, applied to the repair, 60-day warranty on our work.
Common questions
How long does a fridge take to cool down after a fix?
Usually a few hours to feel cold and up to 24 hours to fully settle at temperature.
Is a fridge that's not cooling worth repairing?
Fan and defrost repairs are usually well worth it. If the fridge is old and needs a major sealed-system repair, we'll tell you honestly whether to replace it instead.
Written by The PFC Team — PFC Appliance Repair, Antelope, CA. CA BHGS #A50656.