When your fridge stops cooling, it’s stressful. Food may spoil, and you might think the repair will cost a lot. But many problems are simple and easy to fix.
Follow these steps to check what’s wrong and see if you can fix it yourself or need a technician.
If your fridge still doesn’t work – order refrigerator repair in Charlotte, NC. Our specialists can come the same day.
Step 1: Check the Basics
1. Power Problems
- Make sure the plug fits tightly in the outlet.
- Inspect the cord for bends or damage.
- Try another device in the same outlet. If it doesn’t work, the outlet may be faulty.
2. Wrong Temperature Settings
- Set manual dials to the middle (3–4 of 7).
- For digital panels, set +4°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer.
- Don’t raise the cooling power too high – this can overload the compressor.
3. Poor Airflow Around the Fridge
Leave 5–10 cm (2–4 inches) between the fridge and the wall. Built-in models need clear vents at the bottom and top for air circulation.
4. Door Not Closing Properly
- Make sure nothing blocks the door.
- Check the rubber seal – it should be clean and flexible.
- Don’t overload the door with heavy bottles; hinges may bend.
5. Dirty Condenser Coils
- Unplug the fridge.
- Clean the coils on the back or bottom with a brush or vacuum.
6. Frost-Free System Not Working
- Listen for the fan. If it’s silent, it may be frozen.
- Defrost the fridge completely (12–24 hours).
- Check the drain hole after defrosting.
If the issue comes back, the heater, timer, or sensor might be faulty.
7. Too Many Items Inside
Don’t block vents or overload the fridge. Leave space between items for air to flow.
Step 2: When to Call a Technician
8. Compressor Problems
- The fridge has power but the compressor is silent.
- You hear clicks but the motor won’t start.
- The compressor runs nonstop and gets hot, but no cooling.
9. Refrigerant Leak
- The compressor runs but the inside is warm.
- You used to hear a hissing sound, now it’s gone.
You’ll need a professional to fix the leak and refill the refrigerant.
10. Faulty Thermostat or Control Board
- The light is on, but the motor won’t start.
- Restarting doesn’t help.
When to Get Help
You can fix small issues like power, settings, or cleaning. But call a pro if:
- The compressor won’t start.
- It runs constantly but doesn’t cool.
- You suspect a refrigerant leak.
- The problem returns after defrosting.
- The display shows an error.
Extra Tips
- Clean the back coils every 6 months.
- Keep the fridge level to reduce compressor load.
- Don’t put hot food inside – it strains the system.
