Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won’t have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it’s stuck.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.

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





A fridge that won’t stay cold is usually suffering from a bad thermostat or a dirty coil. Both of these problems can be fixed in about an hour, and will cost about $50 to $250.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Unplug your refrigerator

Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. You may hear some whooshing or knocking noises after you do so; that’s normal. Make sure your fridge stays unplugged for several minutes, otherwise the reset won’t work.

How do I clean the coils on my fridge?

How to clean refrigerator coils: A step-by-step guide

  1. Step 1: Gently pull the refrigerator away from the wall. …
  2. Step 2: Unplug the refrigerator. …
  3. Step 3: Locate the coils. …
  4. Step 4: Start vacuuming. …
  5. Step 5: Use the paintbrush to remove any stubborn bits of dirt. …
  6. Step 6: Vacuum up all the dirt you knocked loose onto the floor.

What is the first thing to check when refrigerator stops working?





If Your Fridge Has Stopped and the Light is Off

As obvious as this sounds, often a fridge shuts down completely because it’s simply getting no power. The first thing to check is the breaker (in your home’s electrical service panel) of the circuit serving the fridge.

How do you know if your refrigerator is dying?

8 Signs a Refrigerator is Dying

  1. Food is going bad too quickly. …
  2. Condensation appears on the outside of the fridge. …
  3. Excess frost. …
  4. Your refrigerator is super noisy. …
  5. Your refrigerator never makes any noise. …
  6. The coils feel too hot. …
  7. Cracks in the shell. …
  8. The refrigerator is over ten years old.

Is it cheaper to repair or replace a refrigerator?



Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.

What would the symptoms of a dirty coil be?

An extremely dirty evaporator coil can cause your AC to breakdown completely. This happens when condensation forms on the dirt and then freezes during the AC’s operation. The buildup of frost stops the heat transfer with the air in your home, which causes the air conditioner to stop cooling air at all.

Will Dirty coils affect cooling?

A dirty condenser coil with have a reduced ability to transfer heat to the outside air and this can lead to a less effective cooling system. A person that is using an air conditioner that has a dirty condenser coil may find that the unit no longer provides adequate cooling to the structure.

Can dirty refrigerator coil symptoms?



If the coils are dusty and dirty, the refrigerator’s compressor must work harder to cool the refrigerant, increasing it’s risk of malfunction. You may also notice the following symptoms when your condenser coils are dirty: Refrigerator not cooling. Freezer cold but refrigerator warm.

Will dust on refrigerator coils?

Condenser coils are exposed, not in a sealed casing, and therefore vulnerable to dust buildup. Dirty coils force a fridge to work harder keeping food cold, resulting in higher energy costs and a reduced lifespan for the pricey appliance.

How do you clean under a fridge without moving it?

To clean under your appliances without moving them, grab a yardstick and cover the end with an old pair of pantyhose, a microfiber cloth attached with a rubber band, or an old tube sock. Sweep your tool multiple times under each appliance. Vacuum or sweep up what you’ve unearthed.

How much does it cost to clean refrigerator coils?

Cleaning the coil has a price between $60 and $100, depending on how hard they are to access. The condenser coil on your appliance keeps it cool.

How do you clean an evaporator coil without removing it?



Use a compressed air canister. One of the best ways to get the dirt and other debris out is to use compressed air. Blow the air into the coil to loosen the dirt. If there’s stubborn dirt, though, you might need to put the nozzle close to the bottom of the debris, along its side.

How often should refrigerator coils be cleaned?

every 6 months

It’s recommended that you clean condenser coils every 6 months to avoid these outcomes and ensure that your refrigerator runs optimally. You may have to clean them more often if pets in the home create extra dander and dirt.