What is actually happening
The single most useful thing to establish is whether the compressor — the motor at the back — is running at all. A compressor that never runs points at the thermostat, the start relay or the compressor itself. A compressor that runs constantly while the fridge stays warm points the other way: either the system has lost its gas, or the airflow from the freezer side is blocked by ice.
The usual causes
- A failed thermostat or temperature sensor, so cooling is never called for
- A failed start relay or compressor
- A slow refrigerant leak, leaving the system with too little gas
- A blocked evaporator or failed defrost system choking the airflow
- Condenser coils at the back thick with dust, or the appliance jammed tight against a wall
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Put a hand on the back of the appliance — a working compressor is warm and audible
- Check the thermostat has not been knocked to its lowest setting
- Pull it out and vacuum the coils at the back, and leave a gap for air to circulate
- Check the door seals shut cleanly all the way round — a note of paper shut in the door should grip
Still not cooling?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my fridge not cooling?
The fridge is running but the inside is not cold. The single most useful thing to establish is whether the compressor — the motor at the back — is running at all. A compressor that never runs points at the thermostat, the start relay or the compressor itself. A compressor that runs constantly while the fridge stays warm points the other way: either the system has lost its gas, or the airflow from the freezer side is blocked by ice.
Can I fix a fridge not cooling myself?
Put a hand on the back of the appliance — a working compressor is warm and audible. Check the thermostat has not been knocked to its lowest setting. Pull it out and vacuum the coils at the back, and leave a gap for air to circulate. Check the door seals shut cleanly all the way round — a note of paper shut in the door should grip. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a fridge not cooling?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other fridge faults
- fridge freezer icing up
- fridge making a loud noise
- fridge leaking water inside
- fridge running constantly
- fridge freezer not cold enough
- fridge freezer not working after defrosting
- American fridge freezer water dispenser not working