A refrigerator that's not cooling properly is a serious problem - your food is at risk of spoiling and you need a fix fast. Whether your fridge is warm, the freezer is cold but the fridge isn't, or nothing is cooling at all, most refrigerator cooling problems are caused by a few common parts that you can replace yourself.
The condenser coils release heat from inside the refrigerator. When they're covered in dust, pet hair, and debris, they can't release heat efficiently and the fridge won't cool properly. This is the easiest fix - just clean them.
The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer to the fresh food compartment. If it fails, the freezer may still be cold but the refrigerator section will be warm.
The start relay helps the compressor start up. When it fails, the compressor won't run and nothing will cool. You may hear clicking sounds as the compressor tries to start but can't.
The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. If it fails, nothing will cool. This is the most expensive repair.
If the defrost system fails, ice builds up on the evaporator coils and blocks airflow. The freezer may be cold but the fridge is warm.
The thermostat controls the cooling system. If it fails, the compressor and fans won't run and nothing will cool.
If the sealed system develops a leak, refrigerant escapes and the fridge gradually loses cooling ability. This requires professional repair.
We stock Evaporator Fan Motors, Condenser Fan Motors, Start Relays & Overload Protectors, Defrost Heaters/Thermostats/Timers, Temperature Control Thermostats, Damper Controls, and Door Gaskets & Seals for all major brands.
Need a replacement instead of a repair?
Sometimes the repair cost isn’t worth it. XPart Supply carries Certified Pre-Owned washers, dryers, and major appliances that have been inspected, repaired, cleaned, and tested — available for local pickup or in-town delivery in Kitchener, Waterloo, Cambridge, Guelph, Brantford, and Hamilton.
View Certified Pre-Owned AppliancesDIY parts typically cost $20-$150 depending on what's needed. Evaporator fan $40-$80, start relay $15-$30, defrost heater $25-$50, condenser fan $40-$70, thermostat $20-$40. Compressor $200-$400+ (often not worth it on older fridges). Professional repair costs $200-$500+ including labor.
Perishable food is safe for about 4 hours if you keep the door closed. After that, you risk food spoilage and foodborne illness. Move food to a cooler with ice or a working fridge/freezer.
This is almost always the evaporator fan motor (not circulating cold air to the fridge), a defrost system failure (frost blocking airflow), or a stuck damper control.
If your fridge is less than 8 years old and the repair costs less than half the price of a new fridge, repair it. If it's over 12 years old or needs a compressor replacement, replacement may be more cost-effective.
Clean condenser coils every 6-12 months, or more often if you have pets. Dirty coils are the #1 preventable cause of refrigerator cooling problems.
Yes, but compressor replacement is expensive ($300-$600+ in parts and labor) and often not worth it on refrigerators over 8-10 years old.
