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May 31, 2025 A refrigerator that suddenly stops cooling can throw your entire household into chaos. Your groceries may spoil within hours, and daily routines get disrupted. Whether you live in Raleigh, Durham, Cary, or Apex, this is a common issue we see every week at Swift Appliance Repair.
The good news? You’re not alone—and help is just a call away. In this article, we’ll explore the most frequent causes of refrigerator cooling failure, what you can check on your own, and why trusting a professional is often the smartest move. Written by a technician with over a decade of hands-on experience, this guide is designed to help homeowners understand and act—without the confusing technical jargon.
If your refrigerator feels warm or your food doesn’t stay fresh, the issue could stem from several common causes. Here are the most frequent ones explained in simple terms.
These coils are responsible for releasing heat from inside the fridge. When covered in dust and debris, they can’t do their job—forcing your refrigerator to work overtime, often unsuccessfully.
Vents circulate cold air between the freezer and fridge compartments. If blocked by items or frost, airflow suffers, and temperatures rise.
The fan that pushes cold air around the fridge may get stuck or break down. If you hear unusual noises or feel uneven cooling, the fan may be to blame.
If the temperature control thermostat isn’t working properly, your fridge may think it’s colder than it really is and shut off too early.
The compressor is the heart of the cooling system. When it stops functioning, the fridge can’t cool—no matter what you do. This usually requires professional replacement.
The rubber gasket around your door keeps cold air in. If it's loose, torn, or dirty, air escapes, and your fridge won’t maintain a consistent temperature.
Sometimes the control board malfunctions, sending incorrect signals or none at all. This can result in lights turning on but no actual cooling happening.
Low refrigerant levels from a leak mean your fridge can’t absorb heat efficiently. This is not a DIY fix—it requires specialized tools and EPA-certified repair service.
Before calling a technician, you can perform a few safe, basic checks to understand the situation better.
It may seem obvious, but make sure the unit is plugged in and the outlet is working. Try another appliance in the same outlet to confirm.
Clicking, buzzing, or total silence may indicate fan or compressor problems. Take note of any changes in sound.
Excess frost in the freezer compartment or behind the rear panel may mean the defrost system is malfunctioning.
Unplug the fridge and carefully vacuum dust from the coils located at the back or underneath the appliance.
Try closing the door on a sheet of paper. If it slips out easily, the seal may be failing and should be replaced.
Make sure the temperature controls haven’t been accidentally adjusted. The fridge should be between 37°F–40°F and the freezer at 0°F.
Give your fridge a few hours after adjusting or cleaning. If it still doesn’t cool properly, the problem is likely internal.
Remember: refrigerators are complex. While some issues are visible, many require diagnostics and specialized tools. That’s why we’re here.
When DIY checks don’t solve the problem, Swift Appliance Repair is your trusted partner for fast and reliable service throughout Raleigh, Durham, Cary, and Apex.
We offer flexible scheduling and same-day appointments to get your refrigerator running again as quickly as possible.
Our certified team has over 10 years of experience fixing refrigerators of all makes and models. We’ve seen it all—and fixed it all.
We carry the most commonly used parts in our vans. Many repairs can be completed on the first visit—no delays, no extra trips.
You’ll get an upfront estimate before any work begins. No surprise fees, and no unnecessary repairs—just honest service.
We stand behind our work with a service warranty and commitment to quality. Your satisfaction is our priority.
One of the most common calls we receive. Often caused by blocked vents or a broken fan that’s not pushing cold air into the fridge section.
When a fridge never stops running, it can indicate internal inefficiencies. Left unchecked, it stresses the system and raises your energy bill.
Inconsistent cooling may cause your fresh produce and dairy to go bad early, even when the temperature looks fine on the display.
Visible ice could mean the defrost cycle isn’t working correctly. This affects cooling and airflow—and gets worse over time.
A misleading sign that everything’s fine. This usually points to deeper electrical or control board malfunctions.
Too many items block airflow and strain the compressor. Keep air paths clear for even cooling.
Leaving the door open, even briefly, allows cold air to escape and makes the fridge work harder than necessary.
Going colder than needed won't improve performance. It only wears out the cooling system faster.
Let the unit breathe by keeping it a few inches away from the wall for proper ventilation.
A technician can catch minor problems before they become costly. Routine service can extend your appliance’s life by years.
We repair all major brands of refrigerators, including:
Don’t wait for your groceries to spoil or your fridge to completely fail. If your refrigerator is not cooling and you're located in the Raleigh area, contact Swift Appliance Repair today. We’re ready to help you get back to normal—quickly and professionally.
