Low Refrigerant in Your Fridge: Why It Happens?

What Low Refrigerant Really Means

When a refrigerator stops cooling properly, one of the most serious causes is low refrigerant. This issue occurs when the sealed cooling system loses part of its refrigerant charge, usually due to a leak. Refrigerant, often referred to as Freon, is the chemical that circulates through the coils and removes heat from inside the fridge. Without the correct amount, the appliance can no longer maintain the right temperature.

Unlike simple problems like a broken shelf or loose door seal, low refrigerant is a technical failure that affects the core of your appliance. It cannot be solved by adjusting the settings or restarting the unit. At Swift Appliance Repair, we often respond to customers who first notice symptoms and search for terms like how to know if fridge is low on refrigerant or refrigerator not cooling but compressor is running. These are early warning signs of a problem that must be addressed quickly.

Why This Problem Is Not for DIY Repairs

Some homeowners are tempted to fix things on their own, but low refrigerant is not something you can safely or legally handle yourself. Refrigerant is a pressurized chemical that requires special equipment to recover, measure and refill. Handling it without proper certification is not only dangerous but also against environmental regulations.

Signs of this issue include:

• Fridge not getting cold Food stays at room temperature even with the fridge running constantly.
• Compressor never shuts off The motor runs nonstop trying to maintain a temperature it can no longer reach.
• Partial frost on the evaporator coil A thin layer of ice forms only near the start of the coil.
• Freezer barely cold It might keep things cool but not frozen.
• Unusual hissing or bubbling sounds These can indicate a leak in the sealed system.

If you’ve searched for symptoms of low Freon in refrigerator or can you refill refrigerant in a fridge, the safest answer is simple: this job is for professionals only.

The Hidden Consequences of Not Repairing It

Low refrigerant is not just a cooling problem. It is a system-wide failure that worsens over time. Running a fridge in this condition causes:

• Compressor burnout The motor overheats and eventually fails from overwork.
• Increased energy bills The fridge consumes more power while delivering less performance.
• Food spoilage Unsafe temperatures lead to wasted groceries and potential health risks.
• Permanent damage Moisture and contaminants enter the system, requiring full replacement.
• Refrigerant exposure A leak inside the home can release harmful gases if not handled properly.

Ignoring the problem often results in the need to replace the entire refrigerator. What starts as a minor leak can lead to a complete appliance failure and significant repair costs.

Call Swift Appliance Repair. Licensed and Trusted Professionals

If you suspect your refrigerator has a low refrigerant issue, do not wait. This is a sealed system failure that only certified technicians can diagnose and fix. At Swift Appliance Repair, we are trained, licensed and equipped to safely handle refrigerant recovery and recharging. We service all major brands and offer fast, reliable repairs backed by years of experience.

This is not a time to guess or delay. Protect your appliance, your food and your home by booking a professional visit today.