If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, the most likely cause is something blocking airflow or heat exchange — not the compressor. Start with the things you can check safely before assuming the worst.
What usually causes it
- Condenser coils (usually underneath or behind the fridge) coated in dust and pet hair
- A door that isn’t sealing all the way, letting warm air in
- Vents inside the fridge or freezer blocked by food, so cold air isn’t circulating
- The thermostat set warmer than intended
What you can check yourself
- Vacuum the condenser coils if you can reach them safely
- Check the door gasket for gaps, and clean off any crumbs or spills stuck to it
- Make sure nothing inside is blocking the internal vents, especially near the back wall
- Confirm the temperature dial or setting hasn’t been bumped
When to call
If the coils are clean, the door seals fine, and it’s still not cooling — especially if you hear the compressor running constantly or not at all — that’s a sealed-system or electrical issue. That’s not a DIY repair, and opening the back panel yourself can make a technician’s diagnosis harder, not easier.