Refrigerator Running but Not Cooling: The Most Common Causes

If your refrigerator is running but not getting cold, you’re definitely not the only one. This issue happens to many homeowners every year, and the good news is that the cause is often something simple.

Before worrying about losing groceries or needing to buy a new fridge, pause for a moment. A fridge that isn’t cooling properly doesn’t automatically mean it's done for. In many situations, the fix is straightforward. In this guide, we’ll break down the most common reasons your refrigerator stops cooling and share practical steps you can try before scheduling a repair.

Quick Diagnostic Checklist

Before jumping into any fixes, it’s important to make sure your refrigerator really has a cooling issue.

Temperature Check

Sometimes a “refrigerator not cooling” problem is simply a thermostat that’s set too high. The recommended temperature settings are:

• Refrigerator: 37–40°F (3–4°C)

• Freezer: 0°F (-18°C)

For an accurate reading, place a thermometer in a glass of water and keep it in the middle shelf for 24 hours.
If the temperature rises above 40°F, you’re dealing with a true cooling problem that needs attention.

Cooling Problem vs. Normal Operation

Indicators of a cooling issue:

• Milk spoils faster than usual

• Moisture or condensation on the fridge walls

• Ice cream softens or melts in the freezer

• The refrigerator runs nonstop without cycling off

Normal behavior:

• Temperature rises briefly after the door is opened

• Low humming or gentle fan noise

• Occasional defrost cycle sounds

Most Common Causes & Solutions

1. Thermostat Problems: A Simple Cause of a Refrigerator Not Getting Cold

One of the quickest things to check when your refrigerator is not getting cold is the thermostat setting. Sometimes the dial is bumped, or the thermostat stops reading temperatures correctly. This can easily lead to a fridge not cooling enough even though it’s running.

How to fix a refrigerator with thermostat issues:

• Verify the dial is on the recommended setting

• Adjust one level colder
  Wait 24 hours to see if cooling improves

If nothing changes, the thermostat may need replacement.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils: A Common Reason a Fridge Is Not Cooling

Dusty coils force the compressor to work harder, often leading to a refrigerator not cooling properly. This is one of the most common and overlooked reasons a fridge is not cooling enough.

How to fix a refrigerator with dirty coils:

• Locate the coils (bottom or rear)

• Clean with a vacuum or coil brush
  Repeat every 6 months

This simple step can dramatically improve cooling.

3. Evaporator Fan Failure: When the Fridge Runs but Doesn’t Cool

If the freezer works but the fridge is not cooling, the evaporator fan may be the issue. This fan circulates cold air throughout the system.

Signs:

• No fan sound

• Warm refrigerator, cold freezer

• Weak airflow
  

Fixing a refrigerator fan typically requires replacing the motor, not DIY electrical work.

4. Blocked Air Vents: A Hidden Cause of a Fridge Not Cooling Enough

Blocked vents prevent cold air from moving between compartments, leading to a fridge not cooling enough even though everything else works.

Solution:

• Move items away from vents

• Avoid overpacking the fridge

• Check for frost or ice blocking openings

Proper airflow is essential for cooling.

5. Worn Door Gaskets: Why Your Refrigerator Is Not Getting Cold Consistently

A loose or damaged door seal lets warm air enter, which can make your refrigerator not cooling efficiently.

How to fix a refrigerator door seal:

• Perform the dollar-bill test

• Clean the gasket

• Replace if torn

6. Refrigerant Problems: When Your Fridge Is Not Cooling At All

If your fridge is not cooling despite running constantly, you may be dealing with a sealed system issue. This is not something to fix yourself, refrigerant handling requires a certified technician.

Signs:

• Frost in unusual spots

• Constant running

• Weak cooling in both freezer and fridge

This is the most advanced type of repair.

Model-Specific Troubleshooting

Different refrigerator brands often fail in different ways. While the core symptoms may look the same, your refrigerator not cooling, fridge not cooling enough, or the refrigerator not getting cold at all the underlying causes can vary by design. Below is a breakdown of common issues you’ll see in the most popular models and what you can check before calling for professional repair.

GE Refrigerators

GE units often develop airflow-related problems that lead to warm spots in the refrigerator compartment. If your GE fridge is not cooling, check these first:

• Frost buildup around the evaporator cover

• Weak airflow from the top vents

• Warm fridge + cold freezer combination

• Temperature controls not responding

GE models also frequently experience issues with door gaskets losing their seal over time, which can make the refrigerator run constantly without cooling properly.

LG Refrigerators

LG refrigerators are known for efficient cooling, but when something goes wrong, it often affects the entire sealed system. A few things to check if your LG refrigerator is not getting cold:

• Compressor running but fridge still warm

• Clicking or buzzing noises behind the unit

• Ice buildup on the back interior wall

• Linear compressor symptoms (slow cooling, uneven temps)

If the compressor is involved, this is not something you can fix yourself, professional diagnosis is required.

Samsung Refrigerators

Samsung models frequently show cooling issues tied to ice buildup, especially around the evaporator area. If your Samsung fridge is not cooling enough, look for:

• Frost blocking airflow vents

• Fan noise or fan blades hitting ice
  Water pooling under drawers

• Freezer frosting up too quickly

A full manual defrost can temporarily help, but recurring frost usually means a defrost system or sensor issue.

Whirlpool & KitchenAid Refrigerators

These brands share similar designs. When a Whirlpool or KitchenAid refrigerator is not cooling, common culprits include:

• Faulty dampers that fail to open properly

• Broken evaporator fan motors

• Blocked return-air ducts

• Temperature sensors misreading internal conditions

You may notice the freezer works fine, while the fridge side stays warm, a classic airflow imbalance in these models.

Frigidaire Refrigerators

Frigidaire units often show cooling symptoms caused by:

• Defrost failures

• Poor airflow due to ice buildup

• Control board glitches

• Loose or damaged door seals

If your Frigidaire refrigerator's cooling issue appears suddenly, unplugging the unit for 12–24 hours to defrost the system may reveal whether frost was the root cause.

Bosch Refrigerators

Bosch models tend to develop cooling issues linked to sensors and airflow precision. When a Bosch refrigerator is not cooling, check for:

• Temperature controls not responding

• Weak airflow near the top shelves

• Warm fridge despite normal compressor operation

• Ice blocking the evaporator cover

Bosch units often require proper diagnosis, especially if the control system is failing to regulate temperature.

Conclusion

A refrigerator that stops cooling can disrupt your whole day, but understanding the most common causes makes it much easier to decide what to do next. Many cooling problems start with simple issues you can check yourself, but when the fridge still isn’t getting cold, it’s often a sign that a trained technician should take a look.

That’s where Promix AR comes in. We offer same-day appliance repair in MetroWest, MA, handling everything from warm refrigerators and cooling concerns to full diagnostics and long-term solutions. Our goal is to keep your appliances running the way they should, so you don’t have to worry about food loss, unexpected breakdowns, or ongoing issues.