Home › Refrigerator › Fridge Not Cooling
Fridge Not Cooling? Quick Checks Before You Call
A warm fridge can spoil food in hours. Check the thermostat setting, make sure vents inside are not blocked by food, listen for the condenser fan and compressor, and clean the condenser coils with the fridge unplugged. If it is still warm after a few hours, move food to a cooler and call a pro.
Safety first: unplug the appliance or switch off its breaker before touching anything inside, and shut off the water or gas supply where it applies. If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility from outside.
Step by step guide
Likely causes, safe owner checks, when to call a pro, and repair or replace advice are in the full guide from Local Help Stations. The steps are the same in California; the local facts below are not.
What does it cost in California?
Call for a quote. Repair costs depend on the brand, the model, the part and the shop, so this site does not publish price ranges. Ask each shop for its diagnostic or trip fee and a written quote after diagnosis.
Food temperature guidance: U.S. Food and Drug Administration: Are You Storing Food Safely?.
California repair shops
California facts that matter
- Getting rid of an old appliance in California: city pickup rules and fees, with sources
- Appliance rebates in California
- Freon removal rules in California
- Renters: who fixes a broken appliance?
- Complaints and warranty problems
- Who can repair appliances in California
- Repair cost and official disposal fees
- FAQ
Other refrigerator guides
FAQ
What temperature should my fridge be?
The FDA advises keeping the refrigerator at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F. Use an appliance thermometer to check.
Last updated: