Symptoms
How this shows up
- Interior feels warm or only mildly cool
- Freezer stays cold but the fridge section doesn't
- Compressor runs constantly without cooling down
- Food spoils faster than usual
Diagnosis
Likely causes, ranked
1. Dirty or blocked condenser coils
Dust build-up on the coils at the back or bottom of the fridge stops heat from escaping, so the compressor struggles to cool.
2. Faulty door gasket
A worn or torn door seal lets cold air escape continuously, so the compressor can never catch up.
3. Low refrigerant / gas leak
A slow gas leak reduces cooling capacity gradually over weeks, often with the compressor running longer than normal.
4. Compressor or start relay fault
If the compressor doesn't start or cycles off quickly, the refrigerant can't circulate at all.
Before you call
Safe checks you can do yourself
- Check the door closes fully and the gasket isn't visibly torn or loose
- Make sure nothing is blocking the internal air vents inside the fridge
- Vacuum visible dust off the back/bottom condenser coils if easily accessible
- Confirm the thermostat dial hasn't been accidentally turned down
Call a technician if:
- Cooling doesn't improve after basic checks within a few hours
- You hear unusual clicking, humming or the compressor cycling on/off rapidly
- There's a chemical or burning smell near the back of the unit
- The fridge is under 8 years old and repair is likely more economical than replacement
Book a technician