Is Your Fridge Not Cooling? Before calling out an appliance repair service, it’s worth checking a few common causes first. In today’s guide, we’ll walk you through the most likely reasons your fridge isn’t cooling properly, along with simple solutions you can try yourself. Let’s get started!

Why isn’t my fridge cooling? – Most common causes

If your fridge isn’t keeping food cold as it should, there could be a number of reasons behind it. Below, we’ve listed the most common causes of poor fridge performance and what might be affecting its ability to cool properly.

Loose or damaged door seal

This is one of the most common reasons a fridge stops working efficiently. If the door seal (gasket) is damaged or dirty, the door won’t close properly — allowing warm air to enter and raising the temperature inside. As a result, the fridge struggles to maintain the correct cooling level because the warm air constantly disrupts the internal temperature balance.

Faulty thermostat

The thermostat controls power to the compressor and fans inside the fridge, helping maintain the right internal temperature. If the compressor and fans are turning off too soon — and your food isn’t staying cold — the thermostat may be faulty and need replacing. You can test it easily: turn the thermostat dial to the maximum setting. If there’s no clicking sound or response, it’s very likely the thermostat has failed and should be replaced.

Temperature sensor issues

The temperature sensor monitors the fridge’s internal temperature and sends this information to the control board. If the sensor becomes faulty, the compressor and fan may run too often or not enough — causing the fridge to become too cold or not cold enough. To check if the sensor is working correctly, use a multimeter or resistance meter. The resistance should change in line with the fridge’s temperature. If it doesn’t, the sensor is likely faulty and will need replacing.

Leaking Cooling System

Another possible cause of poor fridge performance is a leak in the cooling system. This can occur at joints, valves or even within the compressor unit itself. Leaks are often caused by worn components or physical damage. A common sign of this issue is the compressor running constantly, or ice forming in unusual places outside the freezer compartment.

Faulty compressor unit

The compressor unit in a fridge consists of the compressor, condenser, evaporator and control system. It’s responsible for circulating the refrigerant throughout the cooling system. If the unit overheats or becomes damaged, the refrigerant may not circulate properly — or the cooling cycle may stop altogether.

Dirty condenser coils

The condenser releases heat from the fridge’s cooling system into the surrounding air. It’s usually located at the back of the appliance and looks like a set of coils or thin metal tubes. Many people forget to clean it regularly, but a build-up of dust and dirt on the condenser can significantly reduce its efficiency, making it harder for the fridge to stay cool.

Control board failure

The control board is the “brain” of the fridge, responsible for managing all key functions — such as rapid cooling, thermostat control, and defrosting cycles. While this is one of the less common faults, if all other causes have been ruled out, a faulty control board may be to blame for cooling problems.

Blocked Drain Hole

The drain hole is located at the back wall of the fridge compartment. If it becomes blocked, it won’t be able to properly drain excess water, which can lead to ice building up around the thermostat. When ice forms on the thermostat, it can cause inaccurate temperature readings, leading the fridge to stop cooling correctly.

Overfilled Fridge

Putting too many items in the fridge can prevent cold air from circulating properly, making it difficult for the appliance to maintain a consistent temperature. Also, avoid placing hot food directly into the fridge, as this can raise the internal temperature and put unnecessary strain on the cooling system.

Fridge not cooling properly – what can you do about it?

Before picking up the phone to call a repair technician, it’s worth checking a few basic issues that might be affecting your fridge’s cooling performance.

Check the Power Supply

First, make sure there hasn’t been a temporary power cut or a tripped fuse. It’s also a good idea to test the socket — try plugging the appliance into a different power outlet if possible. Inspect the power cable to ensure it’s properly connected and shows no signs of damage.

Check the Temperature Settings

Next, check the fridge’s temperature settings. The ideal internal temperature should be It’s not uncommon for the temperature dial to be accidentally turned. Try increasing the cooling level and see how the appliance responds. If nothing changes, the issue could lie with a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor.

Clean the Condenser and Ensure Proper Ventilation

Dust and dirt build-up on the condenser coils can negatively affect your fridge’s performance and internal temperature. Wipe down the condenser using a damp cloth to remove any debris. Also, make sure your fridge has enough ventilation space — it should be positioned about 5 cm away from the wall to allow for proper heat dissipation.

Check the Door Seal

If your fridge isn’t cooling properly due to worn door seals, there’s a simple way to test them. Place a sheet of paper between the door and the frame, then close the door. If you can pull the paper out easily, the seal is no longer tight and likely needs replacing.

Don’t Overload the Fridge

Overfilled shelves can block the circulation of cold air, making it harder for the fridge to cool evenly. Poor airflow reduces cooling efficiency, and when there’s too much food inside, the appliance has to work harder to maintain the right temperature — which can put unnecessary strain on the compressor.

Check the Drain Hole

The drain hole is a small opening on the back wall of the fridge. It can sometimes become blocked by food debris or mould. To clear it, use a toothpick or a thin piece of wire. You may need to repeat this a few times. If that doesn’t work, you can use a special cleaning kit with a flexible tube to flush out the blockage.

What to do if your new fridge isn’t cooling?

If your brand-new fridge isn’t cooling properly, it could be due to a manufacturing fault. However, before arranging a warranty repair, make sure that the temperature setting is correct and refer to the user manual for guidance. Also, keep in mind that a new appliance can take 4 to 6 hours after being plugged in to reach the proper internal temperature — so give it some time to stabilise before assuming there’s a fault.

Why is the fridge not cooling but the freezer still works?

If your fridge isn’t cooling but the freezer is working fine, you’re not alone — it’s a common issue. One of the main causes is a faulty thermostat, which may not be regulating the temperature correctly in the fridge compartment. Another part worth checking is the fan, which may not be circulating cold air properly between the freezer and fridge sections. In some cases, the problem can be caused by a malfunctioning diverter valve, which is responsible for directing the refrigerant between the two compartments.

Fridge Not Cooling? Get Help from a Professional

If you’ve tried the tips we’ve suggested and your Samsung fridge still isn’t cooling, it’s likely that the issue requires professional repair. A faulty compressor, a leak in the cooling system or a malfunctioning control board are just a few of the possible causes behind the problem.

Summary

• If your fridge isn’t cooling, the problem could be something as simple as a dirty condenser coil or a blocked drain hole.
• Another common cause is a worn door seal, which allows warm air to enter and raises the internal temperature.
• Sometimes, cooling issues are caused by a faulty component — such as a damaged thermostat, temperature sensor, compressor, or a leak in the cooling system.
• Before calling a technician, try doing a door seal test, and make sure the appliance is plugged in and powered on.
• Ensure your fridge has enough ventilation, and clean the condenser to remove any dust or debris.
• Keep in mind that overloading your fridge can also cause cooling problems by blocking airflow. Try to store smaller quantities of food and avoid overfilling the shelves.
• If the fridge compartment isn’t cooling but the freezer works fine, the issue could be with the thermostat, fan, or a faulty diverter valve that controls refrigerant flow between compartments.
• If none of the above steps help — or the problem gets worse — it’s best to contact a qualified appliance repair service.

Frequently Asked Questions- FAQ

What to do if your fridge isn’t cooling?

If your fridge isn’t cooling, start by checking that the appliance is properly plugged in and receiving power. Then, clean the condenser coils and drain hole to ensure they’re not blocked. Make sure the door seals are tight and that the fridge has adequate ventilation around it. If these basic checks don’t solve the issue, it’s likely that a component inside the fridge has failed. The most common culprits are a faulty thermostat, a damaged temperature sensor, or a malfunctioning control board.

What are the signs of a faulty fridge thermostat?

A faulty thermostat may misread the internal temperature, causing the fridge’s cooling system to run more often than necessary. In some cases, it may fail to switch off the compressor, meaning the fridge runs constantly. Alternatively, it might not send a signal to the compressor at all — which can result in the fridge not cooling at all.

Why is the freezer working but the fridge isn’t cooling?

If the freezer is working but the fridge isn’t cooling, the issue could be caused by a faulty thermostat or a malfunctioning fan. Another possible reason is a defective diverter valve, which controls the flow of refrigerant between the fridge and freezer compartments.

Can a fridge work without a thermostat?

A fridge can technically run without a thermostat, but it won’t cool properly. Without temperature regulation, the appliance will run continuously, which can lead to overcooling and potential damage to internal components. Food items may freeze or not be kept at a safe temperature, making the fridge unreliable for everyday use.