🔧 Repair or Replace
Fridge Not Cooling? Repair or Replace It
Before you buy a new fridge, check the cheap causes. Then weigh the age of the appliance against the cost of the repair.
Dana Whitlock · Oct 16, 2026 · 5 min read · 4 steps
A warm fridge feels urgent, and the temptation is to order a new one the same day. But many cooling problems have simple causes that cost nothing to fix.
Work through the basics first, then use the age-and-cost rule to decide.
Free checks first
- Confirm the thermostat has not been knocked to a warmer setting
- Check the door seal by closing it on a sheet of paper — it should grip
- Make sure food is not blocking the internal air vents
- Pull the fridge out and vacuum dust from the condenser coils at the back or bottom
- Leave a gap of a few centimetres behind and above the fridge for airflow
Signs of a bigger fault
If the fridge runs constantly but stays warm, the problem may be a failed fan, a defrost fault (look for a thick layer of ice on the back wall of the freezer), or a refrigerant or compressor fault. A fridge that is silent and warm but has power often has a failed start relay or control board.
The age-and-cost rule
A useful rule of thumb: if the fridge is more than halfway through its expected life (most last 10 to 15 years) and the repair would cost more than half the price of a comparable new one, replace it. Sealed-system repairs to the compressor or refrigerant circuit are usually the expensive ones.
Factor in running costs
Fridges run around the clock, so efficiency matters. A fridge from 15 or more years ago can use significantly more electricity than a modern equivalent. Check the energy label of a replacement and compare the annual consumption figure, not just the letter grade.
This is general home-maintenance information, not professional advice. Building codes, permits, and safe practices vary by location — consult a licensed contractor, electrician, or plumber for work beyond your experience.