Fridge not cooling? Food going warm, ice cream melting, or the motor running non-stop without getting cold? Before you panic about a new fridge, there are some things you can check yourself — and some faults that need a qualified technician. Here is what is likely wrong and what to do about it.

Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself

Before calling a technician, run through these checks. They cost nothing, they take five minutes, and they solve the problem more often than you would think.

Check the Thermostat Setting

It sounds obvious, but it is one of the most common causes. Someone in the house may have bumped the thermostat dial, or a child might have pressed buttons on the digital display. Check that your fridge is set to the manufacturer recommended temperature — usually between 3°C and 5°C. If you have a digital panel, make sure it is not in demo or display mode, which disables cooling entirely.

Check the Vents Are Not Blocked

Your fridge circulates cold air through internal vents. If food, containers, or packaging are pushed up against these vents, airflow gets restricted and the fridge cannot maintain temperature. Pull items away from the back wall and the vents between the fridge and freezer compartments. Make sure nothing is blocking the fan at the back of the fridge compartment.

Inspect the Door Seals

Close the fridge door on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out easily without resistance, the seal is not doing its job. Worn, cracked, or dirty door seals let warm air leak in constantly, forcing the compressor to work overtime without ever reaching the right temperature. Clean the seals with warm soapy water first — sometimes built-up grime is all that prevents a good seal.

Clean the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are usually at the back or underneath your fridge. Over time, they collect dust, pet hair, and kitchen grease, which insulates them and stops them releasing heat. If your coils are caked in dust, your fridge literally cannot cool properly. Unplug the fridge, pull it out from the wall, and vacuum or brush the coils clean. This alone can fix a fridge that has been slowly losing performance.

Faults That Need a Professional

If you have tried the checks above and your fridge still is not cooling, the problem is likely one of these. These all require a qualified technician with the right tools and parts.

Compressor Failure

The compressor is the pump that circulates refrigerant through the system. When it fails, the fridge stops cooling entirely — you might hear it clicking on and off repeatedly, humming without running, or going completely silent. Compressor failure can be caused by age, electrical faults, or refrigerant issues. A technician will test the compressor electrically and mechanically to determine whether it can be repaired or needs replacement.

Book a fridge repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 if your compressor has failed.

Refrigerant Leak

If your fridge is running but not getting cold enough, or one section cools while another does not, you may have a refrigerant leak. Signs include hissing sounds, oily residue near the compressor, or ice forming in unusual places. Refrigerant handling is regulated — only a licensed technician can test for leaks, repair them, and recharge the system.

Book a fridge repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 if you suspect a refrigerant leak.

Failed Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the fridge compartment. When it fails, the freezer may still work fine but the fridge section warms up. You might notice the fridge is unusually quiet (no fan noise) or hear a grinding or squealing sound from behind the back panel. A technician can access the fan motor and replace it, usually in a single visit.

Book a fridge repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 for evaporator fan issues.

Thermostat Fault

If the thermostat itself is faulty — not just set wrong — it cannot tell the compressor when to run. The result is a fridge that either runs constantly without cooling properly, or one that barely runs at all. A technician will test the thermostat with a multimeter and replace it if it is not switching correctly.

Book a fridge repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 for thermostat problems.

Control Board Failure

Modern fridges use electronic control boards to manage temperature, defrost cycles, and fan operation. Power surges, moisture, and age can damage these boards, causing erratic cooling, error codes on the display, or complete shutdown. Our technicians test control boards on-site and carry replacements for common models.

Book a fridge repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 for control board issues.

When to Call a Fridge Repair Technician

If you have checked the thermostat, cleared the vents, inspected the seals, and cleaned the coils — and your fridge still is not cooling — it is time to call a professional. The longer a fridge runs with a fault, the more stress it puts on other components, and the more likely a small repair turns into a big one. Always Prompt Repairs services all fridge brands across Greater Brisbane, Ipswich, and the Gold Coast. We are authorised warranty agents for Miele, Bosch, ASKO, Liebherr, and Neff. For a full overview of our fridge repair service in Brisbane, visit our main fridge repairs page.

Fridge Repair Cost

Our standard callout fee is $219, which includes the first 30 minutes of labour. Additional time is charged at $45 per 15-minute block. Parts are quoted separately based on what your fridge needs. We offer a $20 discount for seniors, pensioners, and students. All prices are estimates only — your technician will confirm the cost before starting work. Every repair is backed by a 12-month warranty on parts and labour. If a return visit is needed for the same repair, the return trip fee is $29.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my fridge running but not cold?

A fridge that runs but does not cool usually has dirty condenser coils, a failed evaporator fan, low refrigerant, or a faulty thermostat. Start with the DIY checks above — if they do not solve it, a technician can diagnose the exact fault on-site.

Can a fridge be repaired if the compressor has failed?

Yes, in many cases. Compressor replacement is a significant repair, but it is often cheaper than replacing the entire fridge — especially for newer or premium models. Our technician will assess the fridge and give you an honest recommendation.

How long can food last in a fridge that is not cooling?

As a general guide, a closed fridge will keep food safe for about 4 hours. After that, perishable items like dairy, meat, and leftovers should be discarded. If you know your fridge has stopped cooling, avoid opening the door to preserve the remaining cold air and call us to get it fixed quickly.

Is it worth repairing or should I buy a new fridge?

That depends on the age of the fridge, the cost of the repair, and the price of a replacement. Our technician will give you a straight answer — if the repair does not make financial sense, we will tell you.

Fridge not cooling? Book a repair online or call (07) 3062 2377 — we will diagnose the problem and get your fridge back to temperature.