From defrost system failures to sealed system issues, there are many reasons your fridge might not be cooling while the freezer works. These problems are often complex and need professional attention. If your fridge isn’t cooling, don’t wait—call an expert to get it fixed quickly and correctly! Read more about our refrigerator repair:
Reasons Why the Fridge Is Warm
- Defrost System Failure
- Frost Buildup from Warm Air Leaks
- Broken Damper
- Overloaded Fridge
- Sealed System Issues
Defrost System Failure – №1
This issue is most common in side-by-side refrigerators. When the defrost system stops working, the evaporator coil in the freezer gets covered in ice. As the ice builds up, it clogs the ventilation holes, preventing cold air from circulating into the fridge. The freezer stays cold, but the fridge can’t cool down.
Frost Buildup from Warm Air Leaks – №2
Another similar problem happens when warm air leaks into the freezer. This causes excessive frost to build up on the evaporator coil. The defrost system struggles to handle the extra frost, which piles up in the upper part of the evaporator. This blocks the fan responsible for moving cold air into the fresh food section. This problem is often seen in Samsung and LG refrigerators due to their design.
Broken Damper – №3
The damper, or air flap, controls the flow of cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If the damper isn’t working, cold air won’t reach the fresh food section. This could happen for several reasons:
- A broken temperature sensor
- A faulty damper motor
- A malfunctioning main control board
When the damper isn’t opening or closing properly, it disrupts the cooling in the fridge.
Overloaded Fridge – №4
Sometimes, the issue is as simple as an overloaded fresh food section. If the fridge is packed too tightly with food, cold air can’t circulate evenly. Make sure to leave some space around items to allow for proper airflow.
Sealed System Issues – №5
This is the most serious and expensive problem. If your fridge has a sealed system issue—such as a low refrigerant (Freon)—it won’t have enough cooling power to keep both sections cold. In these cases, the freezer often stays cold, but the fridge gets warmer. Fixing a sealed system problem requires special tools, professional knowledge, and certifications to handle refrigerants.
How to Repair?
Most of these problems require professional diagnostics and repairs. Identifying the issue often involves specific tools, and working with refrigerants (like Freon) requires licenses.
Repair Cost
Repair costs for such issues typically start at $250, and the final price depends on factors like the type of refrigerator, the brand, and the specific repair needed.
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I’m an appliance repair technician based in Houston, Texas. Here, I share my hands-on experience and insights. Hope you find my articles helpful! Feel free to drop a comment or share your thoughts—I’d be happy to chat!
4 Comments
I thought my fridge was just overloaded, but even after clearing it out, it’s still not cooling! Now I see it might be the damper. Thanks for the info—at least I know what to tell the repair guy when he comes. Hopefully, it’s a quick fix!
Glad the info helped, Linda! Overloading can sometimes block airflow, but if your fridge still isn’t cooling after clearing it out, the damper could definitely be the culprit—especially if the freezer is working fine. The good news is that a stuck or malfunctioning damper is usually a quicker and more affordable fix compared to issues with the sealed system.
If you need refrigerator repair in Houston, we’d be happy to take a look and get it cooling again ASAP. Hope your repair goes smoothly! Let us know if you need any help.
Back in the day, fridges used to last 30+ years with no issues! I had an old GE that never gave me trouble. This new one, barely five years old, and already having problems? If it’s just the damper, I’ll replace it. If it’s the sealed system… might be time for a new fridge…
Hi Robert!
You’re absolutely right—older refrigerators were built to last and often ran for decades with minimal issues. Many had simpler designs with fewer electronic components, making them more reliable. Newer models focus on energy efficiency and smart features, but that sometimes means more potential failure points.
If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, checking the damper is a good start, especially if the freezer is still cold but the fridge section isn’t. If the damper is stuck closed, replacing it might fix the issue. However, if the problem is with the sealed system—such as a refrigerant leak or compressor failure—repairs can get costly. In that case, considering a replacement may be the better option.
If you need refrigerator repair in Houston, our team can help diagnose the problem and recommend the best solution. Let us know if you’d like a service visit!