Some cooling issues can be resolved with simple maintenance, like replacing your appliance to a cooler place, but if your refrigerator still isn’t cooling properly, our expert technicians are here to help. We provide fast and reliable fridge repair services in Houston. Read more about our refrigerator repair:
Reasons Why the Fridge Is Not Cooling Properly
- Refrigerator Is Placed in a Hot Environment
- Insufficient Ventilation
- Dirty Condenser Coil
- Overloading the Refrigerator
- Faulty Temperature Sensors or Main Control Board
Refrigerator Is Placed in a Hot Environment – №1
Many homeowners place extra refrigerators in garages or outdoor spaces without considering the temperature. During summer, garage temperatures can exceed 100°F (37°C), making it difficult for the refrigerator to maintain the desired cooling level.
In cases of overheating:
Repair cost: from $200
Replacement cost: from $300
Insufficient Ventilation – №2
If your refrigerator is pushed too close to the wall or installed in a tight space, the condenser coil and compressor won’t get enough airflow. This is especially problematic for newer refrigerators using R600 refrigerant, which requires proper ventilation to function efficiently.
Dirty Condenser Coil – №3
A dirty condenser coil can cause the refrigerator to overheat and lose cooling efficiency. This is a common issue in homes with pets, as pet hair can clog the coil over time.
Professional cleaning cost: from $150
Overloading the Refrigerator – №4
When a refrigerator is packed with food, it blocks cold air circulation, making it harder for the appliance to maintain an even temperature. A good rule of thumb is to keep your fridge at 70% capacity for optimal airflow.
Faulty Temperature Sensors or Main Control Board – №5
If the temperature sensors malfunction, the fridge may misread the internal temperature and turn off the compressor too soon. This results in higher-than-set temperatures. A defective control board can also lead to erratic cooling behavior.
Diagnosis and repair cost: from $250
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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!
5 Comments
My fridge has been acting up, and I was about to call a repair service. I checked the condenser coil like you suggested, and it was covered in dust and pet hair. Just cleaned it—fingers crossed it solves the problem!
Hi Rachel. It all depends on what you mean by “acting up.” If the issue is poor cooling, then cleaning the condenser coils should definitely help. It will also extend the life of the compressor and the refrigerator as a whole. So, you did the right thing!
My fridge isn’t even full, and I still notice things like milk not staying cold. Could dust or pet hair really cause that? I’ve got two cats.
Hi Kamela! Yes, pet hair and dust can actually cause issues like that. When the coils under or behind your fridge get clogged, it makes it harder for the fridge to stay cool—especially noticeable with items like milk. With two cats, it’s a good idea to vacuum around those coils every few months. If that doesn’t help, we’d be happy to check it out for you!
Could you please tell me what I can do if my refrigerator is already placed away from the wall, but it’s still running warm?