Protect your food first
USDA guidance says that a closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about four hours during a power outage. Perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours should generally be discarded. If your fridge is warm, move perishable items into a cooler with ice and use a thermometer to check temperatures. Frozen food can usually stay in a closed freezer longer; a full freezer holds for about 48 hours and a half-full one about 24.
Check the basics
- Make sure the fridge is plugged in and the outlet works. Try a lamp in the same outlet.
- Check the thermostat or control panel. The refrigerator should be near 37°F and the freezer near 0°F. Someone may have changed the setting or turned on a demo or showroom mode.
- Confirm that the doors close and the gaskets seal. Try the paper test.
- Check that vents inside are not blocked by food packages.
Clean the condenser coils
Condenser coils release heat. If they are covered with dust and pet hair, the compressor has to work harder and cooling suffers. Unplug the unit, pull it out, and vacuum the coils and the fan area. This is one of the cheapest maintenance steps and can solve the problem in a dirty home.
Listen for the fans and compressor
With the unit running, listen for the condenser fan behind the unit and the evaporator fan inside the freezer. A missing sound could mean a failed fan motor. If the compressor starts and shuts off repeatedly with a click, a start relay could be failing. If the compressor is hot and silent, or loud and rattling, request professional service.
Frost and defrost problems
A thick layer of frost on the freezer's back wall or ice around the vents indicates that the defrost system is not working. The heater, thermostat, or control board may have failed. A quick fix is to unplug the fridge for 24 hours to melt the ice, but if the problem returns in a few weeks, a technician should look at the defrost parts.
What repairs typically cost
As general estimates, door gaskets run $150 to $350, fan motors $200 to $450, defrost components $200 to $450, and sealed-system repairs $500 to $1,500 or more. Diagnostic fees often fall between $75 and $150. These figures are not quotes. See appliance repair costs in Seattle, and repair or replace if the unit is older.
When to call for help
If the fridge is still warm after the basics, if you hear unusual noises, or if there is water on the floor, request refrigerator repair. Share the brand, model, and serial number and describe which compartment is warm.
Quick answers
Why is my refrigerator not cold but the freezer is?
Usually an airflow issue such as a frozen evaporator coil, a failed evaporator fan, or a stuck damper.
How long can food stay in a warm fridge?
Perishable food above 40°F for more than two hours should generally be discarded, per USDA guidance.
How long should I wait before calling a repair provider?
If food is at risk or the temperature keeps rising, request service right away.