Safety first: Refrigerant and sealed-system work must only be done by a technician certified to handle refrigerants (in the US, EPA Section 608 certification). Never puncture or cut refrigerant lines yourself.
Common Symptoms and Likely Causes
Cooling problems have many causes, from a blocked vent to a sealed-system fault. These are the most common:
| Symptom | Common causes | Who should handle it |
|---|---|---|
| Not cooling, clicks every few minutes | Start relay or overload protector, or a compressor that won’t start | Technician |
| Freezer cold, fridge section warm | Defrost system fault (heater, sensor, timer), evaporator fan, blocked air vent | Check vents; repairs are technician work |
| Whole fridge warm, running constantly | Dirty condenser coils, condenser fan, low refrigerant from a leak | Technician |
| Water on the floor or under crisper | Blocked defrost drain, water line or filter leak | Technician (check door seals yourself) |
| Ice build-up in freezer | Door seal not closing, defrost fault | Check the seal; repairs are technician work |
| Unusual noise | Fan blade obstruction, worn fan motor, compressor issue | Technician |
Safe First Checks Before You Book
These checks are safe for most households and can rule out simple causes:
- Check the temperature setting
Confirm the controls haven’t been changed. Aim for about 37–40°F (3–4°C) in the fridge and 0°F (−18°C) in the freezer.
- Make sure vents aren’t blocked
Food packed against the internal air vents can stop cold air reaching the fridge section.
- Test the door seals
Close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal may not be closing properly.
- Listen and note what happens
Note whether the compressor hums, clicks on and off, or is silent, and whether the fans run. This helps the technician.
When to stop: Unplug the fridge before cleaning anything near the back. Don’t attempt to open the sealed system or replace electrical components — call a qualified technician.
Start Relay vs. Compressor Failure
A failed compressor is one of the most expensive fridge repairs. Before you accept that diagnosis, ask whether cheaper parts that cause similar symptoms have been ruled out.
Often cheaper
Start relay or overload
The start relay and overload protector help the compressor start. When they fail, the compressor may click on and off without running, and the fridge warms up. They are relatively inexpensive parts and can be tested.
Confirm by testing
Compressor fault
A technician should confirm a compressor fault with electrical tests (such as winding resistance and current draw) after ruling out the relay, overload and fans. Ask what was tested and the readings.
What a Proper Refrigerant Repair Involves
Refrigerant circulates in a sealed loop and doesn’t get “used up”. If the level is low, there is usually a leak. A lasting repair typically includes:
- Finding the leak
The technician locates the leak — for example using pressure testing with nitrogen, an electronic detector or bubble solution — before refilling.
- Repairing the leak
The leak is repaired (often by brazing or replacing the affected component). A recharge without a repair is likely to leak out again.
- Drier replacement and evacuation
A new filter-drier is usually fitted and the system is evacuated with a vacuum pump to remove air and moisture.
- Charging to specification
Refrigerant is charged by weight to the amount and type stated on the appliance’s rating plate.
Questions to Ask Before You Book
Use these questions to screen technicians on the phone:
Q1: “Will you test the start relay, overload and fans before quoting a compressor?”
A careful technician will explain how they confirm a compressor fault.
Q2: “Does your refrigerant quote include finding and repairing the leak?”
Ask what is included — leak detection, repair, filter-drier and recharge — so you can compare quotes fairly.
Q3: “Are your technicians certified to handle refrigerant?”
In the US, technicians working on refrigerant systems must hold EPA Section 608 certification.
Q4: “What warranty covers the repair, and is it written on the invoice?”
Ask separately about parts, labour and sealed-system work.
Repair or Replace?
Sealed-system repairs are costly, so it is worth pausing before approving one:
Check the compressor warranty
Many manufacturers offer a longer warranty on the sealed system or compressor than on other parts — check your documents.
Compare with a new fridge
If a major repair costs a large share of a comparable new fridge, replacement may be better value — especially for an older unit.
Consider energy use
Newer models are often more energy-efficient. Compare the energy label or annual consumption figures.
Protect your food meanwhile
Keep doors closed, move essentials to a cooler with ice, and discard perishable food that has been above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours.
Checklist Before the Technician Leaves
Cooling verification
Before final payment- Confirm the compressor and fans are running and that the freezer is starting to get cold. Full temperature can take several hours — ask what to expect.
- Listen for a steady run without repeated clicking on and off.
- Check the work area: no refrigerant smell, oil residue or loose panels.
- Get an itemised invoice showing parts, refrigerant type and amount (if added), labour and warranty terms.
Next steps
This guide is general educational information, not a diagnosis. Repair Guide does not perform repairs or recommend specific businesses. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions and use a qualified technician for electrical, gas and refrigerant work.