Quick Answer
A fridge that's running but not cooling is most often caused by dirty condenser coils, a faulty evaporator or condenser fan, a refrigerant leak, a failed compressor, or a blocked defrost drain — in that order of likelihood.
Dirty condenser coils alone account for around 15% of all non-cooling fridge call-outs, and you can check this yourself in under five minutes.
A fridge that's warm inside but still running is one of the most common — and most stressful — appliance faults, because every hour that passes risks more spoiled food.
The good news is that non-cooling fridges follow a fairly predictable pattern of causes. Here are the seven Melbourne technicians find most often, starting with the one you can check yourself right now.
7 Causes of a Fridge Not Cooling
- Dirty or dust-clogged condenser coils restricting heat exchange
- Faulty evaporator fan — stops cold air circulating inside the fridge
- Faulty condenser fan — stops heat being expelled from the back/base
- Refrigerant leak — gradual gas loss over years reduces cooling capacity
- Failed compressor — the fridge's cooling 'engine'
- Blocked or frozen defrost drain causing ice build-up that blocks airflow
- Faulty thermostat or control board misreading temperature
The 5-Minute Check You Can Do Right Now
Pull the fridge away from the wall and look at the coils on the back or underneath (depending on the model). If they're coated in a thick layer of dust or pet hair, carefully vacuum them with a narrow nozzle attachment. Restricted airflow over dirty coils is one of the most common — and most overlooked — causes of poor cooling.
When the Fault Needs a Technician
If the coils are clean and the fridge still isn't cooling, the fault is likely internal — a fan motor, refrigerant leak, or compressor issue. These require specialised tools to diagnose safely and, in the case of refrigerant, a licensed technician by law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my fridge running but not cold?▼
The most likely causes are dirty condenser coils, a faulty fan, or — less commonly — a refrigerant leak or failed compressor. Start by checking and cleaning the coils.
How urgent is a fridge that's not cooling?▼
Very urgent. Most food safety guidelines recommend discarding perishables after a fridge has been above 4°C for more than two hours, so same-day repair is recommended.
Can low refrigerant be topped up like a car air conditioner?▼
No — a refrigerant leak must be located and repaired first, then the system re-gassed to the correct level by a licensed technician. Simply topping up gas without fixing the leak doesn't solve the problem.
Is it worth repairing an older fridge that's stopped cooling?▼
It depends on the fault and the fridge's age. A coil clean or fan replacement is almost always worth it; a compressor failure on a fridge over 10 years old is worth discussing with a technician first.
We Service All Melbourne Eastern Suburbs
Same-day appliance repairs available across:
Need help with this right now?
Same-day service · Licensed technicians · 12-month labour warranty & 3-month parts warranty
Dishank Patel
Lead Technician & Founder · DP Electric Melbourne
Dishank Patel has over 10 years of hands-on experience repairing household appliances across Melbourne's eastern suburbs. He holds all required Victorian electrical and gas licensing and has personally repaired thousands of appliances across brands including Bosch, Miele, LG, Samsung, and Fisher & Paykel.