Refrigerator Not Cooling Properly? Here Is What London ON Technicians Check First

Your refrigerator is running. You can hear the compressor. But the temperature inside is wrong, your milk is going off faster than it should, and the freezer is barely keeping things solid. A fridge that runs but does not cool is one of the more frustrating appliance problems because the cause is not obvious. Max Appliance Repair London technicians see this call regularly across London and southwestern Ontario. Here is the exact diagnostic sequence they follow to find the problem fast.

The first things a technician checks when a fridge is not cooling

Condenser coils

This is the number one cause of a refrigerator running but not cooling. The condenser coils release heat from the refrigeration cycle. On most fridges, they sit at the back of the unit or underneath behind a grille. When these coils are coated in dust and pet hair, they cannot release heat efficiently and the fridge struggles to maintain temperature. A technician will pull the fridge out and check the coils within the first 60 seconds of a service call.

Condenser fan motor

If the condenser coils are clean but the fridge is still warm, the condenser fan motor is the next check. This motor pulls air over the coils to release heat. When it fails, the coils overheat even if they are clean. You can sometimes hear the difference: a fridge with a failed condenser fan makes less airflow noise than normal.

Evaporator fan motor

The evaporator fan is inside the freezer compartment. It circulates cold air from the freezer coils into the fridge section. When this motor fails, the freezer may still be somewhat cold but the fridge section above or beside it stays warm. You can test this yourself: open the freezer door and listen for fan movement. If you hear nothing, the evaporator fan is likely the problem.

Door seals

Worn door gaskets let warm room air into the fridge continuously, forcing the compressor to work harder than it was designed to. Place a dollar bill in the door and pull: a good seal provides strong resistance. If the bill slides out easily, the seal is worn. This is an inexpensive fix but one that compounds every other cooling problem.

Common causes of a refrigerator not cooling properly

Refrigerator repair cost guide for London Ontario (2026)

These are typical costs for fridge repairs at standard service rates in London and southwestern Ontario. Emergency and after-hours calls add 25%% to 40%%. All figures include parts and labour.

How to decide whether to repair or replace your fridge

The 50%% rule applies here too. Look up what your fridge would sell for used today. If the repair quote is more than half that number, replacement often makes more financial sense, especially for units over 10 years old. One exception: if the diagnosis is dirty coils or a failed fan motor on a fridge under 8 years old, those repairs are almost always worth it. They are inexpensive and the compressor likely has years of life remaining once the underlying cause is addressed.

A compressor replacement on a fridge over 10 years old is rarely worth it. The compressor is the most expensive component and replacing it on an aging unit leaves all other components at their original age. A reliable used replacement from a tested dealer is usually a better financial call at that point.

Same-day refrigerator repair in London Ontario

Max Appliance Repair London is available 7am to 10pm, seven days a week, for same-day fridge repair across London, ON,  St. Thomas, Strathroy, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, Aylmer, Dorchester, and Ingersoll. Free service call with all completed repairs. All technicians carry common replacement parts to resolve most failures in a single visit. Call (226) 840-6671 for same-day booking.

Frequently asked questions

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

The most common cause is dirty condenser coils that cannot release heat efficiently. Other frequent causes include a failed evaporator fan motor, a stuck or broken condenser fan motor, a faulty thermostat, or a refrigerant leak. Checking the coils and both fans first covers the majority of cases.

How much does refrigerator repair cost in London Ontario?

Condenser coil cleaning typically costs $80 to $150 for a service call in London. Fan motor replacements run $120 to $280. Thermostat or control board replacements run $150 to $350. Compressor replacement is the most expensive fix at $400 to $900 and is often only worthwhile on a newer fridge.

How long does a refrigerator compressor last?

Most refrigerator compressors last 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance. Running the compressor in a hot garage, neglecting condenser coil cleaning, or leaving door seals worn significantly shortens that lifespan. Signs of a failing compressor include constant running, warm temperatures, or clicking sounds on startup.

Should I repair or replace my refrigerator if it stops cooling?

Apply the 50%% rule: if the repair quote exceeds half the current resale value of the fridge, replacement is usually the better financial choice. For fridges older than 10 years, most repairs other than minor ones point toward replacement. Call Max Appliance Repair London for an honest diagnosis.

How quickly can I get same-day fridge repair in London Ontario?

Max Appliance Repair London offers same-day service from 7am to 10pm across London and surrounding areas including Strathroy, St. Thomas, Woodstock, Tillsonburg, and Dorchester. 

A fridge that runs but does not cool usually has a straightforward cause. Max Appliance Repair London offers same-day service across London and southwestern Ontario. Call (226) 840-6671 or book online.