Refrigerator Not Cooling? 7 Things to Check Before You Call

A warm fridge doesn't automatically mean a dead compressor. Start with the condenser coils (pull the unit out and vacuum the dust — in the James River valley heat they cake up fast), check that the door gaskets seal all the way around, make sure the thermostat didn't get bumped, and listen for the evaporator fan running inside the freezer. If the freezer is cold but the fridge section is warm, it's usually an airflow or defrost issue, not a sealed-system failure. Still warm after all that? That's when a technician with gauges earns the visit.

More from the blog

• Why Your Washer Won't Drain (and When It's the Pump)
• If Your Dryer Takes Two Cycles, Check the Vent Before the Dryer
• Dishwasher Leaving Dishes Dirty? The Filter Is Usually the Culprit
• Oven Takes Forever to Preheat? It's Usually the Igniter