Fridge not cooling: causes and fixes
A fridge that has stopped cooling isn't necessarily at the end of its life. Before considering a replacement, a few simple checks rule out the most common causes - usually about airflow rather than a failed compressor.
Safety first
Don't eat fresh food that has sat above 4 °C for several hours, particularly meat, fish and dairy.
The causes, from most to least common
Check them in this order: the first ones are free and solve the majority of cases.
- 1
Dusty rear grille (condenser)
very commonHow to check: Pull the appliance away from the wall and look at the black grille on the back: if it is covered in dust, heat can no longer escape.
Fix: Vacuum the grille with a brush attachment. Leave at least 5 cm of space behind the appliance.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € - 2
Worn or dirty door seal
very commonHow to check: The paper test: close the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out with no resistance, the seal is no longer holding.
Fix: Clean the seal with soapy water. If it is hardened or cracked, replace it.
EasyEstimated cost: 0 € (cleaning) to 40-90 € (new seal) - 3
Internal fan blocked (frost-free models)
commonHow to check: Open the door: on a frost-free model you should hear the fan. Total silence, or a rubbing noise, is suspicious.
Fix: Defrost the appliance fully for 24 hours. If ice was jamming the fan, that is often enough. Otherwise the fan needs replacing.
ModerateEstimated cost: 0 € to 100 € - 4
Faulty thermostat
commonHow to check: The compressor never kicks in, or runs constantly without ever stopping.
Fix: Replace the thermostat - an inexpensive part.
ModerateEstimated cost: 20 to 50 € for the part, 90 to 160 € fitted - 5
Refrigerant leak or failed compressor
less commonHow to check: The compressor no longer starts at all, or runs continuously without producing cold, and the back stays cool.
Fix: A refrigeration engineer is required. On an appliance over 10 years old, compare against the price of a new one.
ProfessionalEstimated cost: 200 to 400 €
If you take this out-of-warranty fridge to a QualiRépar-certified repairer, 25€ comes off the invoice.
| Repair by a professional | 200 to 400 € |
| Repair bonus deducted | - 25 € |
| What you pay | 175 to 375 € |
Indicative estimate: the real price depends on the part, the model and the call-out. The bonus can never exceed the invoice total.
How to claim the repair bonus →When to call a professional
A refrigerant leak or a compressor failure legally requires a professional (the gas is regulated). On a fridge over 10 years old, replacing is often the better call, especially as a current model uses two to three times less electricity.
Find a repairer near you →Frequently asked questions
Why is my fridge running but not getting cold?
Most often heat can no longer escape: a dusty rear grille, the appliance pushed too close to the wall, or a worn door seal letting warm air in. On a frost-free model, a fan jammed by ice has the same effect.
How long does a fridge take to cool down after a repair?
Allow 4 to 6 hours to reach the set temperature, and up to 24 hours to stabilise fully after a complete defrost. Avoid filling it to the brim straight away.
Your fridge may be nearing the end of its life: a fridge lasts 10 to 15 years. Beyond that, an expensive repair is harder to justify.