A refrigerator is one of the most essential appliances in every home. It keeps your food fresh, your drinks cold, and your daily routine running smoothly. But what happens when it suddenly stops working? You open the door and find lukewarm drinks, spoiled food, and a sense of panic. If you’ve found yourself frustrated, wondering why your refrigerator not cooling, you’re not alone. This is a common household issue that often has fixable causes — but catching them early is key.

Let’s explore why refrigerators stop cooling, what might be going wrong, and how you can identify these problems before they become expensive repair jobs.

1. Check the Thermostat Setting First

It might sound too simple, but sometimes the thermostat setting gets accidentally changed. Maybe during a fridge clean-up or while grabbing something in a hurry, the dial gets nudged. If your refrigerator isn’t cooling, check the internal thermostat to ensure it’s set to the proper temperature — ideally around 37°F (3°C) for the fridge section and 0°F (-18°C) for the freezer.

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are responsible for releasing the heat removed from inside the fridge. If these coils are dirty or clogged with dust, pet hair, or grime, they can’t efficiently release heat, causing your refrigerator to overwork and still not cool properly. Cleaning the coils, usually located at the back or beneath the appliance, every 6–12 months can make a significant difference.

3. Evaporator Fan Problems

The evaporator fan circulates cold air through the refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the fan motor fails, your fridge may stop cooling entirely, even if the freezer still feels cold. A faulty fan may make strange noises or stop spinning altogether. In such a case, the fan may need to be replaced by a technician.

4. Faulty Start Relay

The start relay helps the compressor kick on, which is essential for cooling. If this small component fails, your compressor won’t run, meaning your fridge won’t cool. You can usually hear a clicking noise or notice the compressor attempting to start but failing. Replacing the start relay is a relatively low-cost repair and often solves the issue.

5. Blocked or Broken Air Vents

Cold air needs to flow freely between the freezer and fridge compartments. If items are packed too tightly or vents are blocked by ice or food containers, cooling will suffer. Make sure vents are clear and air can circulate without obstruction. In some cases, ice build-up in the vents might indicate a defrost system issue.

6. Compressor Issues

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. If it’s malfunctioning or dead, your fridge will not cool at all. Compressors typically last 10–15 years, but when they go bad, they often need to be replaced — and this can be a costly repair. A technician can test the compressor and determine whether replacement is worth it or if it’s time to consider a new unit.

7. Malfunctioning Defrost System

Modern refrigerators automatically defrost to prevent ice build-up, especially on the evaporator coils. If the defrost system fails, ice can build up, blocking airflow and causing cooling issues. Signs of this include frost buildup inside the freezer or overly wet fridge compartments. Replacing the defrost thermostat, timer, or heater could restore normal operation.

Midway through all these diagnostics, one may wonder, what causes refrigerator to stop cooling? The answer often lies in one of the above points, and timely attention can save you from a costly appliance replacement.

Final Thoughts: Prevention is Better than Repair

No one wants to come home to a warm fridge and spoiled food. Regular maintenance, like cleaning the coils and checking seals and air vents, can prevent most cooling problems before they start. Also, don’t overload the fridge — good airflow is essential.

In our opinion, taking a few minutes every couple of months to inspect your fridge can extend its life and keep it running efficiently. But if you've tried these steps and still have issues, it may be time to call in a professional.