A malfunctioning refrigerator can lead to spoiled food, rising electricity bills, and even emergency repair costs. If your fridge isn’t cooling properly, don’t panic—there are common causes that you can troubleshoot before calling in a professional.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to identifying the issue and knowing when it’s time for emergency refrigerator repair.
1. Is Your Refrigerator Plugged in and Getting Power?
Before diving into complex fixes, check the basics:
✅ Ensure the fridge is plugged in and hasn’t been accidentally unplugged.
✅ Check the circuit breaker—power surges or overloaded circuits can trip breakers.
✅ Open the fridge door—if the light isn’t turning on, it may not be receiving power.
👨🔧 Quick Fix: Try plugging the refrigerator into a different outlet or resetting the breaker. If there’s still no power, call for appliance repair in West Vancouver to Chilliwack immediately.
2. Check the Thermostat Setting
Sometimes, an accidental bump can change your fridge’s temperature setting.
🔹 Ideal Refrigerator Temperature: Between 3°C – 5°C (37°F – 41°F)
🔹 Ideal Freezer Temperature: -18°C (0°F)
📌 Pro Tip: If you’ve adjusted the settings and the fridge is still warm after 24 hours, there may be a deeper issue requiring refrigerator repair emergency service.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils Can Overheat Your Fridge
Did you know? The condenser coils on the back or bottom of your fridge release heat to keep it cool. If they’re coated in dust, pet hair, or grease, they can’t do their job properly.
How to Clean Your Refrigerator Coils:
✅ Unplug the fridge for safety.
✅ Locate the condenser coils (either behind or underneath).
✅ Use a coil brush or vacuum to remove debris.
✅ Plug the fridge back in and check for improved cooling.
🔧 Warning: If your fridge still isn’t cooling properly after coil cleaning, the issue could be a failing compressor or refrigerant leak—which requires emergency fridge repair.
4. Is the Refrigerator Door Sealing Properly?
A broken or loose door seal (gasket) allows cold air to escape, making your fridge work harder and lose cooling efficiency.
Test Your Fridge Door Seal in Seconds:
📌 The Dollar Bill Test: Close a dollar bill in the fridge door—if it slips out easily, the seal is worn and needs replacing.
👨🔧 Solution:
- Clean the gasket with warm, soapy water and dry it.
- If the seal is cracked or peeling, it’s time to replace it.
5. Is Your Refrigerator Overloaded or Blocked?
Too many items packed inside can block airflow, leading to uneven cooling.
🚫 Avoid These Common Mistakes:
❌ Blocking the air vents with food containers.
❌ Stuffing the fridge to maximum capacity—cold air needs space to circulate.
📌 Pro Tip: If you have appliances in Vancouver, surrey, Langley or Chilliwack that need servicing, Starfix can ensure your fridge is running at peak performance.
6. Your Fridge is Making Strange Noises—What Do They Mean?
🔊 Common Refrigerator Sounds & What They Indicate:
- Buzzing or Humming – Could signal a faulty fan or compressor.
- Clicking – A sign the start relay is failing.
- Loud Rattling or Knocking – Might be a blocked condenser fan.
📌 If you hear loud, unusual noises, schedule refrigerator repair in Surrey or Chilliwack before it stops cooling entirely.
7. Is the Refrigerator Leaking Water?
Water pooling inside or underneath your fridge is a red flag.
🚨 Possible Causes:
- Blocked defrost drain (easy fix)
- Leaking water line (requires professional repair)
- Frozen or clogged drain tube
📌 How to Fix It:
✅ Unplug the fridge and locate the drain hole (usually at the back).
✅ Use a turkey baster to flush warm water into the drain hole.
✅ If the leak persists, call for emergency appliance repairs.
8. Signs It’s Time for Professional Refrigerator Repair
If your fridge still isn’t cooling, it may have serious mechanical issues. Here’s when to call a technician immediately:
🚨 Emergency Refrigerator Repair Needed If:
✔ Food is spoiling within hours.
✔ The compressor is running hot or making loud noises.
✔ There’s visible frost buildup inside the fridge.
✔ The fridge keeps tripping the breaker.
📌 Fridge repair emergency? Call Starfix for same-day service in Surrey, Chilliwack, and surrounding areas!
Book Expert Refrigerator Repair in Surrey & Chilliwack Today!
A warm fridge means wasted food and expensive repairs if ignored. Whether you need urgent fridge repair in Surrey, refrigerator repair in Chilliwack, or general fridge maintenance, Starfix is here to help!
📞 Call 604-900-2105 or book online at Starfix.ca
Call to Action
Reach out to Starfix Appliance Repair for professional maintenance and repair services across Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, and other areas in the Lower Mainland. Trust our team to provide top-notch care for your appliances. Call us today at 604-900-2105 to schedule your next service appointment.
Appliance Repair Service in:
Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, White Rock, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, Mission.
Customer Testimonial
🌟 5-Star Review
“My fridge suddenly stopped cooling, and I was worried all my food would spoil. I called Starfix, and they sent a technician the same day. He found the issue, fixed it quickly, and saved me from a huge loss. Highly recommend their service!” – Jennifer K.
