Refrigerator Not Cooling? 5 Common Causes in Temecula Homes (2025 Guide)
If you're reading this in Temecula, Murrieta, French Valley, Winchester, or Menifee right now, chances are your fridge just went warm and you're panicking about hundreds of dollars in groceries.
Relax. 93% of "refrigerator not cooling" calls we get at Adessa Appliance Repair in French Valley are fixed the same day — usually in under 90 minutes.
Here are the most common causes we see in 2025 Inland Empire homes, what you can check yourself right now, and when it's time to call a professional.
Top 5 Causes of Refrigerator Not Cooling (2025)
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Why it happens in Temecula/Murrieta: Our dusty 92596, 92562, and 92563 zip codes are tough on condenser coils. Pet hair, dust, and debris clog the coils, preventing heat dissipation. Your fridge has to work 2-3x harder, eventually losing the battle.
DIY check: Unplug the fridge, pull it away from the wall (have someone help), and look at the coils on the back or bottom. If they look like they're covered in felt, that's your problem. You can vacuum them carefully with a brush attachment.
When to call us: If cleaning doesn't restore cooling within 4-6 hours, there's likely a secondary issue.
2. Failed Evaporator Fan Motor
Extremely common in: Samsung and LG French-door models (especially 2018-2024 models). We replace 4-5 of these every single week in the Temecula Valley.
Symptoms: Freezer still works somewhat, but the fridge section is warm. You might hear the compressor running but no air circulation inside. Sometimes there's a clicking or buzzing sound.
The fix: Professional repair. This requires accessing the evaporator compartment, removing panels, and replacing the motor assembly. Average repair time: 60-90 minutes. We carry these parts on the truck for Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, and GE models.
3. Defrost System Failure
Classic symptom: Fridge and freezer both getting warm, or you see excessive frost buildup inside the freezer compartment.
Common in: GE and Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators, especially units 5+ years old. The defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer/control board fails, causing ice to block airflow.
The fix: We diagnose which component failed (heater, thermostat, or control), replace it, and manually defrost if needed. Typical repair: 90-120 minutes including defrost time.
4. Sealed System Issues (Refrigerant Leak)
The diagnosis you don't want: But yes, we still fix these when it makes financial sense. If your refrigerator is less than 7 years old and worth $1,500+, a sealed system repair might be worth it.
Symptoms: Compressor runs constantly but fridge slowly gets warmer over days. Sometimes you'll see frost in strange places inside.
What we do: Locate the leak, repair or replace the faulty component (usually a rusted-out evaporator or cracked process tube), evacuate and recharge the system. This is advanced work requiring EPA certification. We're fully certified.
5. Start Relay or Compressor Inverter Board Failure
Very common in: Newer Samsung and LG models with linear compressors (2019-2024). The inverter board controls compressor speed; when it fails, the compressor doesn't run properly.
Symptoms: Fridge is warm, compressor doesn't run at all, or runs for 10 seconds then stops. Sometimes there's a clicking sound every few minutes.
Good news: This is usually an affordable repair versus buying a new fridge. We stock these boards for Samsung and LG models.
Should You Repair or Replace?
General rule: If repair cost is less than 50% of replacement cost and your fridge is under 10 years old, repair. We'll always give you honest advice — even if it means telling you to buy new.
What NOT to Do When Your Fridge Stops Cooling
- Don't wait more than 24 hours to call. Food safety is real.
- Don't unplug it for days hoping it "resets." Modern fridges don't work that way.
- Don't spray anything into the vents or try to "recharge" it yourself with cans from Amazon. Seriously.
- Don't assume you need a new fridge without getting a proper diagnosis.
Why French Valley Homeowners Choose Adessa
We're local (French Valley 92596), same-day service in most cases, and we've been fixing refrigerators in Riverside County for over 10 years. Factory-trained on Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Bosch, Sub-Zero, and more.
Every repair includes:
- 6-month warranty on parts and labor
- Free service call with repair
- Upfront flat-rate pricing before we start
- Same-day service available
Fridge Not Cooling in Temecula or French Valley?
Call us now for same-day service. We'll have your refrigerator working again today.