Keep doors shut
A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full closed freezer holds about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24.
Refrigerator not cooling or keeping food cold?
A refrigerator that runs but is not cold puts food and medicine at risk within hours. Keep the doors shut, check a few simple causes, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent appliance technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes if the fridge or freezer is warmer than normal, food is softening or spoiling, or it runs nonstop without cooling.
Is this urgent?Yes once the fridge rises above 40°F or the freezer starts thawing. Medicines that need refrigeration make it more urgent.
What do I do next?Keep the doors closed, check the items below, then call 833-877-1717 with the ZIP code and the brand if you know it.
Leaking water: refrigerator leaking water. Freezer only: freezer not freezing. Restaurants and stores: commercial refrigeration.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
Protect the food, then check
Check settings and power
Make sure it is plugged in, the breaker has not tripped and the temperature control was not bumped. Some models have a demo or showroom mode that turns cooling off.
Check airflow
Food blocking the vents inside, or a dusty condenser coil and blocked grille at the bottom, can stop cooling.
When in doubt, throw it out
Refrigerated food should stay at 40°F or below and frozen food at 0°F. Perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours should be discarded. Keep a thermometer inside to know for sure.
Common causes
Frosted evaporator coil
Ice behind the freezer panel blocks airflow to the fridge. A defrost system failure.
Failed fan
The evaporator or condenser fan stops, so cold air never circulates.
Compressor or start relay
The fridge clicks or hums but does not cool.
Door seal or leveling
Warm air gets in through a torn gasket or a door that does not close fully.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Brand and model, if visible inside the door
- Fridge, freezer or both warm
- Any sounds: clicking, buzzing, silence
- How long it has been warm
- Any medication or large food loss at risk
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles refrigerator repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Refrigerator not cooling questions
How long will food stay safe if my fridge is not cooling?
Keep the doors closed. USDA guidance says a closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours without cooling, a full closed freezer about 48 hours, and a half-full freezer about 24 hours. When in doubt, throw it out.
Why is my refrigerator running but not cold?
Common causes include blocked vents, a frosted evaporator coil, a failed fan, dirty condenser coils, a failing compressor or start relay, or a door that does not seal.
Can I call about a refrigerator that stopped cooling at night?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Do providers work on Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE and other brands?
Independent appliance providers commonly work on major brands. Tell RepairNowUSA the brand and model on the call. RepairNowUSA is not affiliated with any manufacturer, and warranty work may need the manufacturer’s own service network.
Should I repair or replace my refrigerator?
It depends on the failed part, the age of the fridge and the cost. The technician can explain the options.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.