Refrigerator Not Cooling? A Van Nuys Technician's Diagnosis Guide

A refrigerator that stops cooling is a food-safety emergency. Here's how All Trust technicians systematically diagnose the problem — and what it usually turns out to be.

When your refrigerator stops cooling in Van Nuys or the San Fernando Valley, time matters

Here's how we diagnose it, in order: First check: Is the freezer cold but the refrigerator warm? This specific symptom — freezer working, fridge not — almost always points to a failed evaporator fan motor or a defrost system failure causing ice buildup that blocks the fan

The fix is typically a $150–$250 repair, not a $600+ compressor replacement

Second check: Are the condenser coils dirty? Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and check the coils on the back or bottom

In Van Nuys homes — especially with pets — coils clog with dust and pet hair, causing the compressor to work harder and the refrigerator to lose cooling efficiency

Third check: Is the refrigerator making unusual sounds? A clicking sound that repeats every few minutes usually means the compressor is trying to start but failing — a potential compressor issue

Complete silence when it should be running means the same

A worn door gasket allows warm air to constantly infiltrate, causing the compressor to run continuously and the interior to never fully cool

Test by closing the door on a piece of paper — if it slides out easily, the seal needs replacement

In the San Fernando Valley's summer heat (regularly 100°F+), a partially failing refrigerator can completely stop cooling during a heat wave

If your fridge is running longer than usual or the back feels unusually hot, call us before it fails completely.