Refrigerator Not Cooling?
6 Causes & How to Fix Them Fast

Your refrigerator runs 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. When it stops cooling, food spoils fast — and the repair feels urgent. In Barasat's hot climate, a non-cooling fridge is a serious emergency. Here are the 6 most common reasons a refrigerator stops cooling and what to do about each.

1. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls when the compressor switches on and off to maintain the set temperature. A faulty thermostat can fail to signal the compressor — so the fridge never gets cold enough.

Signs: Fridge is warmer than the set temperature; compressor never seems to run; temperature fluctuates wildly.

Quick test: Turn the thermostat dial to maximum cold. If the compressor starts and cooling improves, the thermostat is failing and needs replacement.

Repair cost: ₹600 – ₹2,000 (depending on brand and model)

2. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

Condenser coils (usually at the back or underneath the fridge) release heat. When covered in dust and pet hair, they can't dissipate heat efficiently — the fridge works harder and cools less.

Signs: Fridge feels warm on the outside; motor runs constantly; poor cooling despite proper temperature settings.

Fix: Unplug the fridge. Vacuum or brush the coils. Do this every 6 months as preventive maintenance — it extends fridge lifespan significantly.

3. Failed Compressor

The compressor is the engine of your refrigerator's cooling system. A failed compressor means the cooling cycle can't function at all. This is the most serious and expensive fridge repair.

Signs: Fridge is completely warm; compressor makes no sound (or clicks on and off repeatedly without staying on); motor hums but doesn't start (capacitor or compressor fault).

Repair cost: ₹3,500 – ₹10,000 for compressor replacement depending on capacity and brand.

Note: If your fridge is over 10 years old, replacing vs buying new is worth considering.

4. Ice Build-Up on Evaporator Coils (Frost-Free Failure)

Modern frost-free refrigerators have a defrost heater that melts ice off the evaporator coils automatically. If this heater, defrost timer, or defrost thermostat fails, ice builds up and blocks airflow — the fridge stops cooling.

Signs: Freezer works but fridge section is warm; ice visible inside the freezer compartment; fridge has very little airflow from vents.

Fix: Manual defrost (unplug for 24–48 hours with doors open, place towels to catch water) may temporarily restore cooling. But the underlying defrost system part must be replaced to prevent recurrence.

Repair cost: ₹800 – ₹2,500

5. Faulty Door Gasket (Door Seal)

The rubber gasket around the door keeps cold air inside. A cracked, torn, or loose gasket lets warm air in constantly — the compressor runs non-stop but can't maintain temperature.

Quick test: Close the fridge door on a piece of paper. Pull the paper out. If it slides out easily, the seal is weak and needs replacement.

Repair cost: ₹400 – ₹1,200 for new gasket + fitting

6. Refrigerant Leak

Like an AC, a refrigerator uses refrigerant to absorb heat. A refrigerant leak means the fridge gradually loses its ability to cool. Unlike ACs, fridge refrigerant leaks are less common but do occur — especially in older models or after physical damage.

Signs: Gradual cooling decline over weeks/months; oily residue near the compressor; unusual chemical smell.

Fix: Leak must be located, sealed, and refrigerant recharged by a certified technician. Do not attempt this yourself.

Repair cost: ₹1,500 – ₹4,000

Fridge Repair Cost in Barasat (2026)

Issue	Approx. Repair Cost
Thermostat replacement	₹600 – ₹2,000
Condenser coil cleaning	₹299 – ₹599
Compressor replacement	₹3,500 – ₹10,000
Defrost heater / timer replacement	₹800 – ₹2,500
Door gasket replacement	₹400 – ₹1,200
Refrigerant recharge	₹1,500 – ₹4,000
PCB / control board	₹1,500 – ₹5,000

Brands We Repair in Barasat & Kolkata

We repair all refrigerator brands including Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, Godrej, Haier, Bosch, Panasonic, Voltas, and more — single door, double door, side-by-side, and multi-door models.