Before you call
- Check the temperature setting. It sounds obvious, but a bumped dial or a setting nudged during cleaning is a common, completely free fix.
- Clear the vents inside the fridge. Overpacked shelves or containers pressed against the back wall block airflow and can make the whole unit run warm.
- Look at the condenser coils. Dust and pet hair on the coils (usually behind or underneath the unit) make the compressor work harder and cool less effectively.
- Check the door seal. Close the door on a piece of paper — if it slides out easily, the gasket may be worn and letting cold air escape.
- Give it time after a power outage or new install. A fridge can take several hours to reach temperature after being unplugged, moved, or freshly installed.
When it's time to call a technician
If the fridge is still warm after these checks, if you see heavy frost buildup in the freezer, or if you hear repeated clicking without the compressor starting, it's time to call — those point to a sealed-system or electrical issue that needs a technician. Built-in units like Sub-Zero use a dual-compressor sealed system that's diagnosed differently from the start — see our Sub-Zero repair page for what's different about it.
$79 diagnostic fee, credited toward an approved repair · written quote before any repair work begins · 90-day warranty, 1 year on premium brands · licensed and insured.