Fridge & freezer
Fridge and freezer both not cooling
Neither the fridge nor the freezer is getting cold. What's going on?
Straight answer: When both sections go warm, the problem is usually at the back: the compressor, its start relay, the condenser fan or the control board. Don't wait on this one; food has a day at most.
$99 CAD visit & diagnosis · 30% off your first repair · 90-day labour warranty
Or give us a buzz: 705-302-0105 · Mon–Sat, 9 AM–7 PM
Error codes you might see
A fridge that runs but never gets cold, or one that clicks every few minutes and goes quiet, is the classic pattern.
What it usually means
- Compressor start relay or capacitor failed (the clicking sound)
- Condenser fan stopped, so the compressor overheats and shuts off
- Condenser coils packed with dust and pet hair
- Main control board or thermostat not calling for cooling
- Sealed-system leak, which is the expensive one and needs a proper diagnosis
Safe to check yourself
- Make sure the plug is secure and the outlet works with another device
- Check the temperature dial or display hasn't been bumped to the warmest setting
- Listen at the back for a hum, a click or complete silence; tell us which
- Pull the fridge out a few inches and look for a heavy dust blanket on the coils (don't touch the wiring)
Unplug the appliance or switch off the breaker before touching anything behind or under it. If you're not comfortable, skip the checks and call; the visit covers all of this.
Time to call when
- Right away if the fridge is silent or just clicks
- If it's running but warm after four to six hours
- If there's a burning smell or the back feels very hot
What the visit looks like
A technician comes to your place, diagnoses the fridge & freezer and tells you what it needs and what it costs. You decide; nothing starts without your okay. $99 CAD covers the visit and diagnosis anywhere in our area.
Refrigerator & freezer repair: what to expect 
Good to know
Is it worth repairing a fridge that won't cool at all?
Often, yes. A relay, a fan or a board is a reasonable repair. A sealed-system leak on an older fridge may not be. The technician gives you the number on the spot so you can decide.
What should I do with the food?
Keep the doors closed; a full freezer holds about 48 hours shut, a half-full one about 24. When in doubt, throw it out.
Other fridge & freezer problems
Still stuck?
Tell us what it's doing and your town. We'll sort out the rest on the call.