Why is My Refrigerator Not Cooling But the Freezer Still Works

It’s confusing — and frustrating — when your freezer is cold but the refrigerator section isn’t. Food starts spoiling, milk goes bad, and the fridge sounds like it’s working… but something clearly isn’t right.



This specific issue happens because most refrigerators cool the fridge section using air from the freezer. When airflow is disrupted, the freezer stays cold while the fridge warms up.

Here’s what typically causes it.

1. Blocked Air Vents Between Freezer and Fridge

Cold air flows from the freezer into the fridge through vents. If those vents are blocked by food containers, ice buildup, or frost, airflow is reduced or stopped entirely.

This is especially common when items are packed tightly or pushed against the back wall of the fridge.

2. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer throughout the appliance. If the fan fails:

• The freezer stays cold
• The fridge warms up
• You may hear unusual noises or no fan noise at all

This is one of the most common mechanical causes of this problem and typically requires professional replacement.

3. Air Damper Stuck Closed

The air damper controls how much cold air moves from the freezer to the fridge. If it becomes stuck closed or broken, cold air never reaches the refrigerator section.

Some dampers fail gradually, which is why the fridge may cool intermittently before stopping altogether.

4. Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils release heat from the refrigerator. When they’re coated in dust and pet hair, the system struggles to maintain proper temperatures.

Dirty coils can cause uneven cooling — often affecting the fridge before the freezer.

Cleaning coils once or twice a year helps prevent this issue.

5. Ice Buildup from Defrost Problems

If the automatic defrost system fails, ice can accumulate around the evaporator coils. This restricts airflow and causes temperature imbalance.

Signs include:

• Frost inside the freezer
• Gradual fridge warming
• Reduced airflow from vents

Why This Shouldn’t Be Ignored

Running a refrigerator with cooling issues puts strain on the compressor and increases energy usage. The longer it runs inefficiently, the higher the risk of costly component failure.

If adjusting airflow and cleaning coils doesn’t solve the problem, a professional diagnosis is recommended before food loss or compressor damage occurs.