Refrigerator Repair Near You
Refrigerator repair near you starts with one call to 1-833-563-1092. Share your ZIP code and the problem, and your call is routed to an independent local refrigerator repair pro. Fixr and This Old House both put most refrigerator repairs between $200 and $500. Help covers Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG and other major brands.
Free referral service. Have your ZIP code ready so your call reaches a provider near you.
Last updated October 2026
Refrigerator repair key facts
Refrigerator repair is the diagnosis and fixing of problems that stop your fridge from keeping food cold and safe. Most repairs involve a part like the evaporator fan, condenser fan, start relay, defrost heater, thermostat or door seal. A local technician can usually find the fault in one visit and fix it on the spot or on a quick return trip.
- Typical cost
- $200 – $500 (Fixr)
- Average life
- About 17 years for a standard refrigerator and 14 for a compact one (NAHB)
- Common parts
- compressor, evaporator coil, evaporator fan motor, condenser coil
- Urgent if
- food is warming and the fridge is full
- Phone
- 1-833-563-1092
What are the signs my refrigerator needs repair?
Small problems tend to get worse and more expensive the longer they wait. If you notice any of these, book a repair.
- Milk spoils before the date
- Food in the back is freezing
- Water puddles under the crisper drawers
- Frost on the back wall
- The motor clicks on and off every few minutes
- The outside feels hot to the touch
- The door does not seal tightly
- The light works but nothing is cold
What are the most common refrigerator problems?
These are the faults technicians see most, and what usually causes them.
Fridge not cooling
Often a failed evaporator fan, a dirty condenser coil, a bad start relay, or a defrost system that has frozen over the coils.
Freezer works, fridge is warm
Classic sign of a frost-blocked evaporator or a broken damper that stops cold air moving down.
Water leaking on the floor
Usually a clogged defrost drain, a cracked drain pan, or a loose water inlet line to the ice maker.
Loud buzzing, clicking or rattling
Can point to a worn fan motor, a failing compressor relay, or a loose drain pan.
Ice buildup inside
Torn door gaskets, a bad defrost timer, or a defrost heater that has burned out.
Fridge running all the time
Dirty coils, low refrigerant, or a thermostat that is not reading the temperature right.
Step-by-step troubleshooting: Refrigerator Not Cooling: Causes and What to Do
Need refrigerator repair today?
Call 1-833-563-1092. Have your ZIP code ready.
How is a refrigerator repaired?
- Diagnose. The technician will check the thermostat setting, condenser coils, fans, defrost system and start relay with a meter.
- Quote. You get the price for parts and labor before any work starts.
- Repair. The failed part is replaced, often on the same visit if it is on the truck.
- Test. The refrigerator is run to confirm the fix.
- Prevent. Ask what caused the failure and how to keep it from happening again.
How long does it take? Many refrigerator repairs are finished in one visit when the part is on hand. Special-order parts add a return trip once the part arrives.
Refrigerator parts and terms technicians use
Knowing these words helps you describe the problem and understand the quote.
How much does refrigerator repair cost?
Fixr and This Old House both put most refrigerator repairs between $200 and $500, and Thumbtack reports an average of about $250. Expect a service call fee of about $50 to $100, which many providers apply to the repair.
Cost depends on the part that failed, the brand, labor time and whether a part must be ordered. Read the refrigerator repair cost guide.
| Source | What they report |
|---|---|
| Fixr | $200 – $500 |
| This Old House | $200 – $500 |
| HomeAdvisor | $40 – $350 |
| Thumbtack | about $250 average |
Common refrigerator part costs
| Repair | Cost range |
|---|---|
| Compressor replacement | $200 – $450 |
| Control board repair or replacement | $80 – $800 |
| Thermostat repair | $100 – $440 |
| Door seal replacement | $50 – $440 |
| Coil repair or replacement | $100 – $440 |
Source: HomeAdvisor.
What should I do while I wait?
- Keep the doors closed. FoodSafety.gov says a closed fridge keeps food cold for about 4 hours.
- Move milk, meat and leftovers to a cooler with ice if the fridge has been warm for a while.
- Put an appliance thermometer inside. The FDA recommends 40°F or below.
- Check the outlet and the breaker before assuming a part has failed.
- Write down the model number from the sticker inside the fresh-food section.
Quick checks you can do safely
- Check the temperature dial. The FDA recommends 40°F or below in the fridge and 0°F in the freezer.
- Pull the fridge out and vacuum the condenser coils.
- Make sure nothing blocks the vents inside the fridge.
- Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the gasket may be worn.
Can I fix my refrigerator myself?
Some fixes are safe for homeowners. Others need training, tools or certification.
| Task | DIY? | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Vacuum the condenser coils | Yes | Safe and often restores cooling. |
| Replace a torn door gasket | Maybe | Easy on some models, fussy on others. |
| Replace a fan motor, defrost heater or thermostat | Pro | Needs panel removal, wiring tests and the right part. |
| Compressor, refrigerant or sealed-system work | Pro only | Handling refrigerant requires EPA Section 608 certification. |
When should I call a refrigerator repair pro?
- Food is warming and the fridge is full
- Water is spreading across the floor
- You smell burning or hear loud buzzing from the back
- The fridge trips the breaker
- Quick checks did not fix the problem
What happens when I call?
- You call 1-833-563-1092. There is no charge for the referral.
- You give your ZIP code, the brand and the problem.
- Your call is routed to an independent provider who serves your area.
- The provider explains their fees and sets a visit.
- After a diagnosis, you approve the price before work starts.
Is it worth repairing my refrigerator?
NAHB data puts the average life at about 17 years for a standard refrigerator and 14 for a compact one. A common rule of thumb: repair if the refrigerator is under half its expected life and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one.
AHAM, citing the U.S. Department of Energy, says a refrigerator 15 years or older uses twice the energy of a new ENERGY STAR model, which can tip an older unit toward replacement. Work through the repair-or-replace guide.
Refrigerator repair questions
Is it worth repairing a refrigerator?
A common rule of thumb: repair if the fridge is less than halfway through its expected life and the repair costs less than half the price of a new one. NAHB data puts a standard refrigerator's life at about 17 years, and most fan, gasket and defrost repairs fall well under the half-price line.
How long can food last if my fridge stops working?
According to FoodSafety.gov, a closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if half full. Keep the doors shut while you wait.
Why is my freezer cold but my fridge warm?
Cold air is made in the freezer and blown into the fridge. If the evaporator is iced over or the fan or damper has failed, the freezer stays cold while the fridge warms up.
Do technicians fix French door and side-by-side models?
Yes. Technicians in our network work on top-freezer, bottom-freezer, French door, side-by-side, counter-depth and built-in refrigerators.
How long does a refrigerator repair take?
Many fridge repairs are finished in one visit when the technician has the part on the truck. If a part must be ordered, a second visit is set once it arrives. Sealed-system work takes longer.
Should I unplug a fridge that is not cooling?
Unplugging it with the doors open can melt a frozen evaporator and get you cooling again for a short time. It does not fix the cause, so book a repair as well.
Related appliance repairs
Sources
- Fixr, Appliance Repair Cost (updated Jan 2025)
- This Old House, Appliance Repair Cost (updated June 2026)
- HomeAdvisor, How Much Does Appliance Repair Cost? (2025)
- Thumbtack, Appliance Repair Cost (updated March 2026)
- NAHB life expectancy of appliances (via USDA Forest Service)
- HomeAdvisor, Refrigerator Repair Cost (2025)
- FoodSafety.gov, Keep food safe when you lose power
- U.S. FDA, Refrigerator Thermometers: Cold Facts about Food Safety
- U.S. EPA, Section 608 refrigerant management
Get your refrigerator working again
Call 1-833-563-1092 with your ZIP code to speak with a local refrigerator repair pro.
1-833-563-1092Free referral service. Have your ZIP code ready.