Not sure which symptom fits? Use the Appliance Problem Checker to choose the appliance and problem, review safe checks, and see the most relevant next step.

Power outage or refrigerator failure? Use the Refrigerator & Freezer Power Outage Food Safety Calculator to check USDA/FoodSafety.gov time and temperature guidance.

Refrigerator not cooling? Use the Refrigerator Not Cooling Checker to compare airflow, door-seal, temperature-setting, frost, and cooling-system clues.

Common Refrigerator Problems in Tallahassee, FL

A refrigerator can fail in several different ways: it may stop cooling, leak water, freeze food, run constantly, make unusual noises, or stop making ice. The symptom helps narrow the problem, but it usually does not identify the failed part by itself.

Seeing an error code? Use the Appliance Error Code Lookup for supported manufacturer-documented codes. If you need the exact model first, use the Appliance Model Number Finder.

If you need local help, see our refrigerator repair in Tallahassee page. If you are deciding whether the appliance is worth fixing, see our refrigerator repair cost and repair-vs-replace guide.

1. Refrigerator Is Not Cooling

A refrigerator that is running but not staying cold can have several possible causes. These may include restricted airflow, a fan problem, temperature-control or sensor issues, defrost problems, dirty or blocked heat-exchange areas, control faults, or a more serious sealed-system problem.

Start by checking whether the appliance has power, whether the doors close fully, and whether both the refrigerator and freezer sections are warm. If the refrigerator is still not maintaining temperature, request diagnosis rather than repeatedly lowering the thermostat setting.

Food-Safety Note

The USDA recommends keeping a refrigerator at 40°F or below. Perishable food that has been above 40°F for more than two hours should be discarded. If the refrigerator is warming, move perishable food to safe cold storage rather than relying on an appliance that is no longer holding temperature.

2. Freezer Is Cold but Refrigerator Is Warm

This is a useful symptom because it can point toward an airflow problem between compartments rather than a complete loss of refrigeration. Possible causes can include a failed evaporator fan, blocked air passages, frost buildup, a damper problem, or a defrost-system fault.

A heavily frosted freezer wall can be an important clue, but do not start disassembling the freezer compartment unless you are qualified to do so. The underlying cause still needs to be identified.

3. Refrigerator Is Leaking Water

Water around or inside a refrigerator can come from several places. Common possibilities include a drain problem, water-supply line, filter connection, ice-maker system, condensation issue, door-seal problem, or a container inside the refrigerator.

Check whether the water is inside the refrigerator, underneath it, or coming from the dispenser area.
Look for an obvious loose container or spilled liquid before assuming the appliance itself is leaking.
If the refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, note whether the leak occurs after either one operates.
Stop using the water supply if there is a continuing leak that could damage flooring or cabinetry and it is safe to shut the supply off.

4. Refrigerator Is Freezing Food

Fresh food should not routinely freeze in the refrigerator compartment. Possible causes include temperature settings, blocked airflow, a damper problem, sensor or thermostat issues, control faults, or food positioned directly in a very cold airflow path.

If only a few items freeze near one vent, repositioning food may help. If multiple areas are freezing even with normal settings, the appliance may need diagnosis.

5. Refrigerator Runs Constantly

Refrigerators normally cycle on and off, although run time can increase during hot weather, after loading a large amount of warm food, or after the doors have been opened frequently. A refrigerator that appears to run almost continuously may have a door-seal, airflow, temperature-control, fan, defrost, condenser, or cooling-system problem.

Check whether the doors close completely and whether there is visible debris around accessible ventilation areas. If the refrigerator is still running constantly and struggling to maintain temperature, request service.

6. Refrigerator Makes Unusual Noises

Some refrigerator sounds are normal. Fans, refrigerant flow, ice makers, water valves, and the compressor all make noise during normal operation. A new or unusually loud sound is more useful diagnostically than the simple fact that the refrigerator makes noise.

Rattling: may come from vibration, a loose item, tubing, a fan area, or something touching the cabinet.
Squealing or grinding: can point toward a moving component such as a fan motor.
Repeated clicking: may involve controls, relays, or a component repeatedly attempting to start.
Buzzing: can occur during normal operation, but a new or persistent loud buzz deserves inspection.

If the refrigerator is also warming, shutting off, or producing a burning smell, stop focusing on the sound alone and arrange service.

7. Ice Maker Is Not Working

An ice maker can stop working because of temperature, water supply, filter, inlet-valve, sensor, control, or ice-maker assembly problems. The refrigerator itself may still cool normally.

Confirm the ice maker is switched on.
Check whether the water dispenser works, if the model has one.
Make sure the freezer is actually staying cold.
Check whether the water filter is overdue for replacement according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Note whether the ice maker cycles but produces no water or does nothing at all.

8. Refrigerator Door Is Not Sealing Properly

A door that does not close or seal well can allow warm, humid air into the refrigerator. That can increase run time, create condensation or frost, and make it harder for the appliance to hold temperature.

Check for food packages, shelves, or bins blocking the door. Inspect the visible gasket for obvious damage or debris. If the door remains misaligned or the gasket no longer seals, service may be needed.

9. Refrigerator Has Frost or Ice Buildup

Heavy frost can be related to warm air entering through a door-seal problem, a door being left open, blocked airflow, or a defrost-system issue. Frost location matters: buildup around a door is different from a solid frost layer behind an interior freezer panel.

Repeatedly melting visible frost without fixing the underlying cause may only provide temporary relief.

10. Refrigerator Display Shows an Error Code

Error codes can point toward a specific sensor, fan, communication, temperature, ice-maker, or control issue, but the meaning varies by brand and model. Write the code down exactly as shown rather than clearing it immediately.

Include the brand, model number, and error code in your repair request. See our appliance brands page for more information about brand and model identification.

Safe Checks You Can Make Before Calling for Repair

Confirm the refrigerator has power.
Check whether the doors close fully.
Look for food packages blocking interior air vents.
Note whether the freezer, refrigerator section, or both are affected.
Check the temperature with an appliance thermometer if available.
Write down any error code.
Listen for whether fans appear to run when the doors are closed.
Look for visible frost, water, or damaged door gaskets.
Check the owner’s manual before changing advanced settings.

Avoid removing electrical panels, opening sealed refrigeration components, handling refrigerant systems, or bypassing safety devices unless you are qualified to do so.

When to Request Refrigerator Repair

Request service when the refrigerator is not maintaining temperature, a leak continues, the appliance repeatedly shuts off, frost returns after basic checks, an error code persists, or the same problem keeps coming back.

For local service information, visit Refrigerator Repair in Tallahassee, FL.

Repair or Replace?

The symptom alone should not determine whether you replace the refrigerator. A no-cooling problem can result from both relatively straightforward repairs and more expensive failures. Age, condition, failed component, repair history, parts availability, and the repair estimate all matter.

See our full guide to refrigerator repair cost in Tallahassee and whether the refrigerator is worth repairing.

Refrigerator Problem FAQs

Why is my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer still works?

Possible causes include restricted airflow between compartments, frost buildup, a fan problem, damper issue, or defrost-system fault. The exact cause requires diagnosis.

Why is there water under my refrigerator?

Possible sources include the defrost drain, water-supply line, filter housing, ice maker, dispenser system, condensation, or a spill. Identify where the water is coming from before assuming which component failed.

Why is my refrigerator freezing everything?

Temperature settings, airflow, sensors, dampers, controls, or food placement near a cold-air outlet can all contribute. If freezing continues throughout the compartment, the appliance may need service.

How cold should my refrigerator be?

The USDA recommends maintaining the refrigerator at 40°F or below. An appliance thermometer is more reliable than judging temperature by how the food feels.

Is a noisy refrigerator failing?

Not necessarily. Refrigerators make normal operating sounds. A new, unusually loud, repetitive, or worsening sound is more concerning, especially when paired with poor cooling, shutdowns, or another symptom.

Need Help With a Refrigerator Problem in Tallahassee?

Send the refrigerator brand, model number if available, ZIP code, error code if present, and a short description of the symptom.

Request Refrigerator Repair

Food-safety source: USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service guidance recommends refrigerator temperatures of 40°F or below and advises discarding perishable food held above 40°F for more than two hours. See USDA refrigeration guidance.