A refrigerator that is not cooling or freezing is a serious problem. Food can spoil fast. Ice melts. Milk goes bad. This issue is common in many Whirlpool refrigerators, both new and old.

The good news is that many cooling problems have simple causes. Some can be fixed at home. Others need professional repair.

This guide explains why your Whirlpool refrigerator is not cooling or freezing, how to diagnose the issue, and what you should do next.

How a Whirlpool Refrigerator Cools and Freezes?

Before troubleshooting, it helps to understand the basics.

A Whirlpool refrigerator uses a cooling system made of:

• A compressor
  
• Condenser coils
  
• Evaporator coils
  
• Fans
  
• Thermostat and sensors
  
• Refrigerant
  

The freezer creates cold air. A fan moves this cold air into the refrigerator section. If any part fails, cooling stops.

When the freezer stops freezing, the fridge will not cool either in most cases.

First Signs Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Is Not Cooling Properly

You may notice one or more of these signs:

• Food feels warm
  
• Ice is melting
  
• Milk spoils quickly
  
• Freezer temperature is above 32°F
  
• Refrigerator temperature is above 40°F
  
• Compressor runs constantly or not at all
  
• Clicking or buzzing sounds
  

If you see these signs, act quickly to protect your food.

Common Reasons a Whirlpool Refrigerator Is Not Cooling or Freezing

1. Temperature Settings Are Incorrect

This is the most common and easiest issue.

Sometimes the temperature is accidentally changed during cleaning or food loading.

Recommended settings:

• Refrigerator: 37°F
  
• Freezer: 0°F
  

If the temperature is set too high, cooling will be weak.

What to do:

• Check the control panel
  
• Reset temperatures
  
• Wait 24 hours to see changes
  

2. Dirty Condenser Coils

Condenser coils release heat. When they are dirty, heat stays trapped.

Dust, pet hair, and grease block airflow. This makes the compressor work harder and cool less.

Dirty coils are a major cause of cooling failure in US homes with pets.

What to do:

• Unplug the refrigerator
  
• Locate the coils at the back or bottom
  
• Use a coil brush or vacuum
  
• Clean every six months
  

3. Blocked Air Vents

Cold air must move freely.

If vents are blocked by food or ice, airflow stops. The fridge becomes warm while the freezer may still seem cold.

What to do:

• Locate air vents inside the fridge and freezer
  
• Move food away from vents
  
• Avoid overpacking shelves
  

4. Evaporator Fan Not Working

The evaporator fan moves cold air from the freezer to the refrigerator.

If it stops working:

• Freezer may stay cold
  
• Refrigerator will be warm
  

Signs of fan failure:

• No fan sound when the door is closed
  
• Warm fridge but frozen freezer
  

What to do:

• Listen for fan noise
  
• Check for ice buildup
  
• Call a technician if the fan is silent
  

5. Frost Buildup on Evaporator Coils

Heavy frost blocks airflow and cooling.

This usually means a defrost system problem.

Common causes:

• Defrost heater failure
  
• Defrost thermostat failure
  
• Control board issues
  

Signs include:

• Thick ice on freezer wall
  
• Freezer works poorly
  
• Fridge not cooling
  

Temporary fix:

• Unplug refrigerator
  
• Let it fully defrost for 24 hours
  

Permanent fix requires repair.

6. Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Sensor

The thermostat controls cooling cycles.

If it fails, the compressor may not turn on or may run nonstop.

Symptoms:

• No cooling
  
• Compressor does not start
  
• Temperature fluctuates
  

This issue usually needs a professional diagnosis.

7. Compressor Problems

The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator.

If it fails, cooling stops completely.

Signs of compressor issues:

• Loud clicking sounds
  
• Refrigerator not cooling at all
  
• Compressor is hot to touch
  
• Humming followed by clicking
  

Compressor repair is expensive. In some cases, replacement is better.

8. Start Relay Failure

The start relay helps the compressor start.

If it fails:

• Compressor will not run
  
• Clicking sounds may occur
  

This is a common failure in older Whirlpool models.

A technician can test and replace it.

9. Low Refrigerant or Sealed System Leak

Refrigerant absorbs heat.

If there is a leak:

• Cooling becomes weak
  
• Freezer does not freeze
  
• Compressor runs constantly
  

Refrigerant issues are not DIY repairs. Federal law requires licensed technicians in the USA.

10. Door Seal Problems

A damaged door gasket lets warm air in.

This causes:

• Temperature rise
  
• Moisture buildup
  
• Frost issues
  
• Constant compressor running
  

What to do:

• Inspect seals for cracks or gaps
  
• Clean seals with warm water
  
• Replace if damaged
  

Why Whirlpool Refrigerator Freezer Works, but the Fridge Is Warm?

This is a very common complaint.

Main reasons include:

• Failed evaporator fan
  
• Blocked air damper
  
• Frost buildup on coils
  

Cold air starts in the freezer. If it cannot move, the fridge stays warm.

This problem often requires fan or defrost repair.

Why Whirlpool Refrigerator Is Running but Not Cooling?

If the refrigerator is running but not cooling, the issue is usually airflow or heat release.

Common causes:

• Dirty condenser coils
  
• Failed condenser fan
  
• Frosted evaporator coils
  

Check coils and fans first.

How to Fix a Whirlpool Refrigerator That Is Not Cooling or Freezing

Start with simple steps before calling for service.

First, check the temperature settings. Set the refrigerator to 37°F and the freezer to 0°F. Wait at least 24 hours to see improvement.

Next, unplug the refrigerator and clean the condenser coils. Remove dust and pet hair using a vacuum or coil brush. Dirty coils are a common cause of poor cooling.

Check air vents inside the fridge and freezer. Make sure food is not blocking them. Cold air must move freely.

Listen for the evaporator fan. If you do not hear it running when the freezer door is closed, the fan may be faulty and needs replacement.

Look for frost buildup inside the freezer. Heavy ice on the back wall means a defrost system problem. You can unplug the unit for 24 hours to defrost it, but permanent repair may be needed.

Inspect the door seals. Clean them with warm water. Replace them if they are cracked or loose.

If the refrigerator still does not cool or freeze after these steps, the problem may involve the compressor, thermostat, or refrigerant system. These repairs should be handled by a professional technician.

What You Can Safely Check at Home

You can safely do these steps without tools.

• Check temperature settings
  
• Clean condenser coils
  
• Inspect door seals
  
• Clear air vents
  
• Listen for fan noises
  
• Check for frost buildup
  

If none of these fix the issue, stop troubleshooting.

When to Call a Professional Technician?

Call for service if:

• Compressor is not running
  
• Refrigerator is completely warm
  
• Frost returns quickly after defrosting
  
• You hear loud clicking or buzzing
  
• Refrigerant leak is suspected
  

Modern Whirlpool refrigerators use complex electronics. Improper repair can cause more damage.

How to Prevent Cooling Problems in the Future?

Good habits can extend refrigerator life.

Clean Coils Regularly

Clean coils every six months.

Do Not Overload the Fridge

Allow air to circulate.

Check Door Seals

Clean monthly. Replace when damaged.

Keep Proper Temperature

Avoid frequent temperature changes.

Clean Spills Quickly

This prevents airflow blockage and odors.

How Long Should a Whirlpool Refrigerator Last?

In the USA, Whirlpool refrigerators typically last:

• 10 to 15 years with proper maintenance
  

Frequent cooling issues may indicate aging components.

Repair or Replace? How to Decide

Consider replacement if:

• Compressor fails
  
• Repair cost exceeds half the price of a new unit
  
• Refrigerator is over 12 years old
  
• Multiple major parts have failed
  

Repair makes sense for:

• Fan issues
  
• Thermostat problems
  
• Relay replacements
  
• Defrost system repairs
  

Final Thoughts

A Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling or freezing is stressful, but it is often fixable.

Many problems start with simple causes like dirty coils, blocked vents, or faulty fans.

Start with basic checks. Clean what you can. Observe how the refrigerator behaves.

If cooling does not return, professional service is the safest option.

A properly working refrigerator should keep food fresh, ice frozen, and temperatures stable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator running but not cooling?

This usually happens due to dirty condenser coils, blocked air vents, or a failed fan. The compressor may be running, but cold air is not moving properly inside the refrigerator.

2. Why is my Whirlpool freezer cold but the refrigerator warm?

Cold air starts in the freezer and moves to the fridge. If the evaporator fan is not working or vents are blocked, the fridge will stay warm even if the freezer feels cold.

3. How long does it take for a Whirlpool refrigerator to cool after fixing it?

Most Whirlpool refrigerators need 12 to 24 hours to reach normal temperatures after cleaning, repairs, or temperature adjustments.

4. What temperature should my Whirlpool refrigerator and freezer be set to?

Set the refrigerator to 37°F and the freezer to 0°F. These settings keep food safe and help the unit work efficiently.

5. Can a dirty condenser coil cause my Whirlpool refrigerator to stop cooling?

Yes. Dirty condenser coils prevent heat from escaping. This makes the refrigerator work harder and reduces cooling performance.

6. Is it safe to keep food in a Whirlpool refrigerator that is not cooling?

No. If the temperature rises above 40°F for more than two hours, food can spoil. Move food to another refrigerator or use ice to keep it cold.

7. When should I call a technician for a Whirlpool refrigerator not cooling?

Call a technician if cleaning, resetting temperatures, and checking airflow do not fix the problem. Issues with the compressor, thermostat, or refrigerant require professional repair.