Fridge Not Cooling or Freezing Food? Save Your Holiday Groceries

It is December 23rd. Your refrigerator is stocked to the brim with holiday essentials—the turkey, fresh vegetables, expensive cheeses, and desserts for tomorrow’s feast. Then, you open the door and realize the milk is warm. Or perhaps you reach for the salad, only to find it frozen solid in the crisper drawer.

In Ottawa, a broken refrigerator just before Christmas is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. With grocery stores closing and guests arriving, you cannot afford to wait days for a repair.

If you are dealing with a fridge not cooling, freezing food, or making strange noises, time is of the essence. At Yanfix, we specialize in refrigerator repair in Ottawa. We understand the urgency, which is why we offer same-day service across Kanata, Nepean, and Orleans to save your holiday groceries from spoiling.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.

Why Do Fridges Fail Before the Holidays?

It may feel like bad luck, but there is a technical reason why refrigerators often break down in December. During the holidays, we tend to overload our appliances.

Stuffed shelves block essential air vents, forcing the compressor to work double-time to maintain the temperature. If your condenser coils are dirty (common in dusty Ottawa homes), the system overheats, leading to cooling failure exactly when you need the appliance most.

Common Holiday Fridge Problems We Fix

Here are the top issues Ottawa homeowners face during the festive season and what they usually mean.

Refrigerator Not Cooling (But Freezer Works)

This is the most frequent call we receive.

  • The Cause: Often caused by blocked air vents due to overfilling the shelves. It can also stem from a frozen evaporator fan or a dirty condenser coil.
  • The Risk: Bacteria grows rapidly in food stored above 4°C (40°F). You have a limited window to save your turkey and dairy.

Fridge Is Freezing Food

Finding your lettuce or eggs frozen is frustrating and costly.

  • The Cause: This usually points to a faulty temperature sensor (thermistor) or a malfunctioning damper control assembly (the door that lets cold air in from the freezer). In winter, if your fridge is in a cold garage, the thermostat can also get confused.
  • The Fix: We can diagnose sensor issues quickly and replace the part on the spot.

Leaking Water on the Floor

  • The Cause: A clogged defrost drain is the usual suspect. When the freezer goes into a defrost cycle, the water has nowhere to go but onto your kitchen floor.
  • The Fix: We clear the blockage and ensure the drain line is ice-free.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.

Troubleshooting: What to Check Before Calling

Before you panic and search for “refrigerator repair near me,” try these simple steps. You might be able to fix the issue yourself.

  1. Check Airflow: Rearrange items on the shelves. Ensure nothing is blocking the vents (usually located at the back of the top shelf). Good circulation is key.
  2. Vacuum the Coils: If you have pets, your condenser coils might be clogged with fur and dust. Vacuuming them (located at the bottom or back) can instantly improve cooling efficiency.
  3. Check the Settings: Ensure the thermostat wasn’t accidentally bumped while loading groceries. Ideally, it should be set between 3°C and 4°C (37°F–40°F).

We Repair All Brands (Samsung, LG, Whirlpool & More)

Modern smart fridges are complex. A Samsung French-door fridge uses different cooling technology than a classic Whirlpool top-freezer.

  • Samsung & LG: We frequently fix ice maker jams and “Twin Cooling” sensor faults. If you own these brands, check our guide on common Samsung & LG appliance issues to understand potential error codes.
  • GE & Bosch: Expert repair for control boards, compressor relays, and dual-evaporator systems.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.

When to Call a Professional Immediately

While rearranging food helps with airflow, mechanical failures require an expert. You should book a same-day repair if:

  • You hear a loud clicking or buzzing sound (compressor struggle).
  • The fridge is completely silent (no hum).
  • The food is warm to the touch.

Do not wait “to see if it gets better.” Once the internal temperature rises, food spoilage accelerates.

Why Choose Yanfix to Save Your Holiday Dinner?

We know that during the holidays, every minute counts.

  • 15-Minute Response: We confirm appointments instantly so you aren’t left guessing.
  • Same-Day Service: We have technicians on standby in Kanata, Barrhaven, and Gloucester.
  • Upfront Pricing: No “holiday surge pricing.” You get a fair, flat-rate quote before we start.
  • 90-Day Warranty: We back our parts and labour with a solid guarantee.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.

FAQ

Q: How much does fridge repair cost in Ottawa? 

A: The average cost ranges between $200 and $450, depending on the part (e.g., thermostat vs. control board). We always provide transparent pricing before starting any work.

Q: Is it worth repairing an older fridge? 

A: If the fridge is under 12 years old, repair is usually the best option. Replacing a fridge costs $1,500+, while most repairs are a fraction of that.

Q: Can you fix the fridge on the first visit? 

A: Yes, in 80% of cases. Our trucks are stocked with common parts like relays, fans, and sensors to ensure we fix the problem immediately.

Don’t wait for the problem to get worse — our trained technicians are ready to help today. We offer same-day appliance repair, transparent pricing, and a 90-day warranty on all work.

Don’t let a broken refrigerator spoil your festive mood—or your food. Whether it’s a simple airflow issue or a faulty part, Yanfix is ready to help you save the day.

If your fridge isn’t cooling, act now.

Need help today? Book Your Same-Day Repair Online or call us at +1 613-913-30-23. We’ll get your fridge running cold again so you can focus on celebrating.

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