Refrigerator Not Cooling? These 3 Parts Are Usually to Blame

Refrigerator Not Cooling? These 3 Parts Are Usually to Blame

Written by PRS Parts Inc., Honolulu, HI

There’s no panic quite like realizing your refrigerator isn’t cooling. In Hawaii’s warm, humid climate, even a few hours without refrigeration can spoil your groceries and lead to costly waste. But before you assume your whole fridge is toast, know this: most cooling problems are caused by just a few key parts—and they’re replaceable.

At PRS Parts Inc., we specialize in getting Hawaii households the right parts fast—so you can fix the issue and avoid buying a brand-new unit.

❄️ 1. Evaporator Fan Motor

The Role: This small motor pulls air over the evaporator coils and circulates cold air throughout the fridge and freezer compartments.

Common Symptoms:

  • Fridge is warm but freezer is still cold

  • You hear a faint hum or clicking sound, or no fan noise at all

  • Uneven cooling between shelves

Why It Fails: Over time, dust, corrosion from salt air, or mechanical wear can cause the fan to fail—especially common in Hawaii’s coastal areas.

The Fix: A simple replacement of the fan motor. Most homeowners can do it themselves with a screwdriver and basic care.

🧊 2. Start Relay (Compressor Relay)

The Role: The start relay “kicks on” the compressor, which is responsible for keeping the refrigerant flowing through the cooling system.

Common Symptoms:

  • Clicking noise every few minutes

  • Compressor tries to start but doesn’t stay on

  • Fridge and freezer both not cooling

Why It Fails: Electrical surges, heat, or age can damage this small but critical component.

The Fix: Replace the relay—it's inexpensive and widely available for Whirlpool, GE, Samsung, LG, and other major brands at PRS Parts Inc.

🧯 3. Defrost Thermostat or Heater

The Role: This system melts frost that builds up on the evaporator coils so cold air can circulate properly.

Common Symptoms:

  • Ice buildup in the freezer

  • Warm fridge but cold freezer

  • Visible frost on back freezer wall

Why It Fails: In Hawaii’s humidity, frost buildup can happen faster, and a broken defrost thermostat or heater will prevent your fridge from regulating temperature.

The Fix: Inspect for frost and test the defrost system. Replacing the defrost thermostat or heater usually solves the problem.

🌺 Why It’s Even More Important in Hawaii

In Hawaii, our higher humidity, salt air exposure, and high utility rates mean appliance performance matters more than ever. A small, overlooked part can lead to higher power bills, spoiled food, and extra stress. That’s why having fast access to OEM parts locally is critical.

At PRS Parts Inc., located conveniently at 540 Lagoon Dr., we stock the most common refrigerator repair parts—and if we don’t have it, we’ll order it locally to avoid long mainland wait times.

🧰 What to Do Next

  1. Find your refrigerator model number (usually located inside the fridge wall or behind the kickplate).

  2. Stop by PRS Parts Inc. or call us at 808-736-4080.

  3. Let our team match the part you need—and get you back to cooling, fast.

Don’t replace the whole fridge—replace the right part.
Visit PRS Parts Inc. at 540 Lagoon Dr. for authentic appliance replacement parts and expert repair assistance.

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