Refrigerator Repair in Knoxville: Not Cooling? What to Check First

Why a refrigerator stops cooling, the checks GE tells owners to make first, what a Knoxville winter does to a garage fridge, and why refrigerant work needs an EPA-certified technician.

If it's silent and dark, start with power. GE Appliances says to check that the plug hasn't worked loose from the wall, that the breaker hasn't tripped, and that the controls haven't been set to OFF, 0 or a demo or showroom mode.

If it runs but doesn't cool, GE suggests checking that the temperature controls haven't been bumped (it gives about 37°F for the fresh food side and 0°F for the freezer as good settings), that tall containers aren't blocking the air vents inside, and that the doors close and the gaskets seal. A newly installed refrigerator can take about 24 hours to settle, and GE says most need at least an inch of air space on each side, the top and the back.

A second fridge in the garage is a Knoxville special case. GE says a refrigerator may not cool properly where the temperature falls below 60°F or goes above 110°F, and at the Knoxville airport an average January afternoon only reaches about 48°F, with about 18 nights at or below freezing (NOAA 1991–2020 normals). Some models are built for garages, so check the manual before booking a repair for a fridge that only struggles in winter.

If the fault is in the sealed system, the compressor or a refrigerant leak, it is not a do-it-yourself job. Under federal rules, the US Environmental Protection Agency requires Section 608 certification for technicians who maintain, service or repair equipment that could release refrigerant, and household refrigerators and freezers fall under its "small appliance" category. Ask whether the technician who will open the sealed system is Section 608 certified. For an older refrigerator, ask for the repair price in writing so you can weigh it against replacing it.

Common jobs

• Refrigerators that run but don't cool
• Freezers that frost up or won't freeze
• Ice makers and water dispensers
• Leaking water or ice buildup
• Noisy compressors and fans
• Sealed-system and refrigerant work (ask about EPA Section 608 certification)

Have this ready when you call

• Brand, model and serial number (often on a label inside the fresh food section, on a side wall)
• Whether it runs but doesn't cool, or is silent and dark
• What the temperature settings are, and whether the freezer side is also warm
• Whether it is in the kitchen or the garage
• Your neighborhood or town

Common questions