Refrigerator Repair in Charlotte, NC

A warm refrigerator puts your food on a clock. We repair refrigerators and freezers in homes and businesses across Charlotte, NC and nearby towns, from top-freezer and French door models to walk-in refrigerators.

Most cooling problems come down to a few parts: a fan, the defrost system, dusty coils or a control. We test each one, show you what failed, and quote the repair. You decide what happens next.

Call (980) 476-0720 Book online

Common refrigerator problems we fix

These are the likely causes, not a diagnosis. We confirm the cause with tests before we replace any part.

Fridge is warm, freezer is still cold

Likely cause: Frost has built up on the evaporator coil and is blocking the cold air, usually because a defrost heater, defrost sensor or defrost control failed. A stopped evaporator fan or a stuck air damper does the same thing.
What we do: We look at the coil for frost, test the defrost heater and sensor, and check the fan and damper. Then we replace the failed part and clear the ice so air can move again.

Both sections are warm

Likely cause: Dust-covered condenser coils, a failed condenser fan, a bad start relay, or a problem with the compressor or sealed system.
What we do: We clean the coils, test the condenser fan and start parts, and check how the compressor runs. If the sealed system failed, we compare the repair cost with a new fridge so you can choose.

Water on the floor or under the crisper drawers

Likely cause: A clogged defrost drain, a cracked water line, a leaking water inlet valve, or a loose water filter housing.
What we do: We clear and flush the drain, check the water lines and inlet valve, and replace the part that leaks.

Frost or ice building up in the freezer

Likely cause: A torn or loose door gasket letting warm, damp air in, or a defrost system that is not running.
What we do: We check the seal around the whole door and test the defrost parts. A worn gasket can usually be replaced on its own.

It clicks, then nothing. Or it hums and shuts off

Likely cause: The compressor is trying to start and cannot. Often the start relay or overload is at fault, not the compressor itself.
What we do: We test the start relay, the overload and the compressor windings to find which part failed before we quote anything.

Buzzing, rattling or squealing

Likely cause: A fan blade hitting ice, a worn fan motor, or a loose drain pan under the fridge.
What we do: We find which fan makes the noise, clear any ice, and replace a worn motor.

Water dispenser is slow or not working

Likely cause: A frozen water line in the door, a clogged filter, low water pressure, or a failed inlet valve or dispenser switch.
What we do: We thaw and check the line, check the filter and pressure, and test the valve and switch.

Keeping food safe while the fridge is down

Keep the doors closed. A closed refrigerator keeps food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, or about 24 hours if it is half full.
Use a thermometer. Food in the fridge should be at 40°F or below.
Throw out perishable food such as meat, poultry, seafood, milk, soft cheese and leftovers that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours.
Frozen food that still has ice crystals, or is at 40°F or below, can be refrozen.
When in doubt, throw it out. Never taste food to decide if it is safe.

Based on USDA food safety guidance.

Quick checks before you book

Check that the temperature dial did not get bumped. The fridge should be at 40°F or below and the freezer at 0°F.
Look at the condenser coils, under the front grille or on the back. Thick dust makes the fridge run hot.
Make sure food is not blocking the air vents inside the freezer.
Close the door on a dollar bill. If it slides out with no pull, the door gasket may not be sealing.

What we work on

Top-freezer and bottom-freezer refrigerators
Side-by-side refrigerators
French door refrigerators
Counter-depth models
Upright and chest freezers
Mini fridges and refrigerator drawers
Walk-in refrigerators
Built-in ice makers and water dispensers

Brands we repair

Samsung, LG, Whirlpool, GE, Frigidaire, Maytag, KitchenAid, Bosch, Kenmore and Electrolux, plus most other major brands.

Star Appliances Repair is an independent repair company, not affiliated with these brands.

What happens on a refrigerator repair visit

We ask what you noticed and when it started.
We check temperatures and test the fans, defrost parts, start parts and controls.
We show you what failed and quote the repair.
If you approve, we fix it and confirm the compressor and fans are running before we leave.

Call us and we will go over the problem, the visit and the price on the phone.

Refrigerator repair questions

Is it worth repairing my refrigerator?

Often, yes. Fans, defrost parts, water valves, gaskets and start relays are common repairs. A failed compressor or a sealed system leak on an older fridge is where replacing can make more sense. It comes down to the fridge's age, what failed, and how the repair compares with a new one. Call us and we will help you decide.

Why is my freezer cold but my fridge warm?

In most refrigerators, cold air is made in the freezer and blown into the fridge section. If frost blocks the coil or the fan stops, the freezer stays cold while the fridge warms up. It is usually a defrost or fan problem, not the compressor.

Can I fix my refrigerator myself?

Some things, yes: cleaning the condenser coils, checking the door gasket and changing the water filter. Anything in the sealed system is not a do-it-yourself job. Federal rules require EPA certification to handle refrigerant.

How long will my food last?

About 4 hours in a closed refrigerator, and about 24 to 48 hours in a closed freezer, depending on how full it is. A cooler with ice buys more time. See the food safety notes on this page.

Do you fix the ice maker and water dispenser too?

Yes. Ice makers, door dispensers, water lines and inlet valves are part of refrigerator repair. Our ice maker repair page covers the common ice problems.

Call or book refrigerator repair

Call us, or tell us what is wrong below. We will call you to set up a time.

Call (980) 476-0720

Where we do refrigerator repair

We cover Charlotte and North Carolina towns within about 65 miles. Refrigerator repair across Charlotte neighborhoods has notes for city homes and apartments.

Get your refrigerator fixed

Call us, or tell us online what is broken and your ZIP code. We will set up a time with you.