Fridge Not Cooling? Here’s What Could Be Wrong

By FridgeRepairKenya.com

A refrigerator that’s not cooling properly is more than just an inconvenience—it can lead to spoiled food, wasted money, and unnecessary stress. If you’ve noticed warm milk, soft ice cream, or a suspiciously quiet fridge, don’t panic just yet. At FridgeRepairKenya.com, we’ve seen it all, and we’re here to help you figure out what’s going wrong. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common reasons your fridge might not be cooling and what you can do about it—whether it’s a quick fix or a call to the pros.

Let’s dive into the culprits behind a fridge that’s lost its chill.

1. Dirty Condenser Coils

What’s Happening?
Your fridge’s condenser coils, usually located at the back or beneath the unit, are responsible for releasing heat. When they’re covered in dust, pet hair, or grime, they can’t do their job effectively, causing the fridge to struggle to stay cool.

How to Check:

• Unplug the fridge for safety.
• Locate the coils (check your manual if unsure).
• Look for a thick layer of dirt or debris.

Fix It:

• Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove the buildup.
• Do this every 6-12 months to keep your fridge running smoothly.

Still Warm? If cleaning doesn’t help, the coils might be damaged—a job for a professional technician from FridgeRepairKenya.com.

2. Blocked Air Vents

What’s Happening?
Your fridge relies on proper airflow to circulate cold air. If the vents inside are blocked by overstuffed shelves or misplaced containers, the cool air can’t reach every corner.

How to Check:

• Open the fridge and freezer compartments.
• Look for items pushed up against the vents (usually along the back or sides).

Fix It:

• Rearrange your food to ensure a clear path for airflow.
• Avoid overpacking—leave some breathing room for circulation.

Pro Tip: A cluttered fridge not only blocks vents but also makes the compressor work harder, raising your energy bill.

3. Faulty Thermostat

What’s Happening?
The thermostat controls the fridge’s temperature. If it’s malfunctioning or set incorrectly, your fridge might not cool at all—or it could freeze everything instead!

How to Check:

• Find the thermostat dial (usually inside the fridge).
• Turn it to a colder setting and listen for a click (this indicates the compressor kicking in).
• No click? The thermostat might be broken.

Fix It:

• If it’s just a settings issue, adjust it to 3-5°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer.
• If it’s faulty, you’ll need a replacement—contact FridgeRepairKenya.com for expert assistance.

4. A Worn-Out Door Gasket

What’s Happening?
The rubber seal (gasket) around your fridge door keeps cold air in and warm air out. If it’s cracked, loose, or dirty, warm air sneaks in, forcing the fridge to overwork and underperform.

How to Check:

• Run your hand along the gasket to feel for gaps or tears.
• Try the “paper test”: Close the door on a piece of paper—if it slides out easily, the seal is weak.

Fix It:

• Clean the gasket with warm soapy water and a cloth.
• For minor tears, apply petroleum jelly to improve the seal temporarily.
• For major damage, replace the gasket (we can help with that!).

5. Compressor Problems

What’s Happening?
The compressor is the heart of your fridge’s cooling system. If it’s failing, the fridge won’t cool, and you might hear unusual noises—or nothing at all.

How to Check:

• Listen for a faint hum from the back of the fridge (that’s the compressor running).
• No sound? It could be a power issue or a dead compressor.

Fix It:

• Ensure the fridge is plugged in and the outlet works.
• If the compressor’s silent or overheating (feels hot to the touch), it’s time to call a pro. At FridgeRepairKenya.com, we specialize in compressor repairs and replacements.

6. Low Refrigerant Levels

What’s Happening?
Refrigerant is the magic substance that keeps your fridge cold. A leak or low levels mean the cooling process can’t happen effectively.

How to Check:

• Look for oily residue near the coils or under the fridge (a sign of a leak).
• Listen for hissing sounds, another leak clue.

Fix It:

• This isn’t a DIY job—handling refrigerant requires certification and specialized tools.
• Contact FridgeRepairKenya.com to diagnose and recharge your system safely.

7. Evaporator Fan Failure

What’s Happening?
The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer to the fridge. If it stops working, the freezer might stay cold, but the fridge section will warm up.

How to Check:

• Open the freezer and listen for the fan (a gentle whirring sound).
• No noise? The fan could be dead or blocked by frost.

Fix It:

• Clear any ice buildup with a hairdryer (on low heat) if frost is the issue.
• A broken fan needs professional replacement—our team at FridgeRepairKenya.com can handle it fast.

8. Power Supply Issues

What’s Happening?
Sometimes the problem isn’t the fridge itself but the power reaching it. A tripped breaker, loose plug, or faulty outlet can stop cooling in its tracks.

How to Check:

• Confirm the fridge is plugged in securely.
• Test the outlet with another appliance (like a lamp).
• Check your circuit breaker for a tripped switch.

Fix It:

• Reset the breaker or plug the fridge into a working outlet.
• If the problem persists, it could be internal wiring—let us take a look.

When to Call the Experts

While some issues (like dirty coils or blocked vents) are easy DIY fixes, others—like compressor failure or refrigerant leaks—require professional expertise. Ignoring or mishandling these problems can lead to bigger damage and higher repair costs. At FridgeRepairKenya.com, we offer fast, reliable fridge repair services across Kenya, using genuine parts and years of experience to get your fridge back to peak performance.

Prevent Future Cooling Problems

A little maintenance goes a long way. Here’s how to keep your fridge chilling like a champ:

• Clean the condenser coils twice a year.
• Check the door gasket regularly for wear.
• Don’t overload the fridge—give air room to circulate.
• Schedule annual professional tune-ups with FridgeRepairKenya.com.

A fridge that’s not cooling can feel like a kitchen crisis, but with the right know-how, you can often pinpoint the issue. Whether it’s a simple fix or a complex repair, FridgeRepairKenya.com is here to help. Got a warm fridge driving you nuts? Contact us today for expert diagnosis and repair services—we’ll have it cooling again in no time!

Have a fridge question? Drop it in the comments below or reach out to us directly at FridgeRepairKenya.com