Why Your Refrigerator is Not Cooling -Commomn Problems and Fixes

Fridge Repair Services in Nairobi | Refitec-0704843613

Description:
Why is your refrigerator not cooling? Learn the common problems—from dirty coils to faulty compressor—and simple fixes from Refitec. Includes tips relevant to residents of Nairobi estates such as Karen, Donholm, Runda, Westlands, along roads like Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road. Fridge repair near me

Why Your Fridge is Not Cooling – Common Problems & Fixes by Refitec

Your fridge is one of the most important appliances in your home. When it stops cooling, even a little, it quickly becomes a problem—food spoils, drinks warm up, and power bills can shoot up. At Refitec, we get many calls from customers in Karen, Kilimani, Runda, Donholm, Westlands, South B, South C, Kasarani, Embakasi, and more, especially along major roads like Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Lang’ata Road, Ngong Road, Northern Bypass, Rongai, and Kikuyu Road. Below is a detailed guide to diagnosing fridge cooling issues common in these areas—and what you can do (or what Refitec can help with).

Common Causes Why a Fridge is Not Cooling

Here are the most frequent causes, including some that are unique or especially relevant in Nairobi environments (dust, power fluctuations, etc.).

1. Power Supply Problems
   • Fridge isn’t plugged in properly, or plug/socket is loose.
   • Circuit breakers tripped, fuse blown.
   • Power fluctuations common in some estates (especially farther from substations) can damage components.
   • Fix: Check wall socket, test other appliance in same socket, ensure stable supply; install a voltage stabilizer if needed (Refitec can help advise).
2. Incorrect Temperature Settings or Thermostat Malfunction
   • Sometimes someone accidentally changes the dial, or digital controls glitch.
   • Thermostat may be not reading correctly.
   • Fix: Set fridge to recommended temperature (usually ~4 °C or 1-5 depending on brand); check if setting feels off or inconsistent.
3. Blocked Air Vents & Poor Air Circulation
   • Fridge/freezer vents blocked by food items or overflow.
   • External clearance too tight (walls, cabinets, other appliances).
   • Heat from direct sunlight (if fridge is near windows/doors) or from nearby heat sources (oven, stove).
   • Fix: Rearrange inside so vents are clear; ensure at least a few inches (as per manufacturer) behind fridge; move it away from direct sun or heat. In estates like Embakasi or Kasarani where rooms may be smaller, this is often overlooked.
4. Dirty Condenser Coils
   • Coils (usually at the back or bottom) accumulate dust, dirt, spider webs. Especially in dusty estates along Thika Road, or near busy roads where dust is more.
   • When coils are dirty, the fridge struggles to release heat.
   • Fix: Pull the fridge out (carefully), vacuum/dust brush the coils every few months. Refitec offers cleaning services if you don’t want to DIY.
5. Faulty or Worn Door Seals (Gaskets)
   • If the door seal is broken, warped or has gaps, cold air escapes.
   • Also, if seal is dirty, it may not close properly.
   • Fix: Clean the gasket with soapy warm water; inspect for cracks; replace if worn. In estates with high humidity (e.g. some parts of Embakasi, Makadara), seals degrade faster.
6. Freezer Working But Fridge Not (Evaporator Fan / Damper Control Issues)
   • Possible that freezer side is cold, but fridge compartment not because evaporator fan is not functioning.
   • Damper between freezer & fridge could be stuck or not opening.
   • Fix: Listen for fan when doors are open; if not, may need technician to repair fans or dampers (Refitec can help).
7. Compressor or Start Relay Problems
   • Compressor is heart of cooling. If it’s faulty, or start relay (which helps start the compressor) fails, cooling falls off.
   • Signs: Compressor not running, humming, clicking, overheating.
   • Fix: These are more complex; requires a skilled technician to test, sometimes replace parts.
8. Faulty Defrost System
   • If defrost heater, defrost timer or sensor fails, frost builds up on evaporator; airflow blocked; fridge stops cooling well.
   • Fix: Defrost manually, check if defrost cycles are happening; if not, professional repair.
9. Overpacked or Underpacked Fridge
   • Too many items block airflow; too few means less cold mass so temperature fluctuates.
   • Fix: Balance storage; don’t cram things too much; leave space between items.
10. Installation Issues / Leveling
    • Fridge must be level (side-to-side and front-to-back) so doors close properly and internal fluids move as designed.
    • If floor uneven (common in some older houses in estates such as Donholm, Makadara), fridge may tilt.
    • Fix: Adjust feet; check with spirit level; also ensure that during moves, installation was done correctly.

Why Local Conditions in Nairobi Make Some Issues More Likely

• Dust and Pollution: Estates near busy roads (Thika Road, Mombasa Road, Ngong Road) tend to have more dust. Coils get dirty faster.
• Power Instability: In some suburbs (especially further out or poorly serviced), frequent voltage spikes or brownouts damage electronics inside fridges.
• Heat & Sunlight Exposure: Homes that are poorly shaded, or fridges placed next to or near heat-generating sources or windows without curtains.
• Humidity: Coastal influence, especially in Eastlands areas (Makadara, Embakasi, Buruburu) increases moisture, which can affect seals, frost buildup.

Fixes & Prevention: What Refitec Recommends

Here are practical steps and preventive measures. Some you can do yourself; some are better left to professional technicians (that’s where Refitec comes in).

1. Routine Checks at Home
   • Verify plug, socket, fuses.
   • Check thermostat settings.
   • Monitor temperature: fridge should be around 1-4 °C, freezer around -18 °C (depending on model).
   • Make sure vents inside fridge/freezer are clear.
   • Don’t fill fridge so much there’s no space; don’t leave it nearly empty.
2. Cleaning & Maintenance
   • Clean condenser coils every 3-6 months.
   • Clean door gaskets; keep them flexible and free of debris.
   • Defrost the freezer if frost buildup > ¼-½ inch.
3. Proper Installation
   • Make sure there is enough clearance behind and on sides of the fridge.
   • Avoid placing it against walls exposed to sun or heat.
   • Level the fridge so doors seal well.
4. Protect from Power Issues
   • Use surge protectors or voltage stabilizers.
   • If you live in areas with frequent blackouts (Kasarani, Embakasi, etc.), consider backup solutions.
5. When to Call Refitec (or a Professional Technician)
   • If compressor is not working or is overheating.
   • If evaporator or condenser fan has failed.
   • If there is suspected refrigerant leak.
   • If defrost system fails (heater, sensor, timer).
   • If door seal is badly damaged and needs replacement.
6. Preventive Contract / Regular Maintenance Plan
   • Refitec offers scheduled service visits (every year or six months as per usage).
   • Keeping service records helps: when part was replaced, how often cleaned, etc.
   • Still not cooling?call our experts today

Examples by Estate / Road: What We See Often at Refitec

To make this more practical, here are examples of issues we frequently attend to in specific Nairobi estates or roads, and what clients there should watch out for.

When It’s Time to Replace Instead of Repairing

Sometimes repairs aren’t worth it. Here are signals:

• Fridge age over 10-15 years depending on brand & usage.
• Multiple major components failing (compressor + control board + fans) — repair cost may exceed buying new.
• Continuous high electricity bill despite fixes.
• Frequent breakdowns or loss of food even after repair.

Refitec can help you assess whether to repair or replace based on cost, expected life, energy efficiency.

Why Refitec is Trusted in Nairobi

• We have local technicians familiar with what problems are specific to different estates like Karen, Donholm, Westlands, Makadara, Embakasi, Kasarani, South B, Roysambu, etc.
• We understand Nairobi’s power issues and dust/environmental factors.
• We offer both emergency repair and preventive maintenance plans.
• Genuine spare parts, warranty on work.

Conclusion

If your fridge isn’t cooling well, don’t ignore it. Start with simple checks: power, vents, thermostat, cleanliness. Many issues are easily fixable and inexpensive. But for more serious faults—compressor, defrost system, significant damage—calling a specialist like Refitec is best.

Take action now: check inside your fridge, clean what needs cleaning, and if you are in estates along Thika Road, Langata Road, Mombasa Road, near Westlands, Runda, Karen, Donholm, etc., give us a call. Refitec is here to ensure your fridge keeps your food safe and your power bill reasonable.