Fridge Repair Near Me in Nairobi Estates | Refitec Kenya | 0704843613
When your fridge stops cooling, it’s more than an inconvenience—it’s a race against time to save your food from spoiling. A fridge not cooling properly can cost you thousands of shillings in wasted groceries and potential repair bills. This guide explains why your fridge isn’t cooling, what you can fix yourself, and when to call a professional technician.
Common Signs Your Fridge Not Cooling Properly
Before diving into solutions, confirm your fridge not cooling issue with these warning signs:
- Food spoils faster than usual
- Ice cream is soft or melted
- The fridge feels warm to touch inside
- Frost buildup in the freezer compartment
- Water pooling inside the fridge
- The motor runs constantly without cooling
Top Causes of a Fridge Not Cooling
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils release heat from your fridge. When covered in dust and dirt, they can’t work efficiently, leaving your fridge not cooling as it should.
DIY Fix: Unplug the fridge, locate the coils (usually at the back or bottom), and clean them with a vacuum cleaner or coil brush. This simple maintenance can immediately improve cooling.
Cost: Free if you do it yourself. Professional cleaning costs KSh 1,500 – KSh 3,000.
2. Faulty Door Seals
Damaged or dirty door seals let cold air escape, making your fridge work harder without achieving proper cooling temperatures.
DIY Fix: Clean the seals with warm soapy water. Test them by closing the door on a piece of paper—if you can pull it out easily, the seal needs replacement.
Cost: Replacement seals cost KSh 2,000 – KSh 5,000 depending on your fridge model.
3. Blocked Air Vents
Overpacking your fridge blocks air vents, preventing cold air circulation and resulting in a fridge not cooling evenly.
DIY Fix: Reorganize items to allow air flow. Keep vents clear and avoid blocking the back wall.
Cost: Free.
4. Thermostat Problems
A malfunctioning thermostat won’t signal the compressor to cool, leaving your fridge at room temperature.
DIY Fix: Try adjusting the temperature dial to a colder setting. If nothing changes, the thermostat likely needs replacement.
Cost: Thermostat replacement costs KSh 3,000 – KSh 8,000 including labor.
5. Compressor Failure
The compressor is your fridge’s heart. When it fails, your fridge stops cooling completely. You’ll hear unusual noises or complete silence.
Professional Fix Required: Compressor issues need expert diagnosis and repair.
Cost: Compressor replacement ranges from KSh 15,000 – KSh 35,000 depending on the fridge size and brand.
6. Refrigerant Leak
Low refrigerant levels mean insufficient cooling. This requires specialized equipment to detect and repair.
Professional Fix Required: Only certified technicians should handle refrigerant.
Cost: Refrigerant recharge costs KSh 8,000 – KSh 15,000.
7. Evaporator Fan Malfunction
The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the fridge. When it stops working, your fridge won’t cool properly, especially the fresh food compartment.
Professional Fix Required: Fan replacement needs technical expertise.
Cost: Evaporator fan replacement costs KSh 5,000 – KSh 12,000.
8. Defrost System Failure
A faulty defrost system causes excessive frost buildup, blocking airflow and preventing proper cooling.
Professional Fix Required: Defrost timer, heater, or thermostat replacement.
Cost: KSh 4,000 – KSh 10,000 depending on the component.
Quick Troubleshooting Steps for a Fridge Not Cooling
Before calling a technician, try these steps:
- Check the power supply: Ensure the fridge is plugged in and the outlet works. Test with another appliance.
- Verify temperature settings: Someone might have accidentally changed the thermostat. Set it to the recommended temperature (3-4°C for the fridge, -18°C for the freezer).
- Clear the coils: Clean condenser coils if you haven’t done so in the past six months.
- Inspect door seals: Look for cracks, tears, or loose sections that could leak cold air.
- Reduce load: Remove excess items blocking air vents.
- Allow space around the fridge: Ensure at least 5cm clearance on all sides for proper ventilation.
- Listen for sounds: A working compressor makes a gentle humming sound. Silence or loud clicking indicates problems.
When to Call a Technician for Your Fridge Not Cooling
Call a professional refrigerator technician immediately if:
- You’ve tried basic fixes with no improvement
- The compressor is hot to touch or making loud noises
- There’s visible refrigerant leaking (oily residue around coils)
- Electrical components show signs of burning or melting
- Your fridge is completely silent (no humming)
- Frost buildup returns quickly after defrosting
- The fridge is less than 5 years old and under warranty
Cost of Professional Fridge Repairs in Kenya
Understanding repair costs helps you make informed decisions:
- Diagnostic fee: KSh 1,000 – KSh 2,500
- Minor repairs (seals, thermostat): KSh 2,000 – KSh 8,000
- Major repairs (compressor, refrigerant): KSh 8,000 – KSh 35,000
- Emergency call-out (weekends/nights): Add KSh 1,500 – KSh 3,000
If repair costs exceed 50% of a new fridge’s price, consider replacement instead.
Preventing Your Fridge From Not Cooling
Regular maintenance prevents most cooling problems:
- Clean condenser coils every 6 months
- Check and clean door seals monthly
- Avoid overloading the fridge
- Keep the fridge 3/4 full for optimal efficiency
- Maintain proper temperature settings
- Ensure adequate ventilation around the unit
- Schedule annual professional maintenance (KSh 3,000 – KSh 5,000)
Fridge Not Cooling: Repair or Replace?
Consider these factors:
Repair if:
- The fridge is less than 8 years old
- Repair costs less than KSh 15,000
- It’s a high-quality brand
- The problem is minor (seals, thermostat, fan)
Replace if:
- The fridge is over 12 years old
- Repair costs exceed KSh 25,000
- You’ve had multiple repairs in the past year
- Energy bills have increased significantly
A new energy-efficient fridge (150-200 liters) costs KSh 25,000 – KSh 50,000 and will save you money on electricity while providing reliable cooling.
Finding a Reliable Fridge Repair Technician in Kenya
When your fridge not cooling requires professional help:
- Ask for recommendations from friends and family
- Check online reviews and ratings
- Verify technician credentials and experience
- Get written quotes before work begins
- Confirm warranty on parts and labor (standard is 3-6 months)
- Ensure they service your fridge brand
Conclusion
A fridge not cooling is a serious problem that demands quick action. Start with simple DIY fixes like cleaning coils and checking seals. If basic troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue within 24 hours, call a qualified technician to prevent further damage and food loss.
Remember that regular maintenance is cheaper than emergency repairs. Invest KSh 3,000 – KSh 5,000 annually in professional servicing to avoid the KSh 15,000 – KSh 35,000 cost of major repairs when your fridge stops cooling completely.
Don’t wait until all your food spoils—address fridge cooling problems immediately to protect your investment and your groceries.