Fridge & Freezer

Fridge is too warm

• Broken Thermostat: The problem may be with the thermostat behind the temperature dial in your fridge.
• Replacement Process: Replacing the thermostat is fairly simple, with parts costing around £30 and requiring basic DIY tools.
• Skill Level: It’s not recommended for complete novices, as diagnosing a faulty thermostat requires some expertise.
• Digital Controls: If your fridge-freezer has digital controls, the repair becomes more complicated, and it’s best to contact a professional for a quote.

Freezer not freezing food

• Check the Freezer Fan: Locate the fan inside the freezer and ensure nothing is blocking it. If it’s obstructed, rearrange items to give it space to function properly.
• Ice Build-Up: Inspect for any ice build-up that may be restricting the fan’s movement. Defrost if necessary.
• Examine the Condenser Coils: Check the condenser coils at the back of the appliance for dust build-up.
• Clean the Coils: Clean the dust off the coils to improve cooling efficiency, which may resolve the freezing issue.

Water pooling in the base of the fridge

• Blocked Drain Hole: The issue is likely caused by a blocked drain hole where water condenses at the back of the fridge.
• Condensation Process: Water runs down into the drain hole, where it’s evaporated by the compressor.
• Common Blockages: Dust, dirt, and food waste often clog the drain hole, preventing proper drainage.
• Simple Cleaning: Use a thin straw, bit of wire, or cotton bud to clear the blockage.
• Flush the Pipe: If the blockage persists, irrigate the pipe with a syringe and tube attachment to flush out any remaining debris.

Fridge freezer has stopped working after defrosting

• Ice Build-Up: If your freezer has chunks of ice on the back and side walls, avoid using utensils to remove it.
• Risk of Damage: Using tools to lever off the ice can crack pipes or the inner casing, leading to refrigerant gas leaks.
• Danger of Gas Leaks: Gas leaks are hazardous and difficult to repair, often requiring professional help.
• Cost of Repair: Re-gassing can cost over £100, making replacement a more cost-effective option in many cases.

Noisier than usual

• Unusually Noisy Fridge: A noisy fridge could be caused by issues with the compressor or the evaporator tray.
• Compressor Noise: The compressor pushes refrigerant gas into the coils, and noise may indicate a potential failure.
• Evaporator Tray Noise: If the noise is from the evaporator tray, it’s typically easy to fix.
• Compressor Failure: A broken compressor can be costly to replace, with parts priced over £170, plus the cost of hiring an engineer for installation.
• Consider the Cost: If the compressor is faulty, it might be more cost-effective to replace the fridge rather than repair it.