1. Food is not staying cold
If milk spoils early, drinks are lukewarm or the fridge feels only mildly cool, it is not holding temperature. A fridge should generally sit at about 5°C or below, and a freezer at -18°C. A cheap fridge thermometer is a useful way to check rather than guessing.
Common causes include a faulty thermostat or temperature sensor, a failing evaporator fan, a refrigerant leak or a compressor that is struggling. In some cases the cause is simpler: a door seal that no longer closes properly, or coils clogged with dust.
2. The compressor never stops, or keeps clicking on and off
It is normal for a fridge to run in cycles. If the motor runs almost constantly, the fridge is working harder than it should to stay cold. If it clicks repeatedly and fails to start, a start relay or overload protector may be at fault. Left alone, either can lead to compressor failure, which is the costliest repair.
3. Ice builds up, or frost keeps returning
Heavy frost on the freezer walls or ice at the back of the fridge section usually points to a problem with the defrost system, blocked air vents, or a door that is not sealing and letting humid air in. In humid Dubai conditions, a poor seal shows up quickly. Try not to chip at the ice with sharp tools, which can puncture the cooling lines.
4. Water pooling inside or under the fridge
Water at the bottom of the fridge compartment or on the floor often comes from a blocked defrost drain. A leak at the back or underneath can also come from a damaged drain pan, a loose water line on models with a dispenser or ice maker, or a cracked hose. Persistent moisture can lead to mould and smells, and damages flooring.
5. New or loud noises
Fridges hum and gurgle gently. A change to loud buzzing, rattling, grinding or a high-pitched squeal is worth attention. A noisy fan inside the freezer, a worn condenser fan, or a compressor that is mounting badly can all be the cause. Sudden loudness is often the first sign of a part about to fail.
Other warning signs
- The sides or back are much hotter than usual.
- The door seal is cracked, or a sheet of paper slides out easily when the door is closed on it.
- There is condensation or sweating on the outside of the fridge.
- There is a burning smell or the fridge trips the breaker.
What to check before calling
- Confirm the fridge is plugged in and the temperature dial has not been moved.
- Make sure the door closes fully and nothing is blocking the seal.
- Do not overfill the shelves, as blocked vents stop air circulating.
- Vacuum dust from the coils if you can reach them safely and you have unplugged the fridge first.
Protecting your food
If the fridge has stopped cooling, keep the door closed as much as possible. Perishable food that has been above safe temperatures for more than a couple of hours should not be eaten. Move essentials to a cool box with ice, or to a neighbour's fridge, until the fault is fixed.
If your fridge shows any of these signs, our fridge repair service can inspect it at home. If you are thinking of replacing it instead, our guide on choosing the right fridge may help.
