Why isn't my fridge working?

There are many reasons why your refrigeration equipment may breakdown or stop working properly.

One of the main reasons fridges breakdown is due to a build up of dust, dirt and grime in the condenser coils or condenser fan. Other causes can include:

Poor ventilation

Fridges need good ventilation. Ideally, a fridge should not have anything on top of it, or too much crammed in it as this can obstruct the distribution of heat.

Temperature setting issues

Don’t set your fridge too cold or too hot. The optimal temperature for a refrigerator is 37°F or 3°C for best food safety. Lower temperatures mean your fridge has to work harder to keep food cool. 

Door seal issues

Food and fat spills cause the material that seals are made of to dry out and get brittle which makes it easier for them to rip.  A clean and intact fridge or freezer door seal is also an important part of general kitchen hygiene and food safety.

The door seal can be checked by closing the fridge door on a piece of paper. If pulling out the paper is easy, chances are the door seal needs replacing.

Defrost system failure

Most fridges have an automatic defrost system that works to prevent frost build-up in the fridge. If the automatic defrosting system is faulty the fridge will eventually stop working.

Refrigerant leak

You will need an FGAS professional to check your fridge over for potential leaks.

Electrical issues

If your electrical system is not in good condition, this can lead to power surges and voltage spikes - shortening the life of your appliances. Increased voltage above what your fridge can handle can cause damage or breakdown.

Our refrigeration engineers hold F Gas and construction industry recognised qualifications and are more than happy to help. If you have a fridge or freezer breakdown, want someone to give your equipment the once over or book in a deep clean please give us a call on 01635 551446.