Noticing sour milk, bumps in the night and astronomically high energy bills? These are just a handful of signs that your fridge-freezer may not be running as well as it should be. A fridge-freezer is an important appliance to have in your home, and when things start going wrong, it can wreak havoc and bring your day-to-day routines to a halt.
If you need a bit of advice when making a decision, be sure to give our friendly team a call on 03309001966. We'll be more than happy to listen and help you choose an appliance that's best suited to your needs and requirements.
We have compiled a handy guide on 7 signs to look out for, so you can identify when your fridge freezer is on its way out.
Introduction to Appliance Issues
Fridge freezers are the unsung heroes of our kitchens, quietly keeping our food safe and fresh day in and day out. But just like any hardworking appliance, your fridge or freezer can start to show signs of trouble as time goes on. From faulty door seals to blocked condenser coils, there are a number of common signs that your fridge freezer might not be working properly. If you notice your food spoiling faster than usual, the door not closing tightly, or the appliance making unusual noises, it’s time to pay attention. In this article, we’ll walk you through the most common signs that your fridge freezer needs some TLC, and share simple tips to help you keep your appliance running smoothly for years to come.
Food Going Off Before Its Use-By Date
There is nothing worse than opening a carton of milk and discovering it’s turned sour or finding that your cheese is a little stinkier than it should be. Especially when it’s not even reached its use-by date. If food is spoiling before its use-by or expiration date, this is a sign that your fridge is not maintaining the correct temperature, and the expiration date should be used as a guideline for food safety.
Food turning quickly is a tell-tale sign that your fridge is struggling to keep the temperature. Particularly in the warmer months, when it has to work harder to keep the food cool. Make sure to check that your fridge is cold enough and set to the desired temperature. Using an appliance thermometer inside the fridge is recommended for accurate readings.
Your refrigerator may be losing its cool for several reasons:
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The thermostat has given up the ghost and is refusing to chill out
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Condenser coils are dusty - these are easy to clean once you know how to, but if in doubt, we do recommend that you call in our repairs team.
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The motor is working overtime as the condenser coils are running too hot.
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The fridge is not set to the correct temperature or is not reaching the desired temperature inside the fridge.
Electric Bills are Suddenly Up
A sudden spike in your monthly energy bills, even when your day-to-day usage hasn’t changed, could be down to a faulty fridge freezer.
Fridge freezers are the worst offenders, compared to other appliances such as ovens and dishwashers, because they are on 24/7. Older fridge-freezers typically use more energy to run, making them less energy efficient.
Although it may be annoying that your fridge freezer is on its way out, it may not be the end of the world. Choosing to invest in a newer model can be an expensive decision, but it’ll pay for itself in the long run. Newer fridge freezer models are designed to be more energy-efficient than older models, and older fridge freezers often become less energy-efficient as they age, using more energy over time.
If you do invest in a new appliance, keep an eye out for those with higher European Energy Labels such as A+++. Choosing a new A+++-rated model will only cost around £25 a year to run, whereas older fridge freezers could be costing you up to a whopping £160 a year! Your old fridge may still be running but it could be costing you more than you think!
Has the Inside of Your Fridge Freezer Started to Resemble a Winter Wonderland?
While a little bit of water or ice stuck to the back wall of your fridge is perfectly normal, if you notice significant frost build-up or ice build-up, this can be a sign of issues with proper airflow and blocked air vents inside the fridge freezer. Excessive buildup of frost or ice often indicates that air vents are blocked or the evaporator fan is not working properly, leading to uneven cooling and further buildup.
Your fridge should be cold, but not so cold that it’s forming thick layers of ice on the back wall – you don’t want to be hacking away at the ice to make space for your food! Blocked air vents or a faulty evaporator fan can cause these problems, and a faulty defrost timer may also lead to constant running and frost buildup. If your fridge never turns off, a faulty defrost timer could be the cause.
Sometimes this can easily be fixed with a new door seal, but if that doesn’t work, your fridge could be on the way out. Always check your user manual for specific instructions on defrosting and troubleshooting frost or ice buildup.
Though it’s best to make sure that your fridge is set to the ideal temperature. A fridge should be set to between 3 °C and 5°C, and a freezer should be set to -18 °C.
Are the Lights on but Nobody's Home?
You’re probably more than used to the gentle hum of your refrigerator, but what if it stops?
If the sound stops and the internal light goes out, it probably means you’ve just lost power. Flicking the trip switch or calling your electricity board should do the trick.
But if the hum goes and the light stays on, it could signal trouble afoot in the form of a broken compressor. If the fridge light stays on when the door is closed, it can warm the interior and reduce efficiency. In this case, you should also check the control board and control panel for faults, as issues with these components can cause the fridge to malfunction or the light to remain on.
You can try fixing it by:
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Turning the thermostat to its coldest setting to see if you can jump-start it back to life
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Defrosting the fridge
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Turning it off and on again - if that doesn’t work, try turning it off for 24 hours and then restarting it
If it starts again, this could be a sign that there is a problem with the defrosting system – our repairs team provides a repair service. Get in touch!
Is It Sitting in a puddle?
A leaky fridge, especially if you notice leaking water, could be caused by any number of problems – many of which can be fixed with the right parts and the right know-how.
Puddles of water around the fridge can indicate a clogged or blocked drain hole, and water leaks in or around the fridge can suggest a blocked defrost drain or problems with the water supply line. A blocked drain hole can cause water to pool in the base of the fridge.
Before you rush out to buy a new appliance, check the following:
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Is the door shutting properly? If the existing door seal is worn, you may just need a new one
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Is the drip pan broken? Check this by removing it and pouring in water to see if it runs back out again
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Are the hoses from the fridge to the drip pan loose? These just need tightening or replacing.
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Is the drain hole blocked? Check for a blocked drain hole and use a pipe cleaner to clear it if necessary.
Not sure where you can get the parts? We’ll be able to supply all the replacement parts you need for most makes of fridge-freezers.
Is Your Fridge Too Hot?
It’s fairly easy to work out if your fridge is too hot and if there’s a problem with that.
If cool air or cold air is not circulating properly, or if there are leaks, the fridge may become too warm. Worn or damaged door seals can allow cool air to escape, impacting the fridge's ability to stay cold.
It will more than likely mean that the motor fan is broken and isn’t doing its job. Replacing it is an option, but if the cost of the part and repair is too much, sometimes buying a new fridge-freezer may be a wiser option in the long run.
Lots of Knocking?
Your fridge freezer might have a gentle hum, but it should never be knocking, banging or clattering.
If this does happen, or the humming stop-starts, it might be that something is loose, such as the motor shaft or compressor flywheel. Check the door hinges as well, as loose or worn door hinges can cause unusual noises and may need lubrication or replacement. It could also be that another part is breaking, such as the compressor, condenser fan or condenser coil – these are common causes of a noisy fridge freezer.
Are Your Door Seals Letting You Down?
A worn or damaged door seal is one of the most common culprits behind a fridge freezer that isn’t cooling as it should. When the door seal isn’t working properly, warm air can sneak into the fridge compartment, forcing your appliance to work overtime and driving up your energy bills. To check if your door seal is up to the task, try the “paper trick”: close the fridge door on a piece of paper and see if it slides out easily. If it does, you may have a gap or hole in the seal. The good news is that replacing a faulty door seal is a cost-effective fix that can make a big difference in performance. For best results, regularly clean the door seals with a soft brush or cloth to keep them free from crumbs and sticky residue, helping your fridge freezer stay energy efficient and working properly.
Is Your Fridge Freezer Showing Its Age?
Even the best fridge freezer won’t last forever. As your appliance gets older, you might notice it’s not cooling as efficiently, your energy bills are creeping up, or it’s making strange noises that weren’t there before. If your fridge freezer is over 10 years old, these are signs it could be nearing the end of its useful life. While repairs are sometimes possible, it’s often more cost-effective in the long run to invest in a new, energy-efficient model. Not only will a new fridge or freezer help keep your food at the right temperature, but it can also save you money on running costs and give you peace of mind that your appliance is working as it should.
Simple Maintenance Tips to Keep Things Running Smoothly
Our Fridge-Freezers Luton
If you find yourself in the market for a new fridge freezer Luton, it might be time to get in contact with Joe Graham and Sons Ltd. It is our goal to make purchasing a new fridge freezer as easy as possible, so whatever advice you need about fridge freezers, our expert team will be more than happy to help you out. We also have a highly skilled workforce to offer a spares and repairs service on a vast majority of electrical and gas domestic appliances. To learn more about our fridge freezers Luton repairs in Luton, please visit our repairs website here.
We want to offer our customers a service that cannot be provided by most internet companies, that's why we are happy to listen, and with the help of our highly knowledgeable staff, we can help you choose an appliance that's the best suit for your needs. Give us a call today on 03309001966.
Conclusion and Next Steps
Spotting the common signs that your fridge freezer isn’t working properly is the first step to keeping your food fresh and your appliance running efficiently. Whether it’s a simple fix like replacing a door seal or a bigger issue that needs professional attention, acting quickly can help you avoid food spoilage and higher energy bills. If you’re not sure how to tackle a problem, don’t hesitate to call in an expert for advice or repairs. And remember, regular maintenance and timely upgrades to a new, energy-efficient fridge freezer can make all the difference in keeping your kitchen running smoothly and your food safe to eat.
Fridge Freezers FAQs
How do you know if your fridge freezer is broken?
Common signs include food spoiling before its use-by date, the fridge not cooling properly, unusual noises, excessive frost build-up, and a sudden increase in energy bills. Checking the door seal and temperature settings can also help identify issues.
What should I do if my fridge freezer is not cooling properly?
First, check the thermostat and ensure it is set to the correct temperature. Inspect the door seal for gaps or damage, and clean the condenser coils if they are dusty. If the problem persists, it may be time to call a professional or consider a new fridge freezer.
Can a faulty door seal cause my fridge freezer to stop working efficiently?
Yes, a damaged or worn door seal allows warm air to enter the fridge compartment, causing the appliance to work harder to maintain the correct temperature. This can lead to higher energy bills and food spoilage.
How often should I clean the condenser coils and door seals?
It is recommended to clean the condenser coils at least twice a year and wipe down the door seals regularly to remove food particles and sticky residue. Using an old toothbrush can help clean the seals effectively.
When is it time to replace my fridge freezer?
If your fridge freezer is over 10 years old, not cooling properly despite maintenance, making strange noises, or causing a spike in your energy bills, it may be time to invest in a new, energy-efficient model.
