How to Tell if your Fridge / Freezer isn't Working Optimally

It’s the start of Spring, and with the weather soon to be improving, it’s important that we ensure our cooling kitchen appliances are in optimal condition.

Come the warmer months, we rely heavily on our kitchen cooling appliances to ensure the warmer weather doesn’t affect the quality and safety of our food.  But how often are you really checking the productivity of your fridge / fridge-freezer?  Jammed vents, loose seals and high-temperature gauges could all lead to poor air ventilation resulting in spoilt food.

If you’re spotting any of these signs with your Fridge/Fridge Freezer - then it could be that your appliance isn’t working as it should.

 7-Signs Your Freezer Isn't Running Efficiently

Food Going Off Quickly

Food spoiling or thawing quickly is a clear indicator your fridge/fridge-freezer is struggling to keep to optimal temperature. This could be happening for a number of reasons, including;

• The thermostat has is not working as it should
• Condenser coils need to be cleaned - these are easy to clean once you know how to, but if in doubt we do recommend that you call in our repairs team.
• The motor is working overtime as the condenser coils are running too hot (likely for reasons mentioned above)

 So before your next weekly shop, check that your fridge-freezer is working as it should to avoid spending additional money on groceries that will spoil quickly.

Fridge is Too Hot

If you’re finding your appliance is ‘too hot’ it will more than likely mean that the motor fan 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 haul.

 If this is the case, you can speak with our expert team who can advise you on the best way to repair, or check out our top kitchen fridge / freezer appliances below.

Or Too Cold

A heavy layer of ice at the back of your fridge or a build up of ice in your freezer could suggest your fridge is not at its ideal temperature. Sometimes, this can easily be fixed with a new door seal or by repairing the temperature controls, but if not, this could be a sign it’s time for an upgrade.

To confirm your appliance is at the correct temperature, use an external thermometer; your fridge should be set to between 3c and 5c and your freezer should be -18c.

Usual Noises

Your fridge freezer might have a gentle hum, but it shouldn’t be knocking, banging or clattering.  If the noise gets louder or more frequent,  or the humming stops and starts, it could be that the motor shaft or compressor flywheel is loose. It could also mean that the compressor, condenser fan or condenser coil need repairing.

No Hum, No Light.

You’re probably more than used to the gentle hum of your refrigerator, but what if it stops? If the hum goes and the light stays on it could signal trouble in the form of a broken compressor.

You can try fixing it by:

• Turning the thermostat to its coldest setting, to see if you can jump-start it back to life
• Defrosting the fridge / freezer
• Try turning it off for 12 hours and then restart it
  - best to make sure the appliance is empty to avoid food turning bad. However, your fridge freezer is designed to keep food safe in the event of a power outage for a set amount of time, so providing the door remains tightly sealed for the duration of the reset,  most of your fridge/freezer produce should be ok.

Bills are WAY more than Expected.

This unfortunately, could just be down to the increase in the ‘cost of living,’ however you may not realise your freezer has a problem until you review your latest electricity bill. If this has shot up drastically, double check your refrigeration appliances.  A spike in bills could mean your fridge/freezer is having to work far harder than it’s supposed to to keep your food at an optimal safe temperature.

Excess Water & Puddles.

Puddles could be a sign that your fridge/freezer is on its way out, but there could be a more simple solution.  So, before you rush out to buy a new appliance, check the following:

• Is the door shutting properly? If the existing door seal is worn you may just need a new seal, rather than a whole new appliance

• Is the drip pan broken? Check this by removing it and pouring in water to see if it runs back out again

• Are the hoses from the fridge to the drip pan loose? These just need tightening or replacing.

Kitchen Appliance Spares & Repairs

Not sure where you can get the parts? We’ll be able to supply all the replacement parts you need, for most fridge-freezers.- Our spares and repair team can help.

However sometimes, our appliances do fail and cannot be repaired and that’s when we’d consider an upgrade. With hundreds of cooling appliances to choose from, including free-standing, undercounter, chest, and combination fridge-freezers, take a look at some of our best picks below -

Our Top 3  Fridge / Freezer Recommendations

Hotpoint Fridge Freezer (White) HMCB 70301

This Hotpoint Fridge Freezer is super stylish and efficient. It features clever technology, such as ActiveFresh™, that constantly monitors the temperature inside your fridge and freezer ensuring your food stays at optimal temperature. Crispy salads and fresh vegetables stay fresh with the FreshZone™ crisper drawer.  It features three clear-fronted drawers and comes complete with the option of reversing the door, the Hotpoint is adaptable to suit any kitchen layout.

Bosch Fridge Freezer (Grey) KGN27NLFAG

Cooling features include -NoFrost™ technology; FreshSense™ sensors constantly monitor and control the ambient, fridge and freezer temperature; Multi Airflow System: even air distribution for longer freshness.

Bosch Fridge Freezer (White) KGN34NWEAG

Cooling features include - NoFrost™: so you’ll never have to defrost your fridge-freezer again, and SuperFreezing™: Protects frozen food from defrosting.

Contact Us

If you find yourself in the market for a new kitchen cooling appliance, it might be time to get in contact with Joe Graham & Son ltd. .

We aim to make your purchasing experience as easy as possible, so whatever advice you need from us, our expert team is on hand to help.

Our staff are fully trained to advise on which product is best for your needs, and we can also deliver and install your fridge / freezer from as little as £45.

Contact Us

Written by Alexandria Campbell

VirtuallyAly-  Digital Marketing Services.