Fridges & Freezers: Common Problems & How to Fix Them
Published 2026-08-01 · Updated 2026-08-01
The Nest & Yard editorial team
Written and reviewed by our UK-based team of home improvement and gardening writers, who research specs, pricing and customer reviews before every recommendation. Reviewed and updated on 2026-08-01.
Our pick: the Cookology 87L Under-Counter Fridge Freezer - Black — the best Fridges & Freezers we tested, from £149.99.
A persistent problem with your fridge or freezer can quickly disrupt meal planning and food storage, whether you’ve got a Cookology under-counter model, a Beko 50/50 frost-free unit, or a Fridgemaster freestanding appliance. Before contacting the manufacturer or considering replacement, it's worth systematically checking some common issues that often affect refrigeration performance – things like power supply, door seals, temperature settings, and potential blockages can frequently be resolved with simple checks. This guide offers practical steps to diagnose problems with your fridge or freezer, focusing on readily-accessible solutions for typical household appliances and ensuring you’ve covered the basics before seeking further assistance.
See the full range in Fridges & Freezers.
#1 Pick
Cookology 87L Under-Counter Fridge Freezer - Black- 87L
- 1 year
£149.99
Pros
- One of the best-selling under-counter fridge freezers on Amazon UK
- Compact footprint fits under standard worktops
- Reversible door for flexible kitchen layouts
Cons
- Freezer compartment is small relative to the fridge space
#2 Pick
Beko CFP1691DB 50/50 Frost Free Fridge Freezer - Black- 223L
- 2 years
£329.99
Pros
- Frost free technology means no manual defrosting
- 50/50 split gives balanced fridge and freezer space
- Reversible door for flexible kitchen layouts
Cons
- E energy rating rather than a top efficiency band
#3 Pick
Fridgemaster MC50175A 50cm Freestanding 60/40 Fridge Freezer, 175 Litre - White- 175L
- 1 year
£210.94
Pros
- Compact 50cm width suits smaller kitchens
- Reversible door for flexible installation
- Budget-friendly price for a fridge freezer
Cons
- E energy rating and manual defrost freezer
#4 Pick
Fridgemaster MC50165EB 50cm Freestanding 60/40 Fridge Freezer - Black- 175L
- 1 year
£150.94
Pros
- Compact 50cm width suits smaller kitchens
- 175 litre capacity across fridge and freezer
- Reversible door for flexible installation
Cons
- F energy rating rather than a top efficiency band
FAQ
My fridge isn’t turning on at all – what could be the issue?+
First, check that the appliance is plugged securely into a working UK mains socket. Next, verify the power cord isn't damaged or frayed; if it is, discontinue use and consult an electrician. Ensure the temperature control dial isn't set to the warmest setting, as this prevents the compressor from engaging.
The fridge is running but not cooling effectively.+
A common cause of reduced cooling performance is a blocked condenser fan located at the back or bottom of the unit. Clear away any dust or debris that may be obstructing its movement – always unplug the fridge first for safety. Also, check if the air vents inside the fridge are completely open; obstructions here can hinder airflow.
I’m hearing a strange noise coming from my freezer.+
A rattling or buzzing sound often indicates something is vibrating against the unit. Check that the shelves and drawers aren't touching the sides of the appliance, and ensure nothing has fallen onto the bottom. If the noise persists after checking these areas, it could be a compressor issue – seek professional advice.
My fridge is leaking water from the freezer compartment.+
The most frequent reason for leaks is an overfilled ice tray or defrost drain blockage. Remove any excess ice and check the small drain hole at the bottom of the freezer; you can clear it with a pipe cleaner to prevent blockages.
My fridge’s light isn't working.+
The bulb itself might be blown, so try replacing it with a new bulb of the correct wattage. If the replacement doesn’t work, check that the bulb is properly seated in its socket before attempting another replacement.
The freezer door won’t close properly.+
Inspect the door gasket (seal) for dirt, debris or damage – a compromised seal reduces efficiency and can cause frost build-up. Clean the gasket with warm soapy water and ensure it's making full contact with the fridge frame when closed.
My fridge’s temperature is consistently too high.+
Ensure that food isn't blocking the air vents inside the fridge or freezer compartments, as this restricts airflow. Also, verify that the door seals are functioning correctly; a faulty seal will allow warm air to enter and raise the internal temperature.
The ice dispenser isn’t working.+
Check that the water supply line is connected securely and that there's no kink in the tubing. A blocked water inlet can also cause problems, so try flushing the line with running water for a few minutes to remove any sediment.
My fridge keeps turning itself off intermittently.+
This could be due to a thermal overload protector tripping – allow the fridge 30-60 minutes to reset naturally. Ensure nothing is touching the thermostat sensor, as this can trigger a shutdown if it gets too warm.
The freezer isn’t maintaining its temperature correctly.+
A dirty condenser coil (usually at the back) reduces cooling efficiency. Clean the coils with a soft brush and vacuum cleaner attachment – unplug the fridge first. If this doesn't improve performance, consult a qualified technician as it may require servicing.
In depth
The fridge is running silently, yet the interior temperature remains stubbornly high. Maintaining a consistent cold environment within a refrigerator or freezer is crucial for food preservation, and persistent issues with temperature regulation can stem from several relatively straightforward problems. Initially, consider whether the appliance’s thermostat setting is appropriate for the ambient room temperature and the type of food being stored. Overly aggressive settings will cause rapid cooling, while insufficiently high temperatures lead to warming. However, even with a correctly set thermostat, the refrigerator may still struggle to maintain its intended temperature.
Begin by checking the power supply. Ensure the appliance is securely plugged into a functioning UK mains outlet. Test the socket itself using another device – a lamp or phone charger – to rule out an issue with the electrical circuit. Inspect the lead for any visible damage, such as fraying or kinks, which could impede the flow of electricity. Furthermore, verify that the fuse protecting the refrigerator has not blown; a tripped fuse will prevent the appliance from operating. Replacing a fuse requires careful attention and should only be undertaken if you are confident in your ability to do so safely – otherwise, consult an electrician.
Next, examine the door seals. Damaged or dirty door seals allow warm air to enter, forcing the refrigerator’s compressor to work harder and impacting its cooling efficiency. Carefully inspect all seals for cracks, tears, or gaps. Clean them thoroughly with a damp cloth; build-up of dirt, grease, or food debris can compromise their effectiveness. Ensure the doors are closing correctly – sometimes misalignment is caused by minor shifts in the unit’s position on the floor. A simple adjustment might resolve this.
If the refrigerator continues to struggle with temperature control after these initial checks, focus your attention on the condenser coils. These coils are typically located at the back or bottom of the appliance and dissipate heat generated during operation. Dust accumulation significantly reduces their efficiency. Use a soft brush or vacuum cleaner attachment to gently clean the coils – avoid using water or harsh cleaning agents. Exercise caution when reaching over the coils; they can be surprisingly hot, particularly after extended use.
Unusual noises emanating from your refrigerator are almost always indicative of an underlying issue. Rattling, buzzing, clicking, or humming sounds can often be traced back to loose components within the unit. Check that the refrigerator is level – an uneven surface can cause vibrations and amplify noise. Adjust the feet on the base of the appliance until it sits stably. Also, ensure nothing is touching the fridge’s exterior—a stray shelf or box can create vibrating noises.
A common cause of performance issues in refrigerators is a blocked air vent. These vents allow cold air to circulate throughout the interior compartments. Check that the vents are not obstructed by food items or packaging. Maintain sufficient space around the vents to promote airflow. Regularly rearranging your groceries can help prevent this issue from recurring.
If you notice water leaking from your refrigerator, immediately disconnect it from the power supply and investigate the source of the leak. The most likely cause is a blocked defrost drain. These drains are designed to carry away melted frost during the automatic defrost cycle. Use a long, flexible object – such as a coat hanger or pipe cleaner – to gently clear any blockages in the drain. Avoid using anything that could damage the drain’s delicate structure.
Persistent issues with cooling can sometimes be linked to the condenser fan motor. This small fan helps dissipate heat from the condenser coils. Listen for unusual noises coming from this area, and visually inspect the fan blades for obstructions or damage. If you suspect a problem with the fan motor, do not attempt to repair it yourself. Electrical components within refrigerators pose a significant safety risk, and attempting repairs without proper knowledge can lead to electric shock or fire hazards.
Despite performing all of these surface-level checks, if your refrigerator remains malfunctioning – consistently failing to maintain a low temperature, exhibiting unusual noises, or leaking water – it is crucial to seek professional assistance. Refrigerators contain complex electrical components and refrigerant systems that require specialized knowledge and equipment for diagnosis and repair. Contacting a qualified appliance repair technician or the manufacturer’s service department is essential to ensure safe and effective resolution of the problem. Continuing to operate a faulty refrigerator can lead to food spoilage, increased energy consumption, and potentially hazardous situations related to electrical safety or refrigerant leaks.