Why Is My Fridge Not Cooling? Causes & Fixes in Nairobi

Is Your Fridge Running But Not Getting Cold?

It's one of the most frustrating appliance problems in any Nairobi home — your fridge is humming away, the light comes on when you open the door, but the food inside isn't cold. Worse, the freezer section may feel warm too.

Before you rush to buy a new fridge, know this: in most cases, a fridge that's running but not cooling can be repaired — often the same day, at your home, for a fraction of the cost of a new appliance.

Most Common Reasons a Fridge Stops Cooling

1. Refrigerant (Gas) Leak

Refrigerant — sometimes called "fridge gas" — is the fluid that flows through the cooling system and absorbs heat from inside the fridge. When it leaks, the fridge runs but cannot cool.

Signs of a gas leak: The fridge runs constantly. The freezer and fridge sections are both warm. You may hear a hissing or gurgling sound near the back.

Fix: A certified technician locates the leak, welds or seals it, and recharges the system with fresh refrigerant gas. Fridge gas refilling in Nairobi typically costs Ksh 2,000–4,000.

2. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls when the compressor switches on and off to maintain temperature. A broken thermostat may leave the compressor permanently off — so the fridge motor hums (the fan) but no cooling happens.

Fix: Thermostat replacement costs Ksh 2,500–4,500 and is done within 1 hour by a RepairTech Kenya technician.

3. Dirty or Blocked Condenser Coils

Condenser coils release the heat removed from inside your fridge. When they're covered in dust and dirt — common in Nairobi's dusty environment — the fridge can't release heat efficiently and temperature inside rises.

Fix: Clean the coils at the back or underneath the fridge using a vacuum or brush. This is something you can do yourself.

4. Failed Start Relay or Compressor

The start relay is a small component that helps kick-start the compressor. When it fails, you'll hear a clicking sound every few minutes as the compressor tries but fails to start. A start relay replacement is affordable (Ksh 1,500–3,000).

5. Blocked or Frozen Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan circulates cold air inside the fridge. If it freezes up or fails, cold air doesn't circulate even if the cooling system is working.

6. Door Seal (Gasket) Problem

A damaged or warped door seal allows warm room air to continuously enter the fridge. Test: Close the fridge door on a piece of paper. If you can pull it out easily, the seal needs replacing.

Steps to Diagnose Your Fridge at Home

1. Check the temperature setting — make sure it hasn't been accidentally turned to minimum.
2. Listen for the compressor — if you hear clicking or nothing at all, the compressor or start relay may be the issue.
3. Check the condenser coils at the back for excessive dust buildup.
4. Feel the freezer section — if it's also warm, it's likely a gas or compressor issue.
5. Check the door seal for gaps or warping.

When to Call a Fridge Repair Technician in Nairobi

Call a technician immediately if:

• The fridge has been warm for more than 24 hours (food spoilage risk)
• You hear loud clicking or banging from the compressor
• You suspect a refrigerant leak
• The freezer is completely warm
• The fridge is less than 10 years old (definitely worth repairing)

RepairTech Kenya offers same-day fridge repair services in Nairobi, covering Westlands, Kilimani, Karen, Lavington, and all other estates.

Is It Worth Repairing a Fridge That's Not Cooling?

In most cases, yes. Use the "50% rule": if the repair cost is less than 50% of what a new equivalent fridge would cost, repair it. A gas refill or thermostat replacement costs a fraction of a new fridge. Even a compressor replacement — the most expensive repair — often makes financial sense if the fridge is less than 8 years old.

How to Prevent Your Fridge From Stopping Cooling

• Clean condenser coils every 6 months.
• Leave breathing room behind the fridge. Keep at least 10 cm of clearance.
• Don't overfill the fridge. Keep about 20–30% of space free.
• Check the door seal annually.
• Use a surge protector. Power surges during KPLC blackouts can damage the thermostat and control board.