Fridge Repair

Fridge & Freezer

Signs Your Fridge Compressor Is Failing (Before It Fails Completely)

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The early warning signs of a failing fridge compressor — before it stops working completely — and what to do when you notice them. The compressor is the single most expensive component in a fridge to repair or replace, which makes catching a failing one early — before it fails completely — worth paying attention to. A hum that changes pitch or gets louder over time Compressors run with a fairly consistent hum when healthy. A gradual change in pitch, or a hum that becomes noticeably louder over weeks, often signals internal wear starting to develop. Clicking that repeats every few minutes A compressor that clicks on, attempts to start, and clicks off repeatedly (without successfully running) usually points to a failing start relay or capacitor — sometimes a precursor to compressor failure, sometimes a separate fixable issue. Either way, it needs diagnosis rather than being left running in this pattern. The fridge runs constantly without reaching temperature A compressor losing efficiency has to run longer to achieve the same cooling, which shows up as a unit that never seems to cycle off and still isn’t quite cold enough. The exterior near the compressor feels unusually hot Some warmth near the compressor compartment is normal, but noticeably excessive heat can indicate the compressor is working harder than it should, or overheating due to a fault. A burning smell Stop using the fridge and unplug it. A burning smell near the compressor can indicate an electrical fault and is a genuine safety concern, not just a performance issue. What to do if you notice these signs Catching compressor trouble early sometimes means the issue is actually a cheaper, related part — a start relay or capacitor — rather than the compressor itself, but only a proper diagnosis tells you which. Waiting until the compressor fails completely removes that option and usually means a full compressor replacement or, on an older unit, a decision about whether replacing the whole fridge makes more sense. Noticing any of these signs? Book a diagnosis before a manageable issue becomes a full compressor replacement.

Fridge & Freezer

Fridge Not Cooling? 7 Causes and What Each One Means

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Fridge running but not cooling? Here are the 7 most common causes, from a simple seal issue to a failing compressor, and what each one means for repair. A fridge that’s running but not actually cooling is one of the most common calls we get — and one of the most misunderstood, because “not cooling” can mean seven different things depending on what’s actually failed. 1. A door seal that’s no longer sealing Cold air escapes constantly through a worn seal, forcing the compressor to run non-stop while the internal temperature still climbs. Test it with a piece of paper in the door — if it slides out easily, the seal has failed. 2. Dirty or blocked condenser coils Coils caked in dust can’t release heat properly, which reduces cooling efficiency and strains the compressor. This is one of the easiest issues to prevent with occasional cleaning. 3. A blocked evaporator fan or vent Overpacking a fridge, or storing something against an internal vent, restricts airflow to parts of the unit — often showing up as one shelf staying warm while others cool normally. 4. Low refrigerant from a slow leak A gradual drop in cooling performance over weeks, rather than a sudden failure, often points to a refrigerant leak. This needs a technician — refrigerant handling isn’t a DIY fix. 5. A failing start relay or capacitor If the compressor hums but doesn’t kick in, or clicks on and off repeatedly, the start relay or capacitor is a likely culprit — a relatively inexpensive part, but one that needs correct diagnosis to avoid replacing the wrong component. 6. A faulty thermostat A thermostat stuck in the wrong position can leave the compressor running constantly without ever reaching target temperature, or shut it off too early. 7. Compressor failure The most serious and most costly cause — a compressor that’s worn out or has failed internally usually means the unit runs but produces little or no cooling at all, regardless of how long it’s left on. What this means for you Causes 1–3 are things you can often check yourself. Causes 4–7 need a technician with proper diagnostic tools — guessing at these risks replacing the wrong part and paying twice. See our full fridge repair guide for Kamakis and Ruiru for what to check first. Fridge not cooling and not sure which of these it is? Book a diagnosis and we’ll tell you exactly what’s wrong before any work starts. Suggested image: Technician inspecting fridge condenser coils — alt text: “Diagnosing why a fridge is not cooling in Kamakis”

Fridge & Freezer

How Much Does Fridge Repair Cost in Kenya?

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Home About Services HVAC Installation & Repair Appliance Repair Fridge & Freezer Repair Washing Machine Repair Cooker & Oven Repair Microwave Repair Water Dispenser Repair Plumbing & Water Systems Mechanical Engineering & Fabrication Corporate Branding & Signage CNC Machinery & Supplies Surveying Equipment Products Clients Blog Contact Home About Services HVAC Installation & Repair Appliance Repair Fridge & Freezer Repair Washing Machine Repair Cooker & Oven Repair Microwave Repair Water Dispenser Repair Plumbing & Water Systems Mechanical Engineering & Fabrication Corporate Branding & Signage CNC Machinery & Supplies Surveying Equipment Products Clients Blog Contact Facebook Instagram Linkedin Home / How Much Does Fridge Repair Cost in Kenya? What drives fridge repair prices in Kenya — from seal replacements to compressor repairs — and how to know if a quote is fair before work starts. Fridge repair cost in Kenya varies more than most people expect, mainly because “fridge repair” covers a wide range of faults — a door seal replacement and a compressor repair are both “fridge repair,” but they sit at very different price points. What keeps cost low Simple mechanical fixes — door seals, drain tube clogs, thermostat replacement — are generally the most affordable repairs, since parts are inexpensive and the labor time is short. What raises cost Compressor repair or replacement, refrigerant leaks requiring a regas, and electrical control board faults are the most expensive fixes, both because parts cost more and because diagnosis and labor take longer. Brand and part availability Common, widely sold brands are usually cheaper and faster to repair simply because parts are easier to source locally. Less common imported models can take longer to source parts for, which affects both cost and turnaround time. Domestic vs commercial units Commercial fridges — display units, back-of-restaurant units — typically use heavier-duty compressors and different refrigerant volumes, which affects repair cost compared to a standard household fridge. Repair vs replace For an older fridge already near the end of its typical service life, a major repair (like a compressor replacement) can approach a meaningful fraction of what a new unit costs — a straightforward technician should tell you honestly when replacement makes more sense than repair, rather than repairing every fault regardless of the fridge’s age. A fair way to evaluate a quote A reasonable repair quote should separate diagnosis, labor, and parts clearly, so you can see exactly what you’re paying for rather than a single lump sum. If a technician can’t explain what’s actually broken before quoting, that’s worth questioning. Want an honest quote based on an actual diagnosis, not a guess? Book a fridge repair visit in Kamakis or Ruiru.  

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