Frequently Asked Questions

about Fridges and Freezers

 

Internal temperature is not sufficiently cooled
Check that:
The door closes properly
That the thermostat setting is correct
That the refrigerator is not positioned close to heat sources
That the air can circulate freely at the rear of the appliance

Internal temperature is too low
Is the thermostat setting is correct?

Internal light does not work
Check that:

The appliance is switched on. If it is, you may need to change the bulb. Please consult your user manual for instructions.

Why is my fridge/freezer making noises?
It is not unusual to hear noises from cooling appliances, especially when the appliance is switching on or off. Normal operating noises can be caused by:
The compressor (motor) may hum whilst in operation.
On integrated appliances a fan may continually run to circulate air between the rear of the appliance and the cabinet.
Bubbling, gurgling or whirring noises may be heard as the refrigerant circulates.
Clicking will be heard as the thermostat turns the compressor on and off.
Cracking may be heard when the auto-defrost is operating or when the appliance is cooling down or warming up.
A frost-free freezer may emit a low hissing sound as the air circulates around the compartment.

You may also like to check:
Is the appliance level
Does it touch any other appliances, furniture or walls
Are any of the drawers, baskets or shelves loose which could be vibrating
Is anything stored in the fridge/freezer rattling against each other such as bottles or containers

Why is the floor of the main fridge section wet?
This could be because the condensation water drainage channel normally located at the rear of the fridge is blocked. Dry the bottom of the fridge and clean the drainage channel and the outlet hole with a cotton bud or similar item. You can avoid this problem by cleaning the drainage channel regularly.

Why are there ice/water droplets on the rear wall of my refrigerator?
It is normal to see droplets of ice or water on the rear wall of a refrigerator. Moisture accumulates and becomes drops of water which will then freeze. When the auto defrost operates the ice will melt and run down the rear wall into water drainage channel.
Make sure that nothing in the fridge touches the rear wall or they are likely to become wet.

Why is there a bad smell in my fridge?
There is nothing within the construction of a cooling appliance that can cause bad odours, and food spillage or rotting foods are normally the cause.
To remove the smells, thoroughly clean the interior of your fridge and sterilise it, first ensuring that your appliance is isolated from the mains supply.

An audible signal has sounded, what does it mean?
This is a warning that the temperature inside the appliance has increased (over-temperature alarm). This may occur if the door is left open too long or a large amount of food has been put into the appliance at once.

How can I make sure my fridge/freezer runs efficiently?
Install the appliance correctly away from heat sources or direct sunlight in a well-ventilated room. Always follow the installation instructions provided with the appliance.
Ensure you use the correct temperature settings. Very low temperature settings consume a lot of energy but will not improve or lengthen the storage life of the food, and can also spoil vegetables, cold meats and cheese.
Do not overfill the appliance. Proper food storage requires good air circulation. Overfilling prevents this and can cause your compressor to overwork using more energy.
Only leave the door open as long as necessary. Every time you open the doors you lose cold air which means that the fridge/freezer will have to work harder to restore the correct temperature.
Ensure the door shut correctly and check your door seals regularly. Keeping them clean ensures that they fit closely against the door.
Never put hot foods into your fridge. Allow food to cool to room temperature before storing.
Check for the build-up of any ice on your freezer walls. When the frost becomes too thick, defrost immediately following the instructions in your user manual.