If your fridge is not cooling as expected, is running more frequently, or feels warmer than usual, this does not always indicate a fault.
Several factors can affect cooling performance, including warm weather, restricted ventilation, ice buildup, frequent door openings, and the temperature of items placed inside.
Follow the checks below before contacting Subcold Customer Service.
Fridge Performance During Warm Weather
During warmer weather, a fridge must work harder to maintain its internal temperature.
You may notice:
The compressor running for longer periods
The compressor switching on more frequently
Slight variations in the displayed or measured temperature
The sides or outer casing feeling warmer than usual
The appliance taking longer to cool newly added items
This can be normal, particularly if the room temperature is high or the fridge is exposed to direct sunlight.
Check the Fridge Location
Position the fridge in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Keep it away from:
Direct sunlight
Radiators
Cookers and ovens
Boilers
Other appliances that produce heat
Enclosed cupboards or confined spaces
Exposure to external heat can increase compressor running times and reduce cooling efficiency.
Allow Adequate Ventilation
The appliance must have sufficient space around it so that heat can escape.
Where applicable, maintain a minimum clearance of approximately 6 cm around the sides, top, and rear of the fridge, unless the product manual specifies a different distance.
Do not:
Push the fridge tightly against a wall
Cover ventilation openings
Enclose a freestanding fridge inside a cupboard
Place objects directly against the sides or rear
Block any front ventilation grilles
Restricted airflow can cause the compressor to run continuously, increase the exterior temperature, and reduce cooling performance.
Warm Sides or Exterior Casing
It can be normal for the sides or outer casing of the fridge to feel warm.
Heat is released through parts of the appliance during normal operation. This also helps reduce condensation forming on the outside of the cabinet.
The casing may feel warmer when:
The weather is hot
The appliance has recently been switched on
A large number of room-temperature items have been added
The door has been opened frequently
The compressor is running for an extended period
Important Safety Warning
Do not touch the compressor at the rear of the appliance. It may become very hot during normal operation.
Check the Thermostat Setting
Confirm that the thermostat is set to a suitable position.
For initial testing, set the thermostat to the middle setting unless your product manual advises otherwise.
A setting that is too low may not provide sufficient cooling, while the coldest setting may cause excessive frost and longer compressor operation.
After changing the thermostat, allow the fridge several hours to stabilise before assessing the result.
Temperature Fluctuations
Small temperature fluctuations are normal.
The internal air temperature can change when:
The door is opened
Room-temperature drinks or food are added
The compressor switches on or off
The surrounding room temperature changes
The temperature of liquids changes more slowly than the surrounding air. For this reason, a brief rise in air temperature does not necessarily mean the stored drinks are too warm.
For a more accurate reading:
Place a suitable fridge thermometer near the back of the middle shelf.
Keep the door closed as much as possible.
Allow the thermometer several hours to stabilise.
Avoid measuring immediately after opening the door or adding warm items.
Check for Internal Frost or Ice Buildup
Excessive frost or ice on the evaporator can reduce cooling performance and restrict internal air circulation.
To fully defrost the fridge:
Switch off and unplug the appliance.
Remove all contents.
Place towels or a suitable container inside to collect melting water.
Leave the door open.
Allow the fridge to defrost naturally for 24 hours.
Do not scrape or chip the ice with knives, screwdrivers, or other sharp objects.
Wipe the interior completely dry.
Check that all frost has cleared from the front and rear of the evaporator.
Reconnect the fridge and set the thermostat to the middle setting.
Allow the appliance to cool before restocking it.
Regular defrosting may be required on models that are not completely frost-free.
Check the Door Seal
Make sure the door closes fully and that the seal makes contact with the fridge frame on all sides.
Check for:
Bottles or shelves obstructing the door
Dirt or residue on the seal
Gaps between the seal and cabinet
A twisted or damaged seal
A fridge that is not level
Warm air entering through a poor seal can lead to:
Increased frost buildup
Longer compressor running times
Temperature fluctuations
Reduced cooling performance
Clean the seal with warm water and a soft cloth, then dry it thoroughly.
Check the Power Supply
If the fridge is not operating, confirm that it is receiving power.
Check that:
The plug is securely connected.
The wall socket is switched on.
The socket works with another appliance.
The circuit has not tripped.
The plug fuse is intact.
The power cable is not damaged.
Where a replacement plug fuse is required, use the rating specified for the appliance. For many UK appliances this may be a 13-amp fuse, but always check the plug, rating label, or product manual before replacing it.
Avoid using overloaded extension leads or multi-socket adaptors.
Listen for Operating Sounds
When the fridge is switched on, listen for signs of operation.
Normal sounds may include:
Humming
Clicking
Gentle vibration
Refrigerant flowing or bubbling
The compressor starting and stopping
If the appliance is completely silent and is not cooling, there may be a power supply, thermostat, control, or compressor issue.
Repeated clicking without the compressor starting may also require further investigation.
Reduce Door Openings
Frequent or prolonged door openings allow warm air into the appliance.
To improve performance:
Open the door only when necessary.
Avoid leaving it open while arranging items.
Decide what you need before opening the door.
Make sure the door closes fully after use.
Avoid Adding Large Quantities of Warm Items
Adding many room-temperature or warm items at once will temporarily increase the temperature inside the fridge.
For quicker cooling:
Use pre-chilled drinks where possible.
Add items gradually.
Leave space between items for air circulation.
Avoid overloading the fridge.
Allow several hours for newly added items to cool.
Information Needed for Further Support
If the fridge still does not cool correctly after completing the checks above, contact Subcold Customer Service and provide the following information:
Is the appliance receiving power consistently?
Have there been any interruptions to the power supply?
Can you hear clicking, humming, or other operating sounds?
Is the appliance completely silent?
What position is the thermostat currently set to?
What temperature is being measured inside the fridge?
Where and how was the temperature measured?
Is there any frost or ice buildup?
What ventilation clearance is available around the appliance?
What is the room temperature?
Is the fridge positioned near sunlight or a heat source?
Does the door close and seal correctly?
What is the model number?
What is the serial number shown on the label at the rear?
What is the order number or proof of purchase?
Photographs of the fridge location, ventilation space, thermostat setting, evaporator, door seal, and serial number label may also help with diagnosis.
When to Switch Off the Appliance
Switch off and unplug the fridge immediately if you notice:
A burning or electrical smell
Smoke
Visible electrical damage
A damaged plug or power cable
Loud grinding or repeated abnormal clicking
Excessive heat from the plug or socket
Refrigerant or oily residue leaking from the appliance
Do not attempt to dismantle or repair electrical or refrigeration components yourself.
Completing these checks will help determine whether the issue is caused by the installation, ventilation, thermostat setting, frost buildup, ambient temperature, power supply, or an appliance fault.Fridge Not Cooling Properly: Troubleshooting Guide
If your fridge is not cooling as expected, is running more frequently, or feels warmer than usual, this does not always indicate a fault.
Several factors can affect cooling performance, including warm weather, restricted ventilation, ice buildup, frequent door openings, and the temperature of items placed inside.
Follow the checks below before contacting Subcold Customer Service.