Fridge freezer not cooling properly (Samsung, Bosch & LG)
✅ Safe to check yourself
This is a common, low-risk check most people can do safely. Always unplug the appliance (or isolate power) before touching internal parts.
Quick TipTake a photo of the appliance's model/serial number sticker now — you'll want it if this does end up needing a part or an engineer.
A fridge freezer that’s running (you can hear the compressor) but not getting cold enough is one of the most common calls, and often fixable in minutes rather than needing an engineer.
What to check first
- Check the door seals on both fridge and freezer close fully and grip a piece of paper firmly when shut (slide a sheet of paper in, close the door, and try to pull it out — it should resist) — a perished or dirty seal lets warm air in constantly and is a very common cause.
- Check nothing is blocking the door from closing fully, including items pushed too far forward on shelves.
- Check the thermostat/temperature dial hasn’t been knocked to a warmer setting — fridges should typically run around 3–5°C and freezers around -18°C.
- Clear the vents at the back inside the fridge compartment (usually behind the salad drawers) — these must not be blocked by food packets pushed against them, as this restricts the cold air circulation from the freezer/cooling unit into the fridge.
- Check there’s clear space behind and above the appliance for ventilation — pushing a fridge freezer flush against a wall or into a tight cupboard with no airflow around the condenser coils/vents makes it work harder and cool less effectively.
- Avoid overloading the fridge/freezer — packed shelves block air circulating around the contents, even though the appliance itself is working normally.
When to call an engineer
If seals, vents, thermostat and loading are all fine and it’s still not reaching temperature, especially if you also notice the compressor running constantly, becoming unusually loud, or not running at all, that points to a refrigerant or compressor fault, which needs a qualified appliance engineer — refrigerant gas handling is regulated and isn’t a DIY job.