Bar fridge not cooling: what is worth fixing and what is not

A bar fridge is a small fridge that does a big job in a bar, a garage, a lounge or a flat. When it stops cooling, the first question is always whether it is worth repairing. That depends on the fault, the age of the fridge and what a replacement would cost.

Check these first

• Is it plugged in, and does the socket work? Test it with a lamp.
• Has the thermostat dial been moved? Turn it up to the coldest setting.
• Is the fridge in a hot spot, in direct sun or against a heat source?
• Is there space of a few centimetres at the back and sides for air?
• Is the door closing and sealing properly?

Common causes

A thermostat that has failed

A bar fridge thermostat is inexpensive and a quick repair. If the fridge hums but the cabinet never gets cold, or it never switches on, the thermostat is a likely culprit.

A start relay or overload

A fridge that clicks and does not start, or starts and stops, usually has a worn start relay or overload protector. These are cheap parts and the fridge is otherwise fine.

A dirty condenser

Dust blocks the coil and stops the fridge getting rid of heat. Cleaning it is free, if you do it yourself.

A leaking door seal

A bar fridge that is opened constantly wears its seals quickly. If the seal is perished, it lets warm air in and the fridge cannot keep up.

A gas leak or a failed compressor

If the compressor runs but the cabinet stays warm, the sealed system may be losing gas, or the compressor may have failed. These are the expensive faults. On a cheap bar fridge, they often cost more than the fridge is worth.

Repair or replace?

• A thermostat, relay, fan or seal is usually worth repairing.
• A gas leak or a failed compressor on a small, cheap, old bar fridge is often not worth it.
• On a larger, good-quality bar or display fridge, even a compressor can be worth replacing.
• If the repair costs more than around half of a comparable new fridge, think hard before you spend it.

What it costs

We diagnose first and tell you the fault and the cost before we start. Call-out fees start from R250 and depend on your area. Minor repairs typically cost between R350 and R950. Major repairs start from R1,250. If your fridge is not worth repairing, we will tell you so, and we also buy and sell used fridges.

We repair bar fridges, bottle coolers and beverage coolers for homes and businesses across Durban. Call us with the make and what the fridge is doing.