Fridge Repair in Nairobi
How GossTech Diagnoses and Repairs a Fridge That Won’t Start
A refrigerator is one of the most essential home appliances. It preserves food, extends shelf life, and supports daily convenience. But when your fridge won’t start, it becomes a major inconvenience. At GossTech, we specialize in diagnosing and repairing non-starting fridges for households and businesses across Kenya. Whether it’s a single-door unit or a commercial-grade refrigerator, our experienced technicians can accurately identify the issue and restore your fridge to working order.
In this comprehensive guide, we will walk you through how GossTech handles fridge issues — from diagnosis to repair — and explore the common causes, solutions, and types of fridges we service.
Types of Fridges We Service at GossTech
Understanding your fridge type is crucial to identifying the right diagnosis and repair process. GossTech works with all major fridge types, including:
1. Single-Door Refrigerators
These are compact and ideal for small households. They often come with a small freezer compartment and consume less power.
2. Double-Door Refrigerators
Featuring separate doors for the fridge and freezer compartments, these are common in medium to large households. They require more complex electrical and cooling components.
3. Side-by-Side Refrigerators
These fridges offer vertical storage with separate fridge and freezer sections. They include electronic control panels, making diagnosis more detailed.
4. French Door Refrigerators
These premium fridges have two fridge doors on top and a bottom-mounted freezer. They often come with advanced features such as water dispensers, touch screens, and inverter compressors.
5. Top-Freezer and Bottom-Freezer Models
These models differ based on freezer positioning and internal design. The repair techniques vary based on where the cooling system is located.
6. Mini Fridges
Used in dorms or offices, mini fridges are compact but can suffer from compressor or thermostat failures just like larger models.
7. Commercial Refrigerators
Used in restaurants and supermarkets, these fridges have powerful compressors, digital thermostats, and often require urgent repair to avoid loss of perishable goods.
Step-by-Step Diagnosis of a Fridge That Won’t Start
At GossTech, our fridge repair process starts with a thorough diagnosis to ensure the root cause is identified before any repair is done. Here’s how we approach it:
Step 1: Initial Assessment and Customer Interview
Our technician will ask key questions:
- When did the fridge last work?
- Was there a power surge or blackout?
- Are any lights, sounds, or vibrations present?
This helps us narrow down potential causes before opening the unit.
Step 2: Power Source Verification
Many fridge failures are caused by simple power issues:
- We check the power outlet with a tester or another appliance.
- The power cord is examined for damage.
- We inspect the plug and wall socket for overheating or burn marks.
Step 3: Checking the Start Relay and Overload Protector
The start relay is critical in triggering the compressor. If faulty, the fridge won’t start:
- We remove and test the relay using a multimeter.
- If the relay is defective, we replace it with a compatible unit.
- We also test the overload protector to ensure it isn’t cutting off power to the compressor.
Step 4: Testing the Thermostat
If the thermostat is faulty, it may fail to signal the compressor to start:
- Using a multimeter, we check for continuity in the thermostat.
- If needed, we replace it with an OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) part.
Step 5: Examining the Compressor
The compressor is the heart of the fridge. If it’s dead, the fridge won’t run:
- We perform an ohm test on compressor terminals to check for shorts.
- If damaged, a compressor replacement may be required — we offer original replacements and perform the recharge with the correct refrigerant.
Step 6: Inspecting the Main Control Board
Modern fridges often rely on circuit boards:
- We visually inspect the board for burns or damaged capacitors.
- We use diagnostic tools to detect failed control chips.
- If confirmed defective, we replace the board with a manufacturer-approved one.
Step 7: Evaluating the Door Switch and Lights
Though rare, a faulty door switch can confuse the control board and prevent starting:
- We test the switch with a multimeter.
- A damaged switch is replaced.
Common Reasons Why a Fridge Won’t Start
Over the years, we’ve identified the most frequent causes behind a fridge not starting:
| Cause | Description | GossTech Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Power Surge | Damaged internal wiring or PCB | Surge-protected replacement parts |
| Faulty Relay | Overheats or fails to start the compressor | Relay replacement |
| Dead Compressor | Worn out over time or after overload | Compressor replacement |
| Thermostat Failure | Doesn’t send start signal | Thermostat replacement |
| Control Board Issues | Burnt or shorted PCB | Board diagnostic and replacement |
| Loose Wiring | Disconnected components | Wiring trace and soldering |
| Clogged Condenser Coils | Causes overheating and shutdown | Cleaning and service |
Tools and Techniques GossTech Uses
We invest in the best tools to ensure accurate diagnosis and long-lasting fridge repairs:
- Digital Multimeters – For checking voltage, continuity, and resistance
- Clamp Meters – For current testing
- Refrigerant Leak Detectors – For checking for Freon loss
- Thermal Imagers – To detect heat patterns from the compressor and control boards
- OEM Spare Parts – Sourced directly from manufacturers or trusted suppliers
Our Approach to Quality Repairs
1. Use of Genuine Parts
We only use quality-tested and compatible components that align with your fridge’s brand and model.
2. Skilled Technicians
Our team includes licensed and experienced fridge repair experts with knowledge of all major brands like LG, Samsung, Whirlpool, Ramtons, Hisense, Bruhm, Von, and Bosch.
3. On-Site or Workshop Service
We come to your home for convenient diagnosis. For advanced repairs like compressor replacement, we may take the unit to our workshop and return it fully fixed.
4. Quick Turnaround
We understand the urgency of fridge problems. Our goal is to resolve most issues within 24 hours of your call.
Areas We Serve
GossTech provides expert fridge repair services in:
- Nairobi and surrounding estates (Westlands, Kileleshwa, Karen, Embakasi)
- Thika, Kiambu, Machakos, Kitengela, Rongai
- Kisumu, Siaya, and western Kenya towns
If you’re Googling “fridge repair near me”, GossTech is your trusted partner.
Customer Tips: What to Do When Your Fridge Won’t Start
Before calling a technician, try these simple steps:
- Confirm the power cord is plugged in
- Test a different appliance in the same outlet
- Check your house’s circuit breaker
- Listen for a clicking sound (indicates relay or compressor issue)
If nothing works, it’s time to call the pros.
Why Choose GossTech?
- ✅ Over 10 years of experience
- ✅ Licensed and certified fridge repair experts
- ✅ Same-day service in most locations
- ✅ Transparent pricing
- ✅ Warranty on parts and labor
Get in Touch with GossTech Today
Don’t let a dead fridge spoil your food or your day. Whether it’s a basic diagnostic or a full-scale repair, GossTech is ready to help. Call us now or schedule a technician through our website.
📞 Phone: +254 723613664
🌐 Website: www.gosstech.co.ke
📍 Service Areas: Nairobi, Thika, Kisumu, Siaya, and more
GossTech – Keeping Your Fridge Running, Always.