What Causes a Burning Smell in Fridges?

A burning smell coming from your refrigerator is more than just unpleasant — it could signal a potential electrical issue or internal malfunction. If you’re in Dubai and have noticed such a smell in your fridge, it’s essential not to ignore it. Prompt attention can prevent further damage, save you money, and even protect your household from possible hazards like electrical fires.

In this article, we’ll break down what causes a burning smell in fridges, how to recognize the warning signs, when to call a technician, and what steps Imran Khan Technical Services can take to solve the issue — quickly and affordably.

Common Fridge Issues That Lead to a Burning Smell

A refrigerator should never produce a burning odor. When it does, it’s usually one of the following problems:

1. Burnt Electrical Wiring

Over time, the electrical components of a fridge can wear out or overheat. If wiring insulation melts, it gives off a distinct burnt plastic smell. This is a red flag that something is short-circuiting inside your appliance.

2. Faulty Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator. If it’s overheating or malfunctioning, it may emit a hot, metallic smell — especially if it’s struggling to start or stay cool.

3. Motor Issues

The evaporator fan motor or condenser fan motor can burn out or become clogged with debris, causing overheating and a strong burning odor from the back of the fridge.

4. Defrost Heater Malfunction

Most modern fridges have a defrost heater to prevent ice buildup. If this component fails or overheats, it can create a hot smell and even scorch nearby plastic parts.

5. Shorted Thermostat or Control Board

A malfunctioning control board or thermostat might lead to overloading certain components, triggering overheating and burning smells.

If you detect any of these smells, you should unplug your fridge immediately and avoid further use until it’s been professionally inspected.

Signs That Your Fridge Needs Immediate Repair

Don’t just rely on smell alone. Here are a few additional warning signs that your fridge may be in trouble:

Humming or buzzing combined with the smell
Fridge not cooling properly
Sudden shutdowns or tripping circuit breakers
Heat coming from unusual areas (like the sides or bottom)
Melted insulation or visible black marks inside or behind the fridge

These signs often accompany serious internal faults that require a certified refrigerator repair service in Dubai.

When to Call a Professional Technician

If the burning smell persists for more than a few minutes or returns after cleaning, it’s best not to take risks.

Here’s when to call a technician:

You hear strange noises or notice fluctuating temperatures
The smell becomes stronger when the fridge turns on
There’s visible smoke, sparks, or discoloration
Your fridge starts to leak or trip the electrical breaker

These signs indicate that DIY fixes may not be safe or effective. Instead, contact a local specialist for same-day fridge repair to assess and repair the problem before it worsens.

How Imran Khan Technical Services Can Help

At Imran Khan Technical Services, we understand how important your refrigerator is — especially in Dubai’s heat. That’s why we offer 24/7 fridge repair services across all areas of Dubai.

Why Choose Us?

Expert Diagnosis

Our technicians quickly pinpoint the source of the burning smell using professional-grade tools and years of experience.

Same-Day Fridge Repair

We offer same-day service to ensure you’re not left without cooling — especially critical for preserving food and medicine.

Certified Technicians

Our skilled team handles all major fridge brands and models, providing long-term solutions instead of quick patches.

Genuine Parts Only

If parts need replacing (e.g., fan motor, wiring, compressor), we use authentic components to ensure durability and safety.

Transparent Pricing

No surprises — we provide clear quotes before work begins, so you always know what to expect.

Whether you’re located in Al Satwa, Downtown Dubai, JVC, Marina, or Deira, we’re just one call away when you search for “appliance repair near me Dubai.”

Estimated Repair Costs in Dubai

While costs vary depending on the severity of the problem, here’s a rough breakdown for common fridge repairs in Dubai:

Repair Type Estimated Cost (AED)

Fan motor replacement 150 – 250 AED

Compressor repair/replacement 400 – 900 AED

Electrical rewiring 200 – 350 AED

Defrost system repair 150 – 300 AED

Control board issues 300 – 700 AED

Note: These prices include parts and labor for most standard fridge models.

Preventive Tips to Avoid Burning Smells in the Future

To avoid unexpected breakdowns and burning odors in your fridge, follow these simple maintenance practices:

Don’t overload your fridge, as it strains the compressor
Vacuum the coils behind or underneath the fridge every 3–6 months
Ensure good ventilation around the fridge — leave space behind it
Check power cords and sockets regularly for wear or damage
Book annual servicing with a trusted company to catch issues early

Staying proactive can help you extend your fridge’s lifespan and prevent expensive repairs.

Final Thoughts

A burning smell coming from your refrigerator should never be ignored. It’s a clear sign that something’s wrong — whether it’s wiring, the compressor, or another internal component. Acting quickly can protect your appliance, save you from more costly issues, and ensure your home remains safe.

That’s why Imran Khan Technical Services offers fast, reliable, and affordable fridge repair in Dubai. Our team is always ready to respond — no matter the time or location.

Need urgent fridge repair in Dubai?

Contact Imran Khan Technical Services at +971 55 991 5623 – We’re available 24/7!

We’re your go-to partner for refrigerator repair service, same-day fridge repair, and trusted appliance repair near me solutions across Dubai.

Fridge Repair Cost Calculator – Dubai

Estimate your fridge repair cost in seconds. Select options below:

❄️ Fridge Type:
Single Door Double Door Side-by-Side Built-in Fridge

🛠️ Issue Type:
Not Cooling Leaking Water Compressor Issue Door Seal Problem Making Noise

📍 Location in Dubai:
Nearby (within 10km) Mid-distance (10–25km) Far (25km+)

function calculateFridgeCost() { var type = parseInt(document.getElementById(“fridgeType”).value); var issue = parseInt(document.getElementById(“issueType”).value); var location = parseInt(document.getElementById(“locationCharge”).value); var total = type + issue + location; document.getElementById(“result”).innerHTML = “💰 Estimated Repair Cost: AED ” + total + ” to AED ” + (total + 50) + “
📞 For exact quote, call +971 55 991 5623″; }

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