But after a year of use, I noticed milk spoiling faster and frozen vegetables developing ice crystals. Clearly, the appliance was experiencing temperature fluctuations. At first, I thought this meant an expensive service call. But after checking resources on ManyManuals, I learned the problem often comes from small, fixable issues.

Recognizing the Symptoms

The first sign was spoiled dairy. Yogurt and milk that normally lasted several days started turning bad within 48 hours. Then I realized ice cream in the freezer was either too soft or rock hard depending on the day. These ups and downs were confusing, and my main concern was food safety.

Common symptoms of fluctuating temperatures in a fridge freezer include:

• Food spoiling faster than usual.

• Ice build-up in the freezer.

• Condensation on shelves.

• The compressor running too often or not enough.

Step 1: Checking the Thermostat Settings

The first fix was the easiest. I checked the thermostat and discovered my kids had accidentally nudged the dial when rearranging shelves. Even a small adjustment can shift the temperature by several degrees. Resetting it to the recommended 4°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer stabilized things slightly.

Step 2: Cleaning the Condenser Coils

Next, I pulled the fridge away from the wall and looked at the condenser coils. They were dusty and blocked, making it harder for the system to release heat. After unplugging the unit, I used a vacuum and soft brush to clear them. Once plugged back in, the motor didn’t need to work as hard, and the cooling cycles became smoother.

Step 3: Checking the Door Seals

I ran a simple test by closing the fridge door on a sheet of paper. If the paper pulls out easily, it means the seal isn’t tight. On my AEG FFB53600ZW, one side had a weak grip. I cleaned the seals with warm water and soap, which helped restore some stickiness. In case of persistent issues, replacing the gasket is a straightforward task.

Step 4: Avoiding Overloading the Compartments

I realized I was overfilling the freezer with frozen meats and bulk buys. When air circulation is blocked, some zones get colder while others warm up. After reorganizing and leaving space between items, airflow improved. This alone cut down the temperature swings.

Step 5: Defrosting the Freezer

Excess frost on the evaporator coils can also cause uneven cooling. My freezer wasn’t heavily frosted, but I still did a manual defrost by unplugging the appliance overnight. This cleared minor ice buildup and allowed the system to reset.

FAQs About AEG Fridge Freezer Issues

Why does my fridge temperature keep changing?
Most often, airflow is blocked, seals are loose, or thermostat settings are off.

How do I know if the compressor is the issue?
If you hear constant loud humming or the fridge stops cooling completely, it might be a compressor fault.

How often should I clean the condenser coils?
At least twice a year to maintain efficiency.

Is fluctuating temperature dangerous for food?
Yes, especially if it rises above 5°C in the fridge for long periods. Bacteria growth increases significantly.

Do I need professional service?
Only if simple fixes like cleaning coils, resetting temperatures, and sealing doors don’t work.

My Personal Repair Journey

Initially, I thought I’d need to call in a technician. But after finding a troubleshooting guide in AEG manuals, I realized many of the fixes were things I could do myself. Just cleaning the coils and adjusting how I stored food made a big difference. Within days, I noticed dairy staying fresh longer, and the freezer kept a consistent hardness in frozen items.

Long-Term Maintenance Habits

To prevent the issue from returning, I’ve adopted a routine:

• Checking thermostat settings monthly.

• Cleaning coils every six months.

• Wiping seals regularly to keep them flexible.

• Avoiding cramming food into every corner.

• Defrosting once a year even if frost levels seem low.

These simple actions keep the fridge freezer stable and efficient.

Lessons Learned

Before this experience, I thought fluctuating temperatures meant a major part failure. But in reality, many causes were preventable. Reading through guides on ManyManuals reassured me that small details like airflow and cleanliness matter as much as mechanical parts. The process saved me money and gave me confidence in maintaining my own appliances.

Now, my AEG FFB53600ZW runs smoothly, keeping both fridge and freezer sections at the right temperature. I can store fresh produce, frozen foods, and dairy without worrying about spoilage. What started as a frustrating problem turned into a valuable learning experience that made me a more confident appliance owner.