Why is My Freezer Not Freezing? Reasons + How to Fix?
There are few things more annoying than opening your freezer and finding melted ice cream, thawing meat, or melted ice. When the freezer stops freezing, you are looking at more than just an inconvenience; it could mean ruined food, repair bills, and a race against the clock.
But do not worry just yet; the majority of refrigerator problems boil down to a few manageable issues that are easy to fix, whether it be a worn-out thermostat, blocked vents, or dirty condenser coils.
In this article, we will go over the most common causes for your freezer not freezing and provide you with simple, effective steps to get it back to working order.
Reasons Why Your Freezer Isn’t Freezing
If your freezer is experiencing any of the following issues, then you must know why:
- freezer not freezing, but fridge is cold
- deep freezer stopped working
- freezer not holding temperature
- chest freezer running but not freezing
1. Thermostat is Set Incorrectly or is Not Working
The thermostat controls the freezer’s temperature. If it’s accidentally set too high or if the thermostat sensor has failed, the freezer won’t get cold enough to freeze food properly.
How to fix?
Check your freezer’s temperature setting — it should be around 0°F (-18°C). If it’s higher, adjust it and give the freezer a few hours to stabilize. If the temperature doesn’t drop, the thermostat may be faulty and need replacement. You can test it using a multimeter or call a technician to inspect it.
2. Uncleaned or Blocked Condenser Coils
The coils that remove heat from the freezer will accumulate dust, pet hair, dirt, and other debris over time. Dirty coils can’t dissipate heat and must work harder to cool, meaning the compressor has to work harder to force air flow, thus lowering the efficiency of the cooling process.
How to fix?
Unplug the freezer, move the freezer away from the wall, and see if you can find the coils (the coils can usually be found behind or below the freezer). Use a coil brush or a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush accessory to remove dirt.
Cleaning your freezer coils every 6–12 months, depending on the amount of dirt or cats, will prevent future issues.
3. Malfunctioning Door Seal (Gasket Leak)
If the door seal isn’t tight, cold air will escape and warm, humid air will enter — making it impossible for the freezer to maintain freezing temperatures. You might even see frost buildup along the gasket.
How to fix?
Check the rubber door gasket for any visible cracks, tears, and/or dirt. Clean with warm, soapy water and ensure it is completely dry. To test the seal, close the door around a piece of paper.
If it slides out without resistance, it will need to be replaced. The new gasket is generally not expensive and can be installed at home with a few tools.
4. Blocked Air Vents or an Overloaded Freezer
Freezers need airflow between the different compartments. When vents are blocked by food or your freezer is jammed full, the cold air cannot consistently circulate, which causes warm spots and partially “dropped” frozen items.
How to fix?
Reorganize or remove excess items to allow space around the vents and walls. Do not stack items directly against the back panel, where airflow is strongest. Give at least an inch on all sides for good circulation.
5. Evaporator Fan Motor Malfunction
The evaporator fan circulates the cold air throughout the freezer from the coils. If the fan motor is defective, the evaporator coils can be cold, but the rest of the freezer compartment will not get cold enough to freeze.
How to fix?
When you check the freezer, you should listen for the fan to spin once the compressor is on after you open the door. It will not be running if you cannot hear it. If you can hear the fan, but it is making a strange sound, it may just be stuck or burned out.
Next, unplug the unit and check for ice or something blocking the fan. If the fan blades do not move freely, they will probably need to be replaced.
6. Ice or Frost on the Evaporator Coils
Excessive frost on the coils can limit their ability to absorb heat and produce proper cooling. Generally, this occurs when a defrost system malfunctions or if the freezer door is left open for an extended period of time.
How to fix?
You should manually defrost the freezer unit by unplugging it and allowing the ice to melt completely. Once the ice is gone, you can dry the inside of the freezer and plug it back in.
If frost continues to build up after being turned back on, there may be a problem with the defrost heater or defrost timer, which could be repaired or replaced by a technician.
7. Malfunctioning Compressor or Starting Relay
The compressor can be considered the heart of your freezer — it circulates refrigerant through the coils to create cold air. If it begins to fail or if the starting relay is also defective (the starting relay helps the compressor kick on), your freezer will run but not freeze properly.
How to fix?
Listen for the compressor. When it runs, you should hear it humming steadily. If you hear clicking sounds or hear no sound at all, either the starting relay or the compressor may be defective.
You can test the starting relay with a circuit multimeter, but compressor repairs will generally require a technician due to working with refrigerants.
8. Insufficient Refrigerant or Leak in the Refrigeration System
Refrigerant is the substance that absorbs and transfers heat away from your freezer, so any leaks or low levels of refrigerant will impair the refrigeration cycle of freezing.
How to fix?
Signs include weak cooling, running constantly, and hissing noises. You will have to contact a qualified technician to repair refrigerant leaks, as it is illegal and unsafe to handle your own refrigerant without the appropriate tools and training.
9. Freezer Placement and Ambient Temperature
Freezers stored in garages, basements, or hot kitchens may not be able to maintain temperature if the ambient temperature is too high or too low. Most household freezers are designed to work in ambient temperatures between 50°F (10°C) to 100°F (38°C).
How to fix?
If it is possible, change the freezer to a climate-controlled place. If it is in a garage, ensure it is not close to a heat source; if needed, consider using a dedicated garage-ready freezer made for freezers during variable temperatures.
10. Control Board Problems
Today’s freezers utilize control boards to manage temperature, defrosting cycles, and fan operation. A faulty control board may misread temperature signals and not actually freeze your food.
How to fix?
If a unit has a problem with a control board, unplugging the freezer for a few minutes can reset a bad control board. If turning the freezer back on does not fix the problem or the display shows error codes, refer to your user manual or contact a service technician. Control boards are complex pieces of equipment that typically cannot be repaired, only replaced.
Still Facing Issues? Call Appliance Medic
If you’ve done all you know to do, but your freezer is simply still not freezing, it’s time to bring in the professionals at Appliance Medic.
Our experienced, certified technicians’ expertise in refrigerators and freezer repair services, and diagnosing and repairing all manner of freezer problems, from faulty compressors to refrigerant leaks to bad control boards.
We are committed to service that is fast and reliable, with upfront pricing and genuine, legitimate parts backed to last. With Appliance Medic, you are receiving the best with the peace of mind that your appliance is in the hands of a professional.
