Why Is My Freezer Not Freezing? 10 Reasons + What To Do Next

When your freezer is not freezing, the food you’re storing can suffer and spoil. Some causes may be simple, like crowding items or dirty condenser coils, and other causes may require professional repair, like a broken evaporator fan.

To avoid losing your frozen meats, veggies, and leftovers to the thaw, check out these troubleshooting tips to help keep your freezer at the ideal temperature.

Reasons your freezer isn’t freezing may include:

1. Crowding items
2. Frost buildup
3. Dirty condenser coils
4. Malfunctioning evaporator fan
5. Broken start relay
6. Defective electronic controls
7. Faulty defrost temperature sensor
8. Worn condenser fan
9. Seal issues
10. Broken compressor

1. Crowding Items

One common issue of a freezer not freezing is overcrowding items. When your freezer is packed too tightly, cold air can’t circulate properly. This can lead to uneven temperatures and, in severe cases, complete failure to freeze.

How to fix it: Start by removing excess items to give your freezer some breathing room. If the issue persists, call a Mr. Appliance^® service professional to troubleshoot further.

2. Frost Buildup

Frost buildup is another common reason your freezer may not be working efficiently. Over time, frost can accumulate on the freezer’s coils, hindering its ability to maintain cold temperatures.

How to fix it: Manually defrost your freezer by following these steps:

1. Move your food into a cooler.
2. Lay down towels around the freezer.
3. Unplug the freezer.
4. Let it defrost.
5. Clean and dry the freezer.

3. Dirty Condenser Coils

These coils are the main part of the cooling capacity in your freezer. When they get blocked or dirty, they lose effectiveness. Your condenser coils look like a series of coiled metal tubing, sometimes behind a metal mesh or a grate.

How to fix it: Luckily, cleaning the coils can usually fix the problem. If accessible, they should be on the back of your freezer or underneath it. behind the cover at the back of your freezer.

4. Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan

You need a functioning evaporator fan to circulate cool air to everything in the freezer. A broken motor can bring up the temperature in your appliance. The fan is located behind the back cover of your freezer, likely above or next to the evaporator coils.

How to fix it: A malfunctioning evaporator fan is a complex issue that typically requires professional repair or replacement. Consult an appliance professional to diagnose and fix the problem.

5. Broken Start Relay

The compressor moves the refrigerant through the freezer's warming and cooling functions, and the start relay powers the compressor. A broken relay can cause the whole system to shut down. Your appliance may be making a clicking sound while running if this is the case.

How to fix it: This requires professional freezer part replacement, as it’s a complex electrical issue. DIY repair could lead to electrical shock or further damage to the appliance.

6. Defective Electronic Controls

Modern freezers rely on complex electronic control boards to regulate temperature and monitor various functions. If you can’t find a problem with any of the freezer parts, the freezer may not be receiving power.

How to fix it: Check your freezer’s settings to make sure “demo mode” is off. If the light doesn’t come on when you open the freezer door, check the outlet by plugging in something like a lamp or hairdryer. If the outlet and settings are fine, the electronic controls may have gone bad. In this case, reach out to your local Mr Appliance for an experienced Service Professional to come to your home.

7. Faulty Defrost Temperature Sensor

When the temperature sensor stops working, the freezer can’t tell how cold or warm it is. If the freezer temperature is set correctly and you don’t see excessive frost that could be blocking airflow, the temperature sensor likely needs to be replaced.

How to fix it: Because this is a complex electrical system, it’s best to have a professional repair or replace the sensor.

8. Worn Condenser Fan Motor

The condenser fan motor plays a crucial role in cooling the refrigerant, which is essential for efficient freezing. Over time, this motor can wear out, leading to a freezer that struggles to maintain temperature.

How to fix it: While it’s possible to replace a condenser fan motor, it’s a complex task that’s best left in the hands of a professional.

9. Seal Issues

A damaged or worn-out door seal can compromise your freezer's insulation, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to escape. This can significantly impact the freezer’s ability to maintain cold temperatures.

How to fix it: You can visually inspect the seal for damage, but replacing a damaged seal is not as simple. Call a professional for replacement help if you find damage.

10. Broken Freezer Compressor

The compressor is the heart of your freezer, responsible for circulating refrigerant and maintaining cold temperatures. A broken compressor can render your freezer completely inoperable.

How to fix it: Replacing a broken compressor is a major repair. It also may be more cost-effective to replace the entire freezer. A service professional can help determine the best course of action for your situation and perform the repair if needed.

Additional Freezer Troubleshooting Tips

If you don’t want to contact a professional right away, there are a few more checks you can run on your freezer first.

Depending on what’s wrong, some troubleshooting steps can be dangerous if you aren’t trained, so take precautions before proceeding (e.g., unplug the unit!) and contact an expert when troubleshooting goes beyond your expertise and comfort level.

• The freezer’s not working, but the fridge is: If your fridge is cold but your freezer is warm, you know that the whole appliance isn’t broken. A part of the freezer is to blame for the malfunction. Try troubleshooting the problem in this order:

1. Double-check your freezer settings.
2. Clean your condenser coils.
3. Check if the evaporator fan runs by opening the door, then holding down the door switch to trick the freezer into thinking it’s shut.

• Freezer has power but isn’t running: Especially if your freezer is new, make sure all the demo settings are off and your freezer is set to run as normal. If the fridge has power, the problem may lie in your freezer’s electronic systems.

• Chest freezer not freezing: Chest freezers often stop working for the same reasons that standing freezers do. Check the settings, compressor, condenser coils, evaporator fan, defrost temperature sensor, and power supply for issues as you would in an upright freezer. You’ll also need to check the lid gasket to ensure it seals properly when closed. If part of the seal is broken or weak, you’ll need to replace the whole gasket.

Trust Mr. Appliance for Freezer Repair

A freezer not freezing isn’t only an inconvenience but can also be costly when your food continues to spoil.

Whether you think you’ve found the problem or you’re still stumped, the most efficient next step is scheduling professional freezer repair to confirm the issue and fix it fast.

Your local Mr. Appliance has the parts and expertise to fix your faulty freezer so you can store your frozen foods safely. Schedule an appointment online today.

This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.

Freezer Not Freezing FAQ

Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your appliance-related questions.

Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about freezers not freezing.

How Can You Tell If Your Freezer Is Broken?

If your freezer isn’t maintaining its set temperature or not freezing items at all, it’s likely broken. Unusual noises, excessive frost buildup, or a malfunctioning display panel can also indicate a problem.

Why Is My Ice Cream Not Freezing in My Freezer But Everything Else Is?

Ice cream is more sensitive to temperature fluctuations than other frozen foods. If your freezer isn’t maintaining a consistently low temperature, it may not be cold enough to keep ice cream frozen. Call a professional to help troubleshoot the problem.

How Do I Reset My Freezer?

Most modern freezers don’t require a reset. If your freezer has a digital display, try turning it off and on again. For more complex issues, consult your owner’s manual or a service professional.

How Do You Fix a Freezer That’s Not Freezing?

To fix a freezer that’s not freezing, you’ll need to identify the root cause. Common issues include frost buildup, a faulty temperature sensor, or a broken compressor. For accurate diagnosis and repair, it’s recommended to hire a service professional.