A freezer not freezing can quickly go from a minor inconvenience to a serious problem, leading to spoiled food and unnecessary expenses. If your freezer has stopped doing its job and feels more like a refrigerator, you’re in the right place.
This guide covers the most common causes, easy DIY solutions, more advanced issues, and when it’s best to call a professional for help.
Common Symptoms of a Freezer Not Freezing
Is the freezer not cold enough? Be aware of the signs that it’s not working properly, so you can detect them in time.
Food Is Not Frozen or Is Thawing
When food you’ve left in the freezer for a long time still hasn’t frozen (whether it’s “soft” ice cream or “sweaty” frozen healthy snacks), that means the temperature is higher than it should be.
Freezer Feels Warm Inside
If the temperature feels more like that of a fridge, check the thermostat and try using a thermometer. Anything warmer than negative 17.8°C (0°F) or lower likely indicates a malfunction.
Ice Buildup or Lack of Even Frost Distribution
If your freezer is freezing up too much, the defrost system might not be working properly, causing airflow issues. On the other hand, if there’s no frost at all, it could be due to blocked refrigerant lines, a room temperature that’s too low, or a worn-out compressor or fan motor.
Strange Noises or Complete Silence
Under normal operation, your freezer should produce a low hum and gentle whirring sound. Is there no sound at all, or is it making loud clicking, buzzing, or screeching noises? There’s likely an issue that needs attention.
Frost Buildup on the Wall or Door
It’s normal to have a thin layer of frost condensed on the freezer walls. However, if a thick layer of frost starts building up, warm air is probably getting in from somewhere. Either the door isn’t sealing properly, or there’s a defrost failure issue.
A Quick Troubleshooting Checklist for a Freezer Not Freezing
Before immediately calling a repair technician, check out a few simple things first to help you save time and money:
- Is the freezer plugged in? During deep cleaning or rearranging, the plug may have been accidentally disconnected.
- Is the freezer temperature set correctly? The thermostat should be set to 0°F (-17.8°C) or lower.
- Is the door sealing properly? If you’re wondering “Why is the refrigerator working but the freezer not freezing?”, a poor seal might let in some warm air, disrupt cooling, and cause frost buildup.
- Is the freezer overloaded? Overpacking the freezer with leftovers from healthy dinner ideas or other food items can block airflow and hinder the freezing process.
- Did you leave the freezer open? If you accidentally forget to close the door, the freezer might let out cool air if you leave it open for an extended period.
Possible Causes and Fixes
Is your freezer still not working properly even after simple troubleshooting? Some issues may be handled by DIY fixes, while the more complex ones are best left to the professionals.
1. Power Issues
Maybe you’re wondering, “Why is my Samsung freezer not freezing enough?” Check the power supply, from the plug and outlet to the circuit breaker.
Inspect the entire power cord for any signs of damage or disconnection, and see if a tripped breaker might have cut off the power supply.
2. Thermostat or Temperature Control Problems
The thermostat is a device that monitors the internal temperature and sends signals to the compressor to turn on or off. If there’s an issue with the thermostat, the compressor might not receive a signal at all to initiate cooling in the freezer.
Read the manual for your specific model, particularly the section about the thermostat, to double-check if it’s working properly.
3. Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils release heat from the unit, and over time, they can get dirty by trapping dust and debris. This forces the freezer to work harder and gradually reduces its efficiency. So, make sure to clean them around once or twice a year, using either a vacuum cleaner or a dust brush.
4. Evaporator Fan Issues
The evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the freezer compartment. When it gets damaged, it can be the main culprit behind why your freezer is not freezing.
You might hear noise or clicking, or you might hear nothing at all. When you open the freezer compartment, if the evaporator fan motor doesn’t start running, it could be jammed or frozen.
In case there’s ice buildup, try removing and cleaning the fan blades after unplugging and defrosting your freezer.
5. Frosted or Blocked Evaporator Coils
Sometimes the evaporator coils can become covered with frost or ice, which blocks the circulation of cold air. This is most commonly considered a defrost system failure.
In case this is the reason why your freezer is not getting cold enough, a temporary fix is to unplug the freezer and let it defrost for 24-48 hours.
6. Compressor or Start Relay Problems
Signs that either the start relay or compressor might be the culprit include: loud humming, clicking sounds without the compressor kicking in or the freezer constantly running but failing to get cold.
If the compressor is the problem (which is a rather expensive part), it’s probably worth considering purchasing an entirely new appliance.
7. Low Refrigerant or Sealed System Leak
Are you wondering why your freezer is not freezing but the fridge is cold? This is one of the rarer reasons behind it.
If the cooling level is low due to a leak in the sealed system, don’t expect the freezer to work… no matter what. Keep in mind that this isn’t a DIY-friendly issue; just call a technician. For older freezers, this kind of problem usually isn’t even worth fixing.
When To Call a Professional
There comes a point when DIY practices no longer work. Here are some signs that it’s time to call a freezer repair professional (a.k.a. a certified appliance repair technician):
- The compressor is hot and not running (making clicking or ticking sounds)
- A thick layer of frost builds up shortly after defrosting
- The evaporator fan doesn’t spin or make any noise
- You notice leaks, hear loud buzzing, or smell something burning
- You suspect a refrigerant issue or a sealed system leak
Pro tip: If your appliance is still under home warranty, don’t waste time wondering why your freezer is cold but not freezing. Call the manufacturer’s customer support team, explain the issue, and save yourself the headache once and for all.
Preventive Maintenance Tips
To avoid getting to the point where you’re asking why your freezer is freezing up, make sure to follow these maintenance tips:
- Clean the coils and inspect the door seals regularly. Make it a habit every 6 to 12 months.
- Keep your freezer full, but not overstuffed. Give it space to “breathe,” as overpacking the compartment can strain the system, leading to breakdowns.
- Avoid blocking the ventilation. Always leave some space near the vent area. This will allow cold air to circulate freely and prevent trapped air that can warm the whole compartment.
- Check the temperature regularly. Make sure it’s set to 0°F (-17.8°C). If you own one of the newer freezer models with the option to digitally lock the temperature, use it!
Expert Insights
According to the Home Depot blog, the most common reasons behind a freezer not freezing are the thermistor, control board, and dirty condenser coils [1]. What’s more, there’s an option to input your freezer model number to help you discover the issue’s source more accurately.
In r/Appliances, there’s a Reddit thread titled “Refrigerator running fine, freezer not freezing”, where user u/MrSmock receives several helpful responses from others who faced the same problem. One standout comment comes from u/sryiatethelastwaffle, who recommends checking the evaporator coil as a way to pinpoint the issue [2].
Similarly, on Quora, in response to a comparable question, Samantha Servail explains that several causes could be at play, including: a refrigerator defrost problem, dirty condenser coils, or a low refrigerant charge [3].
FAQs on Freezer Not Freezing
Still got more questions on why your freezer is cold but not freezing? Maybe we answered some of them below!How Do You Fix a Freezer That Is Not Freezing?
Start with the basic checks, and later on, continue with the second-level inspections. If none of these seem to be the issue, contact a professional.
Can a Freezer Stop Working, But the Fridge Still Works?
Yes, it happens (and quite often). Many refrigerators come with a deep freezer compartment that shares the same cooling system but distributes cold air differently. If there’s an issue with the evaporator fan, damper, or defrost system, it’s common for the refrigerator to work just fine while the freezer ends up blocked.
Why Is My Frigidaire Freezer Not Freezing?
Try resetting the freezer by unplugging it for about 5 minutes and then plugging it back in. Set the temperature setpoint to 0°F (position #3 or #4 on the dial). In case there is no improvement within the first couple of hours, then there could be an issue with the control board or the temperature sensor.
How Do I Know if My Freezer Compressor Is Working?
If the compressor is working normally, you’ll hear a low humming sound, which means it is capable of bringing the temperature to the freezing point. If it starts clicking or making screeching noises or if there’s no sound at all, there’s likely a problem.
What Is the Most Common Freezer Problem?
Finding it hard to store your diet plan meals due to freezer troubles? The most common issues that cause problems with freezers are blocked airflow due to overloading or frost buildup. If everything else is fine, these issues are easily fixable.
Why Is My LG Freezer Not Freezing?
If your LG freezer is not freezing, the most typical issues are: a faulty water line, an old water filter, a warm freezer, and so on. Addressing these problems makes it possible for you to freeze food and even allows breast milk storage.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve recently encountered the problem of a freezer not freezing, it can definitely cause a headache.
But, the good news is that everyday freezer problems (like incorrect settings, dirty coils, or a blocked vent) are easy to resolve on your own. Just be aware that there are a few major problems that can only be handled by a professional.
If you’re dealing with strange noises, thawed food, or a completely silent appliance that isn’t doing its job, you now have the most important tips and tricks to guide you toward a simple solution!