What Causes a Freezer to Stop Freezing?

Have you ever reached for ice cream only to find it melting instead of frozen? A freezer that’s not freezing properly is more than just an inconvenience—it can lead to spoiled food, wasted money, and potential health risks.

Freezers are designed to keep food at a consistently low temperature, usually around -18°C. When they stop working correctly, food can quickly become unsafe to eat. If your freezer isn’t doing its job, there are several possible reasons. Fortunately, many of these issues can be fixed with some basic troubleshooting.

Common Causes of Freezing Issues

If your freezer isn’t freezing properly, one of the following problems may be the cause:

• Dirty condenser coils – Dust and dirt can prevent the coils from releasing heat, making the freezer work harder and less efficiently.
• Blocked or frozen evaporator coils – Ice buildup on the evaporator coils can restrict airflow, reducing cooling performance.
• Faulty thermostat – A malfunctioning thermostat may prevent the freezer from reaching the right temperature.
• Malfunctioning evaporator fan – If the fan that circulates cold air inside the freezer stops working, cooling will be uneven or nonexistent.
• Compressor failure or refrigerant issues – If the compressor isn’t running or there’s a refrigerant leak, the freezer won’t be able to cool at all.

Troubleshooting and Diagnosis

Checking the Power Supply

Before looking for complex issues, start with the basics—make sure your freezer is receiving power.

What to do:

1. Check if the freezer is plugged in properly and the power cord is undamaged.
2. Test the power outlet by plugging in another device to see if it works.
3. Inspect the circuit breaker—if the freezer has tripped the breaker, reset it and see if it starts cooling again.

If the power supply isn’t the issue, move on to the next step.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils

The condenser coils (located at the back or bottom of the freezer) help release heat. If they’re covered in dust, the freezer has to work harder, leading to cooling problems.

How to clean the condenser coils:

1. Unplug the freezer for safety.
2. Locate the coils (refer to your manual if unsure).
3. Use a vacuum or coil brush to remove dust and debris.
4. Plug the freezer back in and check if cooling improves.

Inspecting the Evaporator Coils

Evaporator coils, usually located behind the freezer’s back panel, help absorb heat and keep the interior cold. If they’re covered in ice, airflow is restricted, leading to freezing issues.

How to check and fix frozen evaporator coils:

1. Look for signs of frost buildup on the freezer walls or vents.
2. Unplug the freezer and let it defrost for a few hours (or overnight).
3. Plug it back in and monitor if it returns to the correct temperature.
4. If ice keeps building up, the defrost system may be faulty, requiring further inspection.

Testing the Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can cause temperature fluctuations, preventing the freezer from staying cold.

How to test the thermostat:

1. Adjust the temperature setting to a lower level and listen for a click—this means the freezer is responding.
2. Place a thermometer inside the freezer to check if the temperature reaches -18°C.
3. If the freezer isn’t cooling properly even after adjusting the thermostat, it may need replacing.

Checking the Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan circulates cold air inside the freezer. If it’s not working, some areas may be warmer than others.

How to test the evaporator fan:

1. Listen for a humming or whirring sound—if the fan is silent, it may be faulty.
2. Open the freezer door and press the door switch—if the fan doesn’t start running, it likely needs replacing.
3. If the fan is making grinding or clicking noises, it may be obstructed or worn out.

If the fan isn’t working, replacing it may restore proper airflow and cooling.

Preventive Measures

To keep your freezer working efficiently and avoid future issues, follow these maintenance tips:

• Clean the condenser coils every six months to prevent dust buildup.
• Avoid overpacking the freezer—this ensures good airflow.
• Check the door seals regularly—a loose or damaged seal can let warm air in.
• Defrost the freezer if frost buildup exceeds 5mm.
• Keep the temperature setting at -18°C for optimal freezing performance.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your freezer still isn’t freezing after troubleshooting, you may need professional repairs. Call a technician if:

• The compressor isn’t running or is making loud noises.
• The freezer isn’t cooling even after cleaning and adjusting settings.
• There’s a refrigerant leak (signs include an oily residue near the coils).
• The evaporator or condenser fan has completely stopped working.

A professional can diagnose and repair complex issues, ensuring your freezer is restored to full functionality.

Conclusion

A freezer that stops freezing can lead to food spoilage and costly repairs if left unaddressed. However, by checking the power supply, cleaning the condenser coils, ensuring good airflow, and testing key components like the thermostat and evaporator fan, you can often fix the issue yourself.

Regular maintenance, such as cleaning coils, keeping vents clear, and checking door seals, will help prevent freezing problems and extend the life of your freezer. But if troubleshooting doesn’t solve the problem, it’s best to call a technician before the issue worsens.

By taking quick action, you can get your freezer back to keeping your food fresh and frozen as it should be.