The only function of your freezer is to freeze, and if it is unable to do it, there’s something wrong with it. The issue could be with its door gasket that lets the cool air escape or the condenser that is not releasing heat into the surrounding air of the kitchen.

Whatever the reason is, if you do not fix the problem, it will only increase the electricity bill and give you no real benefit. So, to help you understand the problem of why your freezer is not freezing, this article breaks down the most common causes and what you can do to fix them by yourself.

A glimpse: If your freezer isn’t freezing, the following could be reasons and their simple DIY solutions to fix any problem quickly:

Common Reasons Why Your Freezer Is Not Cooling & Their Solutions

It can be the issue with the evaporator fan or compressor, causing your freezer to not maintain proper freezing inside. So, here are some common issues and their DIY solutions.

1. Thermistor Detecting Wrong Temperature

A thermistor is a small semiconductor that is used in your freezer to monitor the internal temperature. If it detects high temperature, it sends a signal to the control board to activate the compressor.

However, if the thermistor fails to read the temperature accurately, it may send incorrect signals to the control board. In some cases, it can trigger the compressor even when the freezer is already cold enough. This miscommunication can disturb the cooling cycle and lead to a situation where the freezer does not maintain proper freezing conditions.

DIY Solution:

Here’s the DIY fix for this problem.

• Unplug your freezer before trying anything.
• The thermistor is usually located near the evaporator coil in the back panel of the freezer.
• Unplug the thermistor, and if it is damaged or broken, replace it with a new one from the same company.
• Put it back in the box from where you picked it, close the back panel, and plug in your freezer to test it.

A new thermistor will start detecting the exact temperature inside your freezer and only signal the thermostat to activate compressors when the temperature rises above the settled one.

Cost: The price of a new thermistor is usually around $20 to $50. You can also get cheaper ones at $5 to $10, but they will also fail after some time.

2. Start Relay Not Sending Signal to Compressor

In your freezer, the compressor is what cools down the temperature and sustains it, but it is also linked with a small electrical component that signals the motor to start winding. That component is the start relay. If it’s unable to send a proper signal to the compressor to move or run intermittently, this could be the reason why your freezer is not cooling.

DIY Solution:

If your start relay component is burnt out due to unstable electrical supply or overheating, the only option is to replace it with a new one. But before that, check if there’s a detached wire in the start relay.

Here are the steps to follow:

1. Unplug your freezer.
2. You will need a screwdriver and a pair of pliers to open the back panel of the freezer.
3. Use the screwdriver to remove the bolts, and you will see the compressor.
4. Next to the compressor will be a plastic box, and that’s your start relay.
5. Inside the start relay you will see some wires. Take a picture of them so you know which color wire goes where later.
6. If it’s burnt out, replace it. But if a wire is disconnected, then simply connect it back and test before you close the back panel.

Cost: If only a wire has been detached, it doesn’t demand a single dime or professional help. But if the start relay component is damaged, a new branded one would cost between $10 to $25.

3. Evaporator Fan is Blocked or Broken

The evaporator fan is what circulates the cool air in the freezer and keeps the temperature to its limit. In modern deep freezers, the evaporator fan is located inside the compartment, usually mounted on a bracket.

If you have overloaded the freezer with too many items or there’s a lot of ice buildup, it can block the movement of air inside the freezer. But if it’s not blocked, then the evaporator coil or fan blades are broken, preventing it from moving the cool air in the freezer.

DIY Solution:

Here’s how you can inspect the evaporator fan and see if it is blocked or broken:

1. Start by opening the freezer door, and you will hear the fan blowing sound. This indicates the evaporator fan is working. But if you hear nothing, that means the fan is broken.
2. Now, unplug the freezer and empty it.
3. Use a screwdriver to remove the rear panel of your freezer, and if you see a lot of frosted ice there, this is what is preventing your evaporator fan from spinning.
4. But if you see a broken fan blade, then you need to replace the fan with a new one.

Follow these DIY steps to clean any blockage and make your freezer start freezing again.

Cost: Replacing the broken evaporator fan costs from $25 to $40. 

4. Door Gasket is Defective

The door gasket is what prevents cold air from escaping from the freezer. If your door gasket is torn or damaged, it would cause consistent air leakage from your freezer and increase the temperature. When this happens, your thermistor will signal the thermostat to activate the compressor to cool down the temperature.

DIY Solution:

To fix this issue, here’s what you can do:

1. Inspect the door gasket for any visible cracks or tears. If you see hardened spots, consider replacing the door gasket with a new one.
2. The other way to inspect is to use a paper. Place the paper against the frame of your freezer and close the door. If it slides out easily, this means your gasket is loose.
3. If the rubber is dented, then you can fix it with a hairdryer. The warm air will soften the gasket, and you will be able to bring it back into shape.

These simple DIY tricks can fix the problem of the freezer not freezing without getting professional help.

Cost: A new door gasket for your freezer would cost around $13 to $100, depending on the quality. This does not include the cost of a freezer repair technician if you wish to hire one to do the job for you. 

5. Condenser Not Releasing Heat Properly

The condenser performs a pivotal role in a freezer by releasing heat from the inside into the surrounding kitchen air. Its job isn’t to create cooling but to remove heat from within the unit.

In modern freezers, the condenser is usually located at the bottom, where it can easily collect dust and dirt. When this buildup occurs, it disrupts the cooling cycle and can even lead to frost accumulation. 

As a result, when the compressor keeps sensing high temperatures in the freezer, it remains active to maintain the desired cooling level. This extra pressure can overheat the compressor and lead to complete freezer failure.

DIY Solution:

Follow these simple DIY steps to resolve the problem:

1. Turn off any power source to your freezer.
2. Locate the condenser (at the back or bottom) by pulling the freezer slightly away from the wall.
3. You will see a panel at the back of the freezer. Remove the bolts, and inside the panel, you will see the condenser.
4. Use a brush to clean any visible dirt on your condenser or vacuum cleaner to suck up the dust.
5. You have to make sure the air is properly flowing through the condenser, and nothing is blocking the way.
6. Power on the freezer and it will start freezing again.

Cost: Fixing the condenser on your own doesn’t cost anything. But if you don’t have a vacuum cleaner, renting one would be around $25 to $60 per day. In case you have to get a new condenser, it would cost $120 to $400, and fitting it would require a professional freezer repair technician, costing you an extra $80 to $150. 

Call MTV Appliance Repair for Professional Help

Still unable to figure out the problem of why your freezer is not freezing? Time to call MTV Appliance Repair for quick and professional help. Our expert technicians can understand the problem instantly, see the defective component, and fix it efficiently so your freezer can start cooling again.

Normally, this fix would cost you around $80 to $200, depending on the brand model, problem, and parts that need to be replaced. Because parts of certain models are a little more expensive than others.

Final Thoughts

Let’s conclude this article here.

In summary, your freezer not freezing properly is usually caused by a few common and fixable issues. It could be a faulty thermistor, blocked airflow, defective door gasket, or worn-out components. This article explains common reasons along with simple DIY steps to restore proper cooling without expert assistance. However, if the problem persists or involves complex parts like the compressor or condenser, it’s best to get help from an expert freezer repair technician.