Why Your Freezer Is Not Freezing: 8 Potential Causes & Solutions

1. Freezer Is Overloaded

If your freezer isn’t keeping things frozen or your ice cream feels more like a milkshake, take a moment to check how everything is arranged inside. Sometimes, the solution is as simple as moving or removing items that block the fan and prevent proper air circulation.

Next Steps

To keep your freezer working at its best, avoid stuffing it to the brim. Sometimes all it takes is clearing out those old, frost-covered leftovers to give the remaining food space to chill properly. Leave gaps between items, so cold air can move freely, and try not to push food all the way to the back wall. Good airflow inside the freezer is crucial for keeping everything fully frozen, rather than just cool.

2. Thermostat Is Set Too High

In a home where the thermostat seems to get regular attention—whether intentional or accidental—it’s not unusual for appliance settings to be changed without notice. One common reason a freezer fails to keep things frozen is that its temperature is set too warm. For best results, aim for 0°F, which ensures food stays fully frozen. Turning it lower than that won’t improve preservation and can dry out food, affect taste, and push up your energy costs.

Next Steps

Freezers come with a variety of thermostat styles. Some modern designs feature a digital display where you can set the exact temperature, while others use a basic dial labeled with settings like “cold” and “coldest.” Find the control—often positioned at the back of the appliance, though your manual will confirm the location—and adjust it to reach the proper freezing level.

3. Seals Are Loose

The rubber seal around your freezer door might be letting cold air leak if it’s not fitting tightly. There’s a quick way to check.

1. Open the freezer door.
2. Place a regular sheet of paper between the door and the seal.
3. Close the door.
   If the paper holds firmly, the seal is likely fine. But if it slides out easily, the gasket may need replacing. Even if it stays put, give it a gentle pull—if it comes free without much resistance, that’s another sign of a loose seal. Try this test in several spots around the door to be sure.

Next Steps

If the seal turns out to be the culprit, you’ll need to get a gasket that matches your freezer’s make and model. These usually cost anywhere from $60 to $140. Swapping it out is a straightforward task for most DIYers, but if you’d rather skip the tools, a handyman can handle the replacement quickly.

4. Coils Are Dirty

Over time, dust and grime can build up on your freezer’s coils. These coils help release heat from the refrigerant, and when they’re coated in debris, the trapped heat makes it harder for the freezer to maintain the right temperature.

Next Steps

To find out if dirty coils are behind your freezer troubles, start by unplugging the appliance and moving it away from the wall. Look for the coils, usually positioned along the bottom. If they’re dusty, use a vacuum with a coil-cleaning brush attachment to clear them off. Once cleaned, push the unit back into place and plug it in again. This simple maintenance step can sometimes restore proper cooling, and doing it every six to twelve months helps keep the problem from returning.

5. Too Much Ice in Freezer

If your freezer resembles a mini glacier, it’s probably overdue for a defrost. Excess ice inside can block coils and vents, reducing efficiency. Spotting a layer of ice crystals is a clear sign it’s time for action. Giving your freezer a full defrost at least once a year helps it run smoothly and extends its lifespan.

Next Steps

Removing built-up ice can also unblock a defrost drain if it’s frozen over. For a thorough approach, move your frozen items to another location, unplug the freezer, let all the ice melt completely, and then wipe up any water that collects.

6. Bad Start Relay

The start relay in your freezer is part of the compressor system and helps prevent overload by managing the compressor’s operation. To test it, first unplug the freezer, then disconnect the relay from the compressor. If shaking the relay produces a rattling sound, it indicates that the relay needs to be replaced.

Next Steps

Changing a start relay is fairly straightforward, but you’ll want to be certain it’s the cause before replacing it to avoid unnecessary expense. If you’re not experienced, it’s wise to consult a professional SD Appliance Repair technician.
If the relay passes the shake test, and you’re comfortable working safely, you can take it off and use a handheld voltage tester to check the terminals. Always exercise caution, and only attempt this if you’re confident in handling electrical components.

7. Problem With the Evaporator Fan

Inside your freezer, you might occasionally hear a fan running—this is the evaporator fan, responsible for moving cold air evenly throughout the compartment.
If the fan isn’t working correctly, temperatures can become uneven, leaving some areas too warm and causing food, like ice cream, to soften. A failing fan can also create unusual noises or vibrations and contribute to heavy frost or ice buildup on shelves and walls, which is often why your freezer seems to be frosting over.

Next Steps

To inspect the fan, first unplug your freezer and temporarily move most of the frozen items to a cooler. Locate the back panel inside the freezer and remove any shelves or obstructions. Take out the screws or clips securing the panel to reveal the fan.
If you notice ice on the fan blades, clear it away and see if that resolves issues like uneven cooling or unusual noise. Without ice, the fan should turn freely by hand. You can also check the motor using a multimeter. If the fan doesn’t spin or the readings are off, the fan likely needs replacing instead of repairing.
Having a professional handle freezer or refrigerator repairs usually costs between $240 and $340, slightly above the typical appliance repair range of $140 to $290.

8. Broken Compressor

A faulty compressor is often the main reason a freezer fails to maintain proper cooling.
If left unaddressed, it can lead to spoiled food and higher energy bills, and eventually, the freezer may stop working entirely. While a damaged compressor usually can’t be repaired, it can be replaced. The price for a replacement compressor generally falls between $140 and $540 for the part itself.

Next Steps

Replacing a freezer compressor is a complicated task that involves working with the appliance’s electrical components, so it’s best to call a professional SD Appliance Repair technician. Labor usually costs around $190, bringing the total replacement expense to roughly $290–$690.

Why Is My Refrigerator Working, but Not the Freezer?

Even though a refrigerator-freezer combo is a single appliance, the fridge and freezer sections operate independently. That means your freezer might stop freezing while the refrigerator continues to work normally. This can happen for several reasons:
Overstuffed freezer: Packing in too many items can block airflow, forcing the evaporator fan to work harder and possibly wear out. Clearing out old food or reorganizing the contents can help restore proper circulation.
Malfunctioning components: Each section has its cooling parts, like condenser coils, the evaporator fan, or the start relay. A problem with any of these in the freezer can prevent it from freezing, even if the fridge section is fine.
Thermostat issues: The freezer’s thermostat may be broken or accidentally set too high, stopping it from reaching the correct temperature.
Faulty door seal: A worn or damaged gasket can allow cold air to escape, preventing the freezer door from closing tightly and maintaining the proper temperature.