Common Freezer Problems and How To Fix Them?

If your freezer switches off or faces cooling problems for a few hours, it may spoil your food. Fortunately, you can easily fix most common freezer problems without having to wait for a professional. 

Common freezer problems such as improper cooling, no defrosting, water leakage, and constant noises are often related to faulty components like the compressor, defrosting system, and thermostat. You can fix some problems through cleaning and defrosting, but others require an appliance technician. 

In this article, I’ll discuss some common freezer problems and their solutions in detail. Let’s get started!

A freezer that isn’t cooling properly is obviously not getting the job done. This is one of the most common freezer problems that people face. There’s no need to panic in such cases, as it doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the freezer. 

A freezer that’s not cooling can be fixed without much effort because it usually happens due to issues in the freezer settings. Sometimes the freezer’s temperature is not set to the right level, which is why it’s not cooling the stored food.

In more severe cases, it could have one of these causes: 

• Condenser fan or coils may be dirty or broken.
• The thermostat may be broken.
• The compressor may be faulty.

How To Fix?

Before fixing the problem, you’ll have to identify the cause. You need to check the temperature manual first to ensure that the temperature is optimal for the amount of food stored in your freezer. If not, simply adjust the temperature to the recommended settings. 

You’ll also have to adjust the cooling temperature based on weather conditions, so don’t set the freezer at a fixed temperature year-round. 

After changing the temperature setting, inspect the amount of storage in your freezer. While experts recommend filling a fridge and freezer for energy efficiency, you may have packed more than what the freezer can actually cool. If that’s true, you’ll have to remove excess food from your freezer. 

If the temperature isn’t the problem, you might be looking at a thermostat or compressor problem. If a thermostat is broken, it won’t supply voltage to the compressor. To fix these problems, you’ll have to call an appliance technician. A damaged condenser fan will also require professional assistance.

If the condenser coils are dirty or clogged, you’ll have to clean them thoroughly so that your freezer starts cooling again. 

Read: 3 Reasons Why Chest Freezer Is Not Working After Power Outage

Frosting and ice buildup are a problem because they can damage your freezer components, such as the freezer door.

If your freezer is older, then it may not have automatic defrosting technology. This means that if there is ice buildup and frost, then you’ll have to go through the hectic task of cleaning out the ice and frost manually. 

However, if your freezer is equipped with a self-defrosting feature and there is still ice or frost, that simply means the automatic system isn’t working properly.

Read: 3 Possible Reasons Why Chest Freezer Not Freezing At Top – Troubleshooting Guide

How To Fix?

The ice layer may have gotten too thick because the freezer door is left open for too long or is not closed properly. An open freezer door can increase the humidity levels leading to ice buildup. So, be sure to properly close your freezer door and inspect the strip that keeps the door airtight. 

1. If the automatic defrosting feature is not working, then turn your freezer off by disconnecting the power. 
2. Clean the ice and frost manually. 
3. Turn the freezer back on.
4. Wait a few hours, and then inspect the freezer carefully. If the frost or ice start doesn’t build up again, it’s good news because the defrosting system was not damaged. Sometimes the defrosting system doesn’t work merely because the layer of ice is too thick. 

Here’s a YouTube video on how to clean ice buildup in your freezer: 

If your freezer switches off or faces cooling problems for a few hours, it may spoil your food. Fortunately, you can easily fix most common freezer problems without having to wait for a professional. 

Common freezer problems such as improper cooling, no defrosting, water leakage, and constant noises are often related to faulty components like the compressor, defrosting system, and thermostat. You can fix some problems through cleaning and defrosting, but others require an appliance technician. 

In this article, I’ll discuss some common freezer problems and their solutions in detail. Let’s get started!

A freezer that isn’t cooling properly is obviously not getting the job done. This is one of the most common freezer problems that people face. There’s no need to panic in such cases, as it doesn’t always mean there’s something wrong with the freezer. 

A freezer that’s not cooling can be fixed without much effort because it usually happens due to issues in the freezer settings. Sometimes the freezer’s temperature is not set to the right level, which is why it’s not cooling the stored food.

In more severe cases, it could have one of these causes: 

• Condenser fan or coils may be dirty or broken.
• The thermostat may be broken.
• The compressor may be faulty.

How To Fix?

Before fixing the problem, you’ll have to identify the cause. You need to check the temperature manual first to ensure that the temperature is optimal for the amount of food stored in your freezer. If not, simply adjust the temperature to the recommended settings. 

You’ll also have to adjust the cooling temperature based on weather conditions, so don’t set the freezer at a fixed temperature year-round. 

After changing the temperature setting, inspect the amount of storage in your freezer. While experts recommend filling a fridge and freezer for energy efficiency, you may have packed more than what the freezer can actually cool. If that’s true, you’ll have to remove excess food from your freezer. 

If the temperature isn’t the problem, you might be looking at a thermostat or compressor problem. If a thermostat is broken, it won’t supply voltage to the compressor. To fix these problems, you’ll have to call an appliance technician. A damaged condenser fan will also require professional assistance.

If the condenser coils are dirty or clogged, you’ll have to clean them thoroughly so that your freezer starts cooling again. 

Read: 3 Reasons Why Chest Freezer Is Not Working After Power Outage

Frosting and ice buildup are a problem because they can damage your freezer components, such as the freezer door.

If your freezer is older, then it may not have automatic defrosting technology. This means that if there is ice buildup and frost, then you’ll have to go through the hectic task of cleaning out the ice and frost manually. 

However, if your freezer is equipped with a self-defrosting feature and there is still ice or frost, that simply means the automatic system isn’t working properly.

Read: 3 Possible Reasons Why Chest Freezer Not Freezing At Top – Troubleshooting Guide

How To Fix?

The ice layer may have gotten too thick because the freezer door is left open for too long or is not closed properly. An open freezer door can increase the humidity levels leading to ice buildup. So, be sure to properly close your freezer door and inspect the strip that keeps the door airtight. 

1. If the automatic defrosting feature is not working, then turn your freezer off by disconnecting the power. 
2. Clean the ice and frost manually. 
3. Turn the freezer back on.
4. Wait a few hours, and then inspect the freezer carefully. If the frost or ice start doesn’t build up again, it’s good news because the defrosting system was not damaged. Sometimes the defrosting system doesn’t work merely because the layer of ice is too thick. 

Here’s a YouTube video on how to clean ice buildup in your freezer: