As an appliance expert, I have encountered numerous cases of freezers not freezing. It can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem, especially when you have a freezer full of food that is at risk of spoiling. However, before you panic and call for professional help, there are some simple troubleshooting steps you can take to fix the issue yourself. The first thing to check is the temperature setting of your freezer. Make sure it is set to the appropriate temperature for freezing.
If the setting is correct, then the problem may lie in malfunctioning internal components. One common culprit is a faulty evaporator fan. This fan is responsible for circulating air in the freezer, and if it is not working properly, it can lead to ice buildup on the fan blades, preventing proper air circulation. To fix this, unplug the refrigerator and clean the fan blades. If you notice a bent blade, it will need to be replaced. Another potential issue is a malfunctioning thermostat.
Freezers rely on accurate temperature readings from the thermostat to maintain the desired temperature. If the thermostat is transmitting incorrect information, such as a lower temperature than what is actually maintained by the appliance, it can cause the freezer to stop freezing. To check if this is the problem, place another thermometer inside the freezer and compare its reading to the thermostat reading. Dirty condenser coils or a broken fan motor can also cause underfreezing in a freezer. It is important to regularly clean the condenser coils and ensure that there is enough space for air to circulate around them.
A broken fan motor will need to be replaced. For optimal performance, a freezer's thermostat should be set to zero degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). This ensures that your frozen foods stay frozen and ready to eat at a moment's notice. However, if your freezer does not have automatic defrost, it is important to manually defrost it following the recommendations in the owner's manual. One common issue that many people overlook is the placement of objects inside the freezer. If an object is protruding and holding the door ajar, it can cause precious cold air to escape, leading to underfreezing.
Make sure there is enough space for the evaporator fan to circulate air throughout the freezer. If you find that your freezer has stopped working and you do not have appliance insurance, the first step is to diagnose the problem. Start by checking if the condenser coils need to be cleaned. Detach the freezer from the wall and use a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or dirt from the coils. While a freezer may seem like a simple appliance, it is made up of various parts that need to work together for it to function properly. If one part malfunctions, it can affect the entire system.
However, not all issues require total repair or replacement. If your freezer is leaking water or has an excessive accumulation of ice inside, it is likely due to a clogged or frozen defrost drain. This can be easily fixed by cleaning out the drain. In fact, many problems related to a malfunctioning freezer can be solved with simple troubleshooting steps. Figuring out what is causing your freezer to stop freezing is the first step in solving the issue and saving your freezer (and your budget). By following these troubleshooting tips, you can fix many common problems yourself and avoid costly repairs or replacements. If you find that your freezer is cold but not frozen, start by testing the freezer door.
Some models have internal condenser coils that are not susceptible to dust and dirt buildup, while others have external coils that may need to be cleaned regularly.