Is your freezer not cold enough? Some freezer issues can be resolved by rearranging the frozen items, while other causes may require a closer look.
If your freezer struggles to stay cold for too long, you run the risk of not only spoiling food but also possibly reducing the lifespan of the appliance. When something goes wrong with your freezer’s cooling system, the problem should be fixed right away. Some freezer problems can be resolved on your own or with the help of a professional while others can signal that it’s time for an appliance upgrade. Before you schedule a service call, learn how to troubleshoot these common causes that keep your freezer from freezing.
9 POTENTIAL CAUSES OF A FREEZER NOT GETTING COLD ENOUGH
Whether you have a chest or upright freezer,or refrigerator freezer combination, there may be a few reasons why your freezer is cold but not freezing. A freezer may not be cold enough due to user error, such as packing in too much food or not properly closing the door. However, sometimes parts to your freezer wear out over time and may affect your appliance’s freezing capabilities. Some parts are simple to install as DIY fixes, but others need professional help.
Always check your freezer’s Use and Care Guide for model-specific troubleshooting instructions.
The following potential causes may help you determine why your freezer isn’t freezing:
1. OVERPACKING
If your freezer is not working, the first thing to check is if the shelves are packed too tightly. Overstuffed freezers can cause an airflow blockage, especially when the evaporator fan is blocked. If your freezer is not cold enough, try clearing off your freezer shelves. By clearing and reorganizing food, and getting rid of items possibly forgotten in the back of the freezer, you can make sure the evaporator fan has proper airflow. If you find your freezer is consistently overpacked, you may benefit froma Maytag® Deep Freezer for a surplus of frozen foods and bulky items.
2. FROST BUILDUP
Excess frost buildup on the walls of your freezer can congest the vents and coils that keep your freezer functioning. If it’s not working, you can defrost your freezer tomelt buildup to help your freezer maintain its proper temperature. Keep in mind that most modern freezers have auto defrost, so if you have frost buildup, it may indicate a bigger issue. You might need to consult a service professional for further evaluation.
3. DIRTY CONDENSER COILS
If you have a refrigerator freezer combination that isn’t freezing, dirty condenser coils may be the cause. When coils aren’t maintained properly, it can reduce the cooling capacity of your freezer.To clean the condenser coils, you can vacuum the coils with a crevice attachment.
If you have an upright or chest freezer, the coils are in the walls of the freezer and are likely not the cause of your appliance’s malfunction. Be sure to check your Use and Care Guide for model-specific maintenance recommendations.
4. MALFUNCTIONING START RELAY
Your freezer’s start relay provides power to the compressor. If the relay malfunctions, the compressor can’t run and your freezer will begin to thaw. Listen for the routine humming of the compressor as it starts the cooling process. If you don’t hear the humming kick-start within 30 minutes, there may be an issue with the start relay. Check your product manual for a proper diagnosis or schedule a service technician.
5. BROKEN EVAPORATOR FAN MOTOR
Your freezer’s evaporator fan motor keeps cold air circulating throughout your appliance. A malfunction of this motor stops your freezer’s cooling function. Depending on the model of your freezer, the evaporator fan motor shuts off when the door is open. To check the function of the motor, open your freezer door and manually hold down the freezer door switch. If the motor does not begin to run, it may need to be replacedby a professional.
6. DEFECTIVE FREEZER THERMOSTAT
If your chest freezer is not freezing, you may want to inspect its thermostat. Typically, most modern refrigerators and freezers have an electronic control and use temperature sensing devices to regulate the temperature. Your chest freezer’s thermostat is the control hub of the inner mechanisms necessary to regulate your appliance’s temperature. It controls the compressor, the evaporator fan motor and the condenser fan motor. When there’s a problem with a chest freezer’s thermostat, those parts are unable to do their job in keeping the freezer cold. To determine if the thermostat is the cause of a freezer not getting cold enough, change the thermostat from the lowest to the highest setting and listen for a click. If you don’t hear a click, then it likely needs to be replacedby a professional.
7. WORN CONDENSER FAN MOTOR
If your freezer is not cold, the problem may be caused by a broken condenser fan motor. The condenser fan draws cool air through the condenser and over your freezer’s coils. If this fan is broken, your freezer’s inner temperature will rise, and the compressor will overheat. Since it can be tricky to access the condenser fan, it is best to consult a professional to check if the fan blades are turning properly and determine if the condenser fan motor is worn out.
8. FREEZER DOOR IS NOT PROPERLY SEALING SHUT
Your freezer door gasket is what keeps the warm air of your home locked out and the cool air of your freezer locked in. If the door is not sealing completely shut every time you close it, that cool air will leak out and your freezer’s temperature will rise. To check if your freezer door is sealing properly, place a piece of paper flat against the gasket and close the freezer door. Then, tug at the paper. If there is little to no resistance to pulling the piece of paper free from the door, the seals are likely loose and need to be replaced. Be sure to test multiple areas along the seal. In newer freezer models, there are no tools necessary to replace the gasket. Typically these freezers have wrap around gaskets or gaskets that can simply be pushed into place. If your freezer is an older model, the gasket is probably attached with screws and replacing it requires a few extra steps.
9. BROKEN FREEZER COMPRESSOR
If you’ve checked all the other components of your freezer formalfunctions and you still haven’t found the root of the problem, the source may be the compressor. The easiest way to diagnose a problem with your freezer’s compressor is by listening for its routine humming sound. Pay attention to your freezer for at least 30 minutes. If the humming sound doesn’t kick in within that time, the compressor may not be working correctly. Schedule a visit with a technician for more help.
FREEZER NOT FREEZING: TROUBLESHOOTING FAQS
Whether it’s your refrigerator freezer combination or a deep freezer not getting cold enough, the following information may help you figure out the source of the problem and possible ways to address it.
WHAT COULD CAUSE MY REFRIGERATOR AND FREEZER TO STOP COOLING?
There can be various reasons why your freezer and refrigerator stopped cooling.Be sure to check the electrical outlet, thermostat and airflow around vents. Cooling problems can also be caused by dust on condenser coils, faulty gaskets, clearance space around the refrigerator, a broken or stuck condenser fan or a faulty circuit board.
WHY IS MY REFRIGERATOR WORKING, BUT MY FREEZER IS NOT FREEZING?
Dirty condenser coils can reduce your freezer’s cooling capacity and may be the reason why your refrigerator is working but your freezer is struggling. You can vacuum the coils with a crevice attachment to help remove dust and clean condenser coils.
WHY IS MY FREEZER ONLY FREEZING AT THE BOTTOM OR AT THE TOP?
If your freezer is overcrowded with frozen food, it may be blocking the evaporator fan and hindering the circulation of proper airflow. This can cause fluctuations in freezer temperature. Clear your freezer shelves and reorganize items to see if this resolves the issue.
WHY IS MY FREEZER FREEZING EVERYTHING BUT ICE CREAM?
For a freezer that seems to be freezing meat and other items but not ice cream, the temperature may be too warm. Your thermostat should be set at 0ºF (-18ºC) or within -1ºF- 1ºF. If you have a deep freezer in a garage, check that it’sa garage ready freezer so it can better withstand fluctuations in outdoor temps.
DOES YOUR FREEZER NEED REPAIRING OR REPLACING?
If your freezer stops working properly and is consistently too warm or too cold, it’s probably an issue that needs to be investigated. Although some freezer problems can be quickly diagnosed and resolved, they may also be an indicator that your appliance needs to be replaced. Refrigerators and freezers can last anywhere between 10 to 15 years, and problems found at the end of your appliance's lifespan may be a sign that it is time to make an upgrade. Maytag brand offers a variety oof refrigerators and freezers to help you make the best choice for your household needs.
EXPLORE MAYTAG® REFRIGERATORS AND FREEZERS
You can trust Maytag® refrigerators to deliver dependable performance day after day. Shop select models with features like PowerCold® and a soft freeze bin, so your favorite ice cream stays at the perfect, scoopable temperature. Whether you’re looking for a refrigerator freezer combination or a deep freezer, Maytag brand can help you provide the ideal storage environment to preserve leftovers, frozen meals, snacks and desserts. Learn more about deep freezer sizes that can be the right fit for your home.
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