Your freezer is one of the best ways to preserve food. Of course, when it won’t freeze – well, that’s a big problem!
A freezer that stopped working properly causes food spoilage. It can also lead to leaks and other issues. All of this could add up to a huge hit to your finances.
In some cases, you can try troubleshooting the issue. A simple fix may get it back to working condition.
That said, not all freezer problems will be a DIY fix. Sometimes, professional repairs or a replacement may be necessary. In those cases, the right home warranty coverage can help you out.
Read on to see what else you can do when your freezer won’t freeze.
1. Is your freezer not freezing due to overpacking?
Overstuffing your freezer may lead to the unit not working as it should. Food packages can block the evaporator fan and cause the temperature to rise.
Take some time to organize and ensure no food items are blocking vents at the back of the freezer. After reorganizing, step away for a few hours before checking the temperature again.
If things have cooled down, then your problem is solved.
If not, it’s time to try something else.
2. Are your freezer’s condenser coils dirty?
A condenser removes excess heat and cools it down, then sends that cool air back to keep your freezer full of cold air. This is one of the main components of the refrigeration cycle happening inside your appliance.
If your freezer has dirty condenser coils, the condenser will need to work harder to keep things frozen. Luckily, this is an easy fix. You just need to clean the condenser coils.
Make sure to unplug your freezer and pull it out from the wall before starting. The condenser is located behind the unit, usually at the bottom. Use a brush and vacuum to remove excess dust.
After you vacuum the coils, you should notice your freezer cooling faster. Your freezer may also be quieter since the condenser won’t have to work as hard.
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3. Does your freezer have frost buildup?
Frost buildup is a surefire sign of a problem with your freezer’s temperature. If this is your issue, check the door seals. They should be snug, and you should have to put a bit of force into opening the door.
If the freezer door is loose, or if you notice cracks in the seal, you should replace the door gaskets. It’s important that everything be aligned properly, so this may be a job for a professional.
4. Is your freezer’s evaporator fan working properly?
We mentioned the evaporator fan above when we discussed overpacking your freezer. In that case, the fan was working properly, but was blocked. If the evaporator fan isn’t running smoothly or not running at all, then a repair or replacement may be needed.
There are several issues that could be the culprit when it comes to a malfunctioning evaporator fan. It could be due to a bad motor, faulty wiring, or another issue. In any case, it’s best to leave this job to a professional.
5. Is the freezer start relay malfunctioning?
The start relay is a device that starts the compressor, providing it with power. If the start relay is malfunctioning, then the compressor doesn’t work properly or sometimes doesn’t turn on at all. This will lead to your freezer not getting cold.
If your freezer affects lights or trips a circuit breaker when turning on, the start relay may be the issue. Much like with the other internal components of your freezer, call a service professional for start relay repairs.
6. Is your freezer’s thermostat not working?
A thermostat malfunction is most common with standalone freezers. If you find your freezer isn’t cold enough, this could be the issue.
To check if this is your problem, turn the thermostat to its lowest setting. After a few seconds, turn it to the highest setting. You should hear a click to indicate that the thermostat is working.
If you don’t hear the click, then you probably need a repair or replacement.
Your home warranty with Select can cover your standalone freezer! Find out what else a home warranty covers.
7. Does your freezer have a broken compressor?
This should be the last option on your freezer troubleshooting list. A broken compressor is a major malfunction that affects your freezer’s ability to freeze.
Your appliance should be making a gentle humming sound periodically. This sound is the compressor kicking on and doing its job freezing your food. Listen for at least 30 minutes. If you don’t hear a humming sound, then you probably have an issue with your freezer’s compressor.
As mentioned, this is a big issue that should be handled by a professional. In a lot of cases, replacing the freezer is the most cost-effective option.
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Keep your freezer working properly with a home warranty.
With the proper maintenance and care, a freezer can last up to 20 years. A home warranty covers repair costs and replacements for refrigerators and freezers. Select Home Warranty offers coverage for mechanical damage to your appliances through normal everyday use.
Protect your home and your wallet from costly repairs and give yourself peace of mind. Call today to learn more: 860-288-4791.
A home warranty covers repairs that homeowners insurance won’t. Find out more about homeowners insurance vs. home warranties.
