Many issues related to a freezer not freezing can be remedied through simple troubleshooting. First, ensure that it has the power and that the temperature settings are correct. Then clear out any obstructions like food or ice from the air vents, clean the door seals, and vacuum the condenser coils located underneath or at the back of the unit. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, the problem could be a more serious mechanical failure, such as a faulty evaporator fan, thermostat, or start relay, which may require a professional technician.

Freezer Trouble? Creative Solutions to Keep Your Food Frozen

Have you just discovered the softened ice cream and soggy, thawed vegetables in your freezer – a chilling dampness hung in the air despite the freezer running? A freezer not freezing is a major inconvenience that can ruin your day and disrupt household routines. Homeowners feel frustrated and anxious due to concerns about spoiled food, unexpected costs for repairs or replacement, and the inconvenience of a broken appliance. Storing food in a broken freezer puts your family at risk; a well-maintained freezer ensures food safety and quality. However, common troubleshooting issues may help you avoid a service call.

Did you know?Cooling problems can be caused by dust on the condenser coils, faulty gaskets, clearance space around the refrigerator, a broken or stuck condenser fan, or a faulty circuit board.

Here is your survival guide for the steps to take when your freezer turns into a refrigerator.

Check for Power

Make sure the freezer is plugged in properly and that its circuit breaker hasn’t tripped. Maybe your start relay isn’t giving enough power to the compressor. Unplug your refrigerator and then unplug the start relay from the compressor. If you hear a rattling sound on shaking it, it’s time to replace it, which will require professional repair assistance.

Check if Your Freezer is Overloaded

Make sure the freezer contents aren’t preventing the cold air from reaching everywhere. Rearrange the items blocking the fans’ airflow and remove anything blocking the air vents. Avoid keeping bits tightly stacked to allow the cold air to circulate all around.

Adjust temperature Settings

Verify that the freezer is set to the correct coldest temperature setting. A freezer not freezing properly could be due to the temperature being set too high. Adjust the thermostat to keep food completely frozen.

Fast factYour thermostat should be set at 0ºF (-18ºC) or within -1ºF to 1ºF.

Clean the Dirty Condenser Coils

Unplug the freezer and locate and clean the dust and debris from the condenser coil using a vacuum and a crevice attachment or a coil cleaning brush. The coils are responsible for condensing your refrigerant. Heat is trapped in the dirty coils, preventing your freezer from doing its job. 

Clean the Door Seals

Inspect the door seals for damage and clean them with a mild detergent and warm water to ensure they create a tight seal. Loose gaskets could be letting the cool air escape. Buy a gasket for your freezer model and call a professional to replace it.

Eliminate Excess Frost Buildup

Accumulated frost in the freezer compartment can block the vents, reducing efficiency. Most freezers today have auto-defrost features. If yours doesn’t have this feature, manually defrost it. Unplug the freezer and let it defrost. Move your food to a cooler. Clean and dry it before turning it on. If your freezer is accumulating ice too quickly, have it evaluated by a professional.

Conclusion

A freezer not freezing could spell trouble for homeowners. Make sure the airways are open and all vents and fans are clear to ensure optimal flow and temperature regulation. Keep the freezer clean and neatly stacked. Regularly check the condenser coils for dirt buildup. Eliminate the worn or leaky door seals to ensure optimal internal temperatures. Take precautions before checking your freezer, and don’t hesitate to contact the professional services if troubleshooting goes beyond your expertise and comfort level. 

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