Why Is My Freezer Not Working?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Causes: If your freezer won’t freeze, most likely the

condenser coils are dirty

which reduces the overall cooling capacity of the freezer. Evaporator fan motor is malfunctioning, and since it’s in charge of circulating the air throughout the freezer, this will need to be resolved, pronto.

Why is refrigerator working but freezer not freezing?

If you have a combination refrigerator-freezer that isn’t freezing, a very common cause is

dirty condenser coils

. When coils aren’t maintained properly, it reduces the cooling capacity of your freezer. To clean the condenser coils you can vacuum the coils with a crevice attachment.

How do you reset a freezer?

Why is my freezer not getting cold?

Use a combination of evaporator brush, damp cloth, and vacuum to clean – and do it carefully.

When condenser coils are too dirty, they cannot disperse heat efficiently

. That is why even if the compressor motor is running, your freezer is not able to maintain freezing cold temperatures to preserve your food.

How do you tell if your freezer is broken?

  1. It’s Not Cold Enough. Are you not feeling a chill when you open your fridge? …
  2. Your Food is Spoiling Quickly. …
  3. There’s Condensation. …
  4. Ice Is Building Up in the Freezer. …
  5. The Motor is Hot. …
  6. It’s Loud. …
  7. There’s Water on Your Floor.

How do I clean my freezer coils?

Why does my garage freezer not work in the winter?

If your garage temperature dips below freezing,

the thermostat inside the garage refrigerator’s freezer may think it’s cold enough and shut off

. To work around this issue, you need to heat the air around the thermostat. One way is to install a heating coil around the thermostat.

Can you reset a freezer by unplugging it?

Unplug your refrigerator


Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet

. You may hear some whooshing or knocking noises after you do so; that’s normal. Make sure your fridge stays unplugged for several minutes, otherwise the reset won’t work.

Is there a reset button on a freezer?


The reset button on your Frigidaire Freezer is likely on the inside

. When you’re resetting your Frigidaire freezer, unplug it from the wall for 15 to 20 minutes and then plug it back in. Next, hold down the alarm reset button for three seconds and then press the down arrow three times and the up arrow once.

Does a freezer have a reset button?

Does a chest freezer have a reset button?

Most chest freezers do not reset automatically

. That is why they have reset buttons, which are set back ON after a power outage.

How long should a freezer last?

On average, the life expectancy of a refrigerator-freezer or chest freezer is 16 years. Freezers typically last anywhere from

12 to 20 years

. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances.

How do you test if your freezer is working?

If your freezer works perfectly,

the object should remain on top of the ice

. If the freezer stops running over a longer period of time, suggesting a possible malfunction, the ice will melt. Your object will be enclosed in the ice – or even drop to the bottom of the container.

Can a freezer be too cold?

Can your freezer be too cold?

You can set your freezer temperature too low

. A too-cold freezer shouldn’t negatively affect your food, but it could raise your electricity bill. Lower temps matter most when you’re adding new food, since fast freezing helps reduce texture and taste changes.

Where are the coils on a freezer?

Condenser coils are located

on the back of the fridge or across the bottom

. These coils cool and condense the refrigerant. When the coils are clogged with dirt and dust, they can’t efficiently release heat.

How much does it cost to clean fridge coils?

Is Cleaning Refrigerator Coils Worth the Cost? The cost of cleaning refrigerator coils costs $0, as you probably already have all the tools you need. If you don’t, the price will bump to

around $70

.

Can Dirty coils affect cooling in a refrigerator?


When coils are dirty with dust or pet hair, the refrigeration process is hindered, which can prevent the appliance from cooling properly and efficiently

.

At what temperature does a freezer stop working?

When temperatures fall

below 60 degrees

, the compressor will not operate long enough to maintain low storage temperatures in the freezer compartment. This is because the fresh-food compartment contains the primary sensor, which is quickly satisfied at low ambient temperature.

Will a freezer work in a cold garage?

If it’s too cold and the compressor shuts off, your food could thaw. But not every part of the country experiences such temperature extremes. And

if your garage is insulated and climate-controlled, it’s fine to put a freezer there

. You just want to make sure the space is dry.

Can you keep a freezer in an unheated garage in the winter?


Most standard freezers are not designed to be used in extreme weather conditions like an unheated garage

. In extremely hot conditions, freezers have to work extra hard to keep items frozen. In cold temperatures below freezing, freezers can shut off. This article from Consumer Reports explains it pretty perfectly.

Can you unplug and replug a fridge?

Waiting Before Use. Finally, if you do unplug your refrigerator, you should know that

it will not be ready for use immediately after you plug it back in

. The appliance needs time to cool once more to be effective. Most refrigerator manuals advise you to wait at least 8 to 12 hours before it’s safe to use again.

Can I unplug my fridge for 5 minutes?

This usually happens due to the pressure that gets accumulated. When you do this there is a huge risk of damaging your compressor as it is at the center of the refrigeration cycle and a very essential part of the fridge. So when you unplug it

its best to keep it that way for at least 15-20 mins before re-plugging

.

Sophia Kim
Author
Sophia Kim
Sophia Kim is a food writer with a passion for cooking and entertaining. She has worked in various restaurants and catering companies, and has written for several food publications. Sophia's expertise in cooking and entertaining will help you create memorable meals and events.