Why Is Refrigerator Working but Freezer Not Freezing?

Why Is Your Freezer Not Freezing While the Fridge Stays Cold? Opening the freezer only to find your ice cream melting or frozen foods turning soft can be frustrating. The refrigerator seems fine, but the freezer is not freezing. What’s going on?

A malfunctioning freezer isn’t just an inconvenience—it can lead to wasted groceries, spoiled food, and even higher electricity bills. When a freezer struggles to maintain its temperature, the fridge often works harder to compensate, using more energy and putting extra strain on the appliance.

Before calling a repair service, a few simple checks might help pinpoint the problem. Blocked air vents, a failing fan, or frost buildup could be behind the issue. Some fixes are easy, while others require professional help. Knowing the difference can save time and money.

How Your Fridge and Freezer Keep Things Cold

If the freezer is not freezing but the fridge is still cold, it might seem confusing. Both sections rely on the same cooling system, so why would one work while the other doesn’t?

Refrigerators use a special liquid called refrigerant to absorb heat and keep things cool. The compressor pushes this refrigerant through coils, where it changes from a liquid to a gas, releasing heat and cycling back to repeat the process. This is how both the fridge and freezer stay cold.

The freezer depends on evaporator coils and a fan to circulate cold air. If the coils get covered in frost, or the fan stops working, the freezer won’t reach the right temperature. In some models, air from the freezer also helps cool the fridge, so if something blocks airflow, the fridge might stay cold while the freezer struggles.

A blocked vent, a broken thermostat, or dirty coils can all lead to cooling problems. The good news? Some of these issues are easy to fix. Knowing how your appliance works makes it easier to figure out what’s wrong and what steps to take next.

Why Your Freezer Is Not Freezing: Common Causes and Fixes

When the fridge seems fine but the freezer is not freezing, there’s always a reason behind it. Sometimes, it’s an easy fix, like a blocked vent. Other times, it might mean a part needs replacing. Below are the most common issues that can cause this frustrating problem—along with simple troubleshooting steps to get your freezer working again.

1. Blocked Air Vents

Cold air needs to move freely for a freezer to work properly. If vents get blocked, the airflow gets restricted, and temperatures start to rise.

Signs of Blocked Vents:

• The freezer feels cool, but food isn’t freezing solid.
• Some areas inside the freezer are colder than others.
• Ice cream stays soft while other frozen items seem fine.

How to Fix It:

First, check for large food items pressed up against the vents. Overpacked freezers can block airflow, preventing cold air from circulating. Rearrange items and make sure there’s space for air to move around. If frost buildup is covering the vents, defrosting the freezer might solve the issue.

2. Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan is what keeps cold air moving between the fridge and freezer. If it stops working, the fridge will still stay cool, but the freezer is not freezing.

Signs of a Bad Fan:

• The fridge is cold, but the freezer is much warmer.
• You hear a clicking or buzzing noise from inside the freezer.
• No sound at all when the freezer door is open (the fan should normally be running).

How to Fix It:

Unplug the refrigerator and locate the evaporator fan, usually behind the back panel inside the freezer. Try spinning it manually—if it doesn’t move freely, it’s likely faulty and needs to be replaced. A technician can handle this if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.

3. Frost Buildup on Evaporator Coils

Too much frost on the evaporator coils can prevent cold air from circulating properly. When this happens, the freezer is not freezing like it should.

Signs of Frost Buildup:

• Ice forms inside the freezer, especially near the vents.
• The freezer feels cold, but food isn’t freezing completely.
• Water pools at the bottom of the fridge or freezer.

How to Fix It:

Manually defrost the freezer by unplugging it and letting it sit for several hours. If the frost keeps coming back, a faulty defrost heater or thermostat might be the issue. In that case, a repair professional should take a look.

4. Faulty Thermostat

The thermostat controls the temperature inside the fridge and freezer. If it’s not working right, the freezer won’t get cold enough.

Signs of a Bad Thermostat:

• The freezer temperature fluctuates without reason.
• Adjusting the temperature settings doesn’t make a difference.
• The fridge runs constantly or turns off unexpectedly.

How to Fix It:

Try adjusting the thermostat to a colder setting. If the freezer still doesn’t freeze, test the thermostat by turning it up and listening for a clicking sound. No click? It’s likely broken and needs replacement.

5. Clogged or Malfunctioning Condenser Coils

Condenser coils release heat from the refrigerator. When they get covered in dust and dirt, the system has to work harder, which can affect cooling in the freezer.

Signs of Dirty or Bad Condenser Coils:

• The fridge and freezer both feel warmer than usual.
• The back of the fridge feels hotter than normal.
• The compressor runs constantly.

How to Fix It:

Pull the fridge away from the wall and inspect the coils (usually found at the back or bottom). If they look dusty, unplug the fridge and clean them using a vacuum or coil brush. A deep clean every six months helps keep them working efficiently.

6. Defective Start Relay or Compressor Issues

The compressor is the heart of the fridge’s cooling system. If the start relay or compressor isn’t working right, the freezer won’t stay cold.

Signs of a Start Relay or Compressor Problem:

• The fridge makes clicking noises every few minutes.
• Both the fridge and freezer are warmer than they should be.
• The compressor is silent or runs but doesn’t cool properly.

How to Fix It:

Unplug the fridge and remove the start relay from the compressor (usually a small box on the side of the unit). Shake it—if it rattles, it’s likely broken and needs replacement. If the issue is with the compressor itself, a technician will need to repair or replace it.

7. Low Refrigerant Levels or a Leak

Refrigerant is what keeps your fridge and freezer cold. If there’s a leak or low refrigerant, the freezer is not freezing, and the whole system won’t work as it should.

Signs of a Refrigerant Leak:

• The freezer takes longer than usual to freeze food.
• A faint chemical smell near the fridge.
• Hissing or bubbling noises coming from the back of the appliance.

How to Fix It:

Refrigerant leaks require professional repair. Unlike other issues, refilling refrigerant isn’t a DIY fix since it involves handling chemicals. A technician can check for leaks, repair them, and refill the system properly.

When to Call a Professional

Some issues are easy to fix, but others need expert attention. If you’ve checked the vents, cleaned the coils, and adjusted the thermostat but the freezer is not freezing, it may be time to call a repair service.

When to Get Professional Help:

• The compressor or start relay is faulty.
• There’s a refrigerant leak.
• Electrical issues like frequent power surges or tripped breakers.
• Ice buildup returns quickly after defrosting.

Choosing a qualified repair technician can prevent further damage and get your freezer working again faster. Look for a company with good reviews and transparent pricing to avoid unnecessary costs.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

Keeping your freezer in good shape can help prevent future problems. A few simple maintenance habits go a long way in keeping everything running smoothly.

Ways to Keep Your Freezer Running Properly:

• Clean the condenser coils at least twice a year to prevent overheating.
• Keep vents clear by not overpacking the freezer.
• Check door seals for gaps or cracks to prevent cold air from escaping.
• Monitor the thermostat to make sure the temperature stays at 0°F (-18°C).

Small maintenance steps can make a big difference in preventing costly repairs down the line.

Keep Your Freezer Running Cold and Problem-Free

When your freezer is not freezing, it can be frustrating, but many issues have simple fixes. Blocked vents, a broken fan, or dirty coils are common reasons, and some can be resolved with basic troubleshooting.

Fixing problems early can prevent costly repairs later. Regular maintenance, like cleaning coils and checking door seals, keeps your freezer working efficiently.

If the issue persists, Elite Refrigeration is here to help. Getting professional service quickly can save your food, protect your appliance, and prevent bigger headaches down the road. Don’t wait—get your freezer back to peak performance today!