Freezer Not Freezing? Causes, Quick Checks and When to Call

Opening the freezer to find soft ice cream and damp food is a bad moment. Before you assume the worst, work through the checks below. Many "not freezing" problems come down to settings, a door that isn't sealing or blocked airflow, and those can be put right in minutes. The ones that can't need an engineer, and it is better to book one quickly while the food can still be saved.

Step 1: Check the simple things

1. Is it on? Check the plug, the socket and whether the interior light works. Try another appliance in the same socket, or reset the circuit if it has tripped.
2. The temperature setting. Freezers are normally set to -18°C or colder. Dials get knocked, especially in fridge freezers where a combined control can be turned the wrong way. Move it one notch colder and wait 24 hours.
3. Is the door fully shut? A drawer or shelf left slightly out, or a bag of food in the way, stops the door sealing.
4. Has it been overloaded or just restocked? A big load of warm food will raise the temperature for several hours.

Step 2: Check airflow and ice

A freezer cools by moving cold air around. Anything that blocks the flow of air stops it freezing properly.

• Vents blocked by food. Keep items away from the vents and fan cover, and don't pack the freezer so tight that air can't circulate.
• Ice around the back panel or drawers. A thick layer of ice can mean a faulty defrost system, which is a common reason a frost-free freezer stops cooling. A temporary fix is to switch off and defrost fully, but if ice returns within a few weeks, the defrost parts need replacing.
• No space behind or beside the freezer. It needs a gap to release heat. Don't push it hard against the wall.

Step 3: Check the door seal

A worn or dirty seal lets warm air in, so the freezer works harder and frost builds up. Wipe the rubber with warm soapy water, look for splits or places where it has come away, and try the paper test: close the door on a strip of paper. If it slides out with no resistance, the seal is not gripping. A new seal is a straightforward repair.

Step 4: Dust and the room around it

Dust on the condenser coils makes the freezer run hot and work harder. Switch off, unplug and vacuum the coils at the back or underneath (check your manual for where they are). Also think about where the freezer is. Very hot rooms and very cold garages can both stop a freezer working properly. Many freezers are only designed to work within a certain room temperature range, which is in the manual.

Faults that need an engineer

If it still isn't freezing, one of these is likely:

• Thermostat or temperature sensor telling the freezer it's colder than it is
• Evaporator fan that has stopped, so cold air isn't moving
• Defrost heater, timer or sensor, leading to heavy ice
• Start relay or compressor, where the freezer clicks and hums but does not cool properly
• A refrigerant leak, which needs specialist handling

These involve electrics and sealed parts, so they're best left to a qualified engineer.

Protecting your food

• Keep the door closed as much as you can. A full, well-insulated freezer holds its temperature for many hours.
• Move the most important items into another freezer if you can, or into a cool box with ice packs.
• Don't refreeze food that has completely thawed. If food has only partly thawed and still has ice crystals, it's generally safer. If in doubt, throw it out.

Get a freezer repair in Swansea

Our engineers repair freezers and fridge freezers of all makes across Swansea, Mumbles and the Gower. Repairs start from £70 + VAT, we offer same-day or next-day visits where possible, and every repair carries a 90-day guarantee. Take a look at our fridge freezer repair page, or read our guide to common freezer faults.

Frequently asked questions