Why Your Freezer Isn’t Freezing but the Fridge is Cold

If your freezer isn’t freezing but your fridge is still cold, it can be a frustrating problem, especially when food starts to thaw. This issue can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from airflow blockages to malfunctioning components within your fridge-freezer unit. Fortunately, most of these problems can be resolved with troubleshooting or professional repair.

Here’s a breakdown of the common causes for why your freezer might not be freezing while the fridge remains cold, along with steps you can take to fix it.

Common Causes of Freezer Not Freezing

1. Blocked Airflow
   Cold air circulates between the freezer and the fridge. If the airflow is blocked, the freezer may not cool effectively, even though the fridge stays cold. This can happen if vents are blocked by food or ice buildup.

   Solution:

   • Check for any food or ice blocking the vents in both the fridge and freezer sections.
   • Rearrange items to allow proper air circulation.

2. Frosted Evaporator Coils
   If the evaporator coils in the freezer are covered in frost, this can restrict airflow and reduce the freezer’s ability to cool. This is often due to a malfunction in the defrost system.

   Solution:

   • Unplug the fridge and allow the freezer to defrost completely. This may take several hours.
   • Once defrosted, clean the evaporator coils and check if the defrost timer, defrost heater, or defrost thermostat are working properly.
   • If this problem keeps recurring, you may need to replace the faulty defrost component.

3. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
   The evaporator fan helps circulate cold air throughout the freezer. If the fan motor is broken, cold air may not reach the freezer, even though the fridge stays cold.

   Solution:

   • Listen for the fan. If you don’t hear it running when the freezer is on, the fan may need to be replaced.
   • Check if the fan blades are spinning freely. If not, you may need to replace the fan motor.

4. Thermostat Issues
   The thermostat controls the cooling cycles of both the fridge and freezer. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it might prevent the freezer from reaching its set temperature.

   Solution:

   • Adjust the thermostat to a colder setting and observe if the freezer starts cooling.
   • If there’s no change, the thermostat may need to be replaced.

5. Dirty Condenser Coils
   Condenser coils, usually located at the back or bottom of the fridge, help dissipate heat from the refrigerator. If they are covered in dust or debris, the fridge can struggle to maintain cool temperatures, affecting freezer performance.

   Solution:

   • Unplug the fridge and carefully clean the condenser coils using a coil brush or vacuum.
   • Ensure there is enough space around the fridge for proper ventilation.

6. Malfunctioning Start Relay
   The start relay helps the compressor start and run efficiently. If the start relay is malfunctioning, the compressor may not run properly, leading to cooling problems in the freezer.

   Solution:

   • Unplug the fridge and test the start relay with a multimeter. If it shows no continuity, the relay may need to be replaced.

7. Compressor Issues
   The compressor is the heart of your fridge-freezer, responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system. If the compressor is failing, the freezer may not cool, though the fridge might still be cool for a while.

   Solution:

   • If the compressor is making unusual noises or not running, you may need to call a professional technician to inspect and possibly replace the compressor.

8. Damaged Door Gasket
   The gasket (rubber seal) around the freezer door is important for keeping cold air inside. If the gasket is damaged, warm air may enter the freezer, preventing it from freezing properly.

   Solution:

   • Check the gasket for signs of wear, cracks, or gaps.
   • Clean the gasket with warm, soapy water, and ensure it seals properly when the door is closed.
   • If damaged, replace the gasket.

9. Control Board Issues
   Modern fridges have control boards that regulate cooling functions. A malfunctioning control board could lead to cooling problems in the freezer, even if the fridge is working fine.

   Solution:

   • If you’ve checked other components and they are functioning properly, the control board might need to be inspected by a professional.

Steps for Troubleshooting

1. Check the Temperature Settings: Ensure the freezer is set to the correct temperature, ideally between -18°C (0°F) and -15°C (5°F). If it’s set too high, the freezer may not freeze properly.

2. Inspect the Door Seal: Check if the freezer door is sealing properly to prevent warm air from entering. Adjust or replace the seal if necessary.

3. Clean the Coils: Dusty condenser coils can cause poor cooling performance. Unplug the fridge and clean the coils thoroughly.

4. Listen for the Evaporator Fan: The fan inside the freezer should run when the compressor is on. If it’s not, the fan may be faulty.

5. Check for Ice Buildup: Excess frost or ice buildup can block airflow. Defrost the freezer if necessary.

6. Monitor the Compressor: If the compressor is running constantly without cooling the freezer, it may be an indicator of a more serious issue.

When to Call a Professional

If the above troubleshooting steps don’t resolve the issue, it may be time to call a professional technician. Complex issues such as compressor failure, control board malfunction, or faulty defrost systems require expert diagnosis and repair.

Conclusion

If your freezer isn’t freezing but the fridge is cold, it’s important to address the problem quickly to avoid food spoilage. The issue could be as simple as a blocked vent or dirty coils, or it could be a more serious problem with the compressor or defrost system. By following the steps above, you can troubleshoot the issue and either fix it yourself or know when to call a professional for help.