A working freezer is very important in any kitchen. It helps keep your food fresh and ensures that you can enjoy frozen foods. If you discover that your KitchenAid freezer is not cooling properly, it can be very frustrating. Whether you have a separate freezer or a fridge-freezer combo, finding out why it isn’t freezing well can save you time and money and stop food from thawing out.
In this article, we will explore the top 10 reasons your freezer is not freezing properly. From simple fixes like checking the temperature settings to more complex issues like a faulty compressor or lack of airflow, understanding these potential causes can help you troubleshoot and resolve the problem efficiently. Let’s dive into the details to get your freezer back to its optimal freezing capacity!
Top Reasons Why Your Freezer Isn’t Freezing
Before you worry, keep in mind that there are different reasons why your freezer temperature might not work right. Sometimes, a small change, like adjusting the thermostat or cleaning the condenser coils, can solve the problem. Other times, there could be a serious issue, such as a bad start relay or a damaged evaporator fan motor, which may need expert help.
Let’s look at some common reasons your freezer might not be freezing:
Loose or Damaged Door Seals
One common issue with freezers is a bad door seal. The main job of the seal is to keep cold air inside. If the seal is loose, damaged, or has gaps, cold air will leak out. This makes your freezer work harder to stay at the right temperature, but it often fails.
To check if your freezer door seals are working well, try the “dollar bill test.” Close the door on a dollar bill so half of it hangs out. If you can pull the bill out easily, there’s probably a leak. Also, look at the seals for any cracks, tears, or mold. These problems can make the seals not work well.
Insufficient Air Circulation
Just like a stuffy room needs fresh air, your freezer needs good air flow to keep things freezing. If air can’t move around, cold air will struggle to reach every part of the freezer. This can cause uneven cooling, which may even thaw your food.
A common mistake is overpacking your freezer. It’s important to leave space between the items so cool air can move easily. You should also check the evaporator fan, which helps to push cold air around. Make sure it is not blocked by food packages. Look in your appliance’s manual to find the evaporator fan and keep the area clear around it.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Condenser coils are found at the back or bottom of your appliance. They are important for cooling. Over time, dust, pet hair, and dirt can build up on these coils. This buildup acts as insulation and makes it hard for the coils to let go of heat. Because of this, your freezer may work too hard and develop freezing issues.
Cleaning the condenser coils regularly can help your freezer run better. First, unplug the appliance. Then, use a vacuum cleaner with a brush or a coil cleaning brush to gently remove the dust and dirt. You may need to pull the appliance away from the wall to reach the coils, so be sure you have enough space to do this.
Faulty Start Relay
The start relay helps your freezer’s compressor start. If the start relay doesn’t work, the compressor won’t get the power it needs. This will cause your freezer’s temperature to drop.
One clear sign of a broken start relay is a humming noise from the freezer without the compressor starting up. If you think your start relay is bad, it’s a good idea to call a professional appliance repair technician. Changing a start relay takes special skills and tools, so it’s not something you should try to do yourself.
Overpacking the Freezer
While it may seem smart to pack your freezer full, this can cause problems. When items are pushed together tightly, the air can’t flow well inside. This means the cold air from the fan cannot move around efficiently. This creates warm spots and makes the temperature uneven.
Additionally, stuffing your freezer puts extra pressure on the appliance’s parts. This can make it wear out faster. To prevent these problems, check your freezer every now and then. Throw away any expired or unneeded items. Arrange the rest loosely so there is enough space for the cold air to move freely.
Frost Buildup in the Freezer
A small amount of frost in your freezer is normal. But if there is a lot of frost, that is a concern. Thick frost makes it hard for cold air to move around. This can hurt your freezer’s ability to keep things cold.
There are different reasons for too much frost:
- A broken defrost timer
- A bad defrost heater
- A problem with the defrost thermostat
If you see a lot of frost in your freezer, you should defrost it right away. But if the problem does not go away, you should call a professional appliance repair technician. They can find out what is wrong and fix it.
Broken Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor is hidden in the freezer. It helps move cold air around the appliance. If the motor stops working, the fan won’t spin. This will make the cold air stay still, and your freezer will get warm.
The motor only turns on when the freezer door is closed. To see if it is working, open the freezer door and press the door switch. Listen for the motor running. If you don’t hear anything, the motor might be broken.
Malfunctioning Freezer Thermostat
The thermostat is like the brain of your freezer. It controls the temperature by turning the compressor on and off. If it does not work right, it can send the wrong signals to the compressor. This could make your freezer too warm or too cold.
To check if your thermostat is working, turn it from the lowest setting to the highest. If you hear a clicking sound, that means it is working. However, finding a problem with the thermostat can be tricky. It’s often better to call a qualified appliance technician for help.
Worn Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor works with the condenser coils. It helps pull air over the coils to remove heat. If the motor breaks down, the coils cannot cool down properly. This can put extra stress on the compressor and may cause freezer problems.
To check if your condenser fan motor is not working, you need to take a closer look. Usually, the motor is near the condenser coils, making it hard to reach without taking apart some of your appliance. If you think there’s an issue with your condenser fan motor, it’s best to call a qualified technician. They can diagnose the problem and make repairs.
Freezer Door Not Sealing Properly
A good door seal is very important for your freezer. Even a tiny gap can make it less efficient. When the door does not seal well, cold air escapes. At the same time, warm and humid air can get inside. This can lead to frost forming and your freezer having to work harder.
Several things can cause a freezer door to fail to seal well, such as:
- An uneven load in the freezer that pushes on the door.
- Worn or damaged door gaskets that create gaps.
- A door that is not aligned correctly, preventing a good seal.
Conclusion
If your freezer is not freezing properly, there could be a few reasons. This guide provides reasons your freezer is not freezing and offers some solutions to common issues. From a faulty condenser fan motor to a poorly sealing door, these problems can cause your freezer to malfunction. It is crucial to address these issues promptly to avoid further damage and ensure the efficiency of your appliance. If you still have problems, you may need to get help from us at KitchenAid Appliance Repair Professionals. For more freezer insights, check out our guide on the 4 Signs Your Freezer Is Too Cold. Your frozen food will appreciate it!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I defrost my freezer to keep it running efficiently?
To keep your freezer working well, defrost it when the frost is about a quarter inch thick. Regular defrosting helps your appliance run more efficiently and keeps the temperatures steady.
What are the differences in troubleshooting between an upright and a chest freezer that is not freezing?
Troubleshooting freezer problems is mostly the same for both chest and upright freezers. Chest freezers often have an internal thermostat that needs to be checked. Upright freezers usually do not have this.
What are the signs that indicate your freezer is not functioning correctly?
Be watchful for signs of trouble with your freezer. Look for too much frost building up. Check if food feels soft or is melting. Listen for loud noises from the appliance. Notice if your energy bill is higher than usual. These clues could mean your freezer is not working properly.