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The freezer is not cold enough: Reasons and Solutions

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The freezer is one of the important and most unappreciated components of the refrigerator. When your freezer starts malfunctioning, sometimes the signs are very clear but sometimes they are a bit ambiguous. The freezer can face many problems but one problem that needs extra attention is when your freezer is not cold enough. There can be many reasons behind this issue, some of which you can solve yourself, while you will need to contact an expert for others. Let us understand the reasons and solutions for why your freezer is not cold enough. 

Reasons why your freezer is not cold enough

Image credit: Flickr

A big appliance like a refrigerator has many components and if any one of them starts malfunctioning, it can cause defects to other components and the entire appliance as well.

Following are some of the reasons why your freezer is not cold enough: 

  1. Dirty condenser coils:

    The refrigerator condenser coils help in releasing the heat from inside the refrigerator and when the coils get dirty, the refrigerator is required to work harder for releasing the heat. This prevents the freezer and the refrigerator from cooling properly. 

  2. Malfunctioning evaporator fan:

    The evaporator fan of the refrigerator maintains a constant airflow in the refrigerator. It helps in keeping the air flowing over the evaporator coils to ensure heat absorption by the refrigerant. And when the evaporator fan starts malfunctioning, it affects the cooling capacity of the freezer.

    Some top recommended replacements for your evaporator fan and motor :
    1. Ultra Durable 482731 Evaporator Fan Motor Kit by Blue Stars
    2. GE WR60X10185 Genuine OEM Evaporator Fan Motor for GE Refrigerators

  3. Compressor issues:

    A faulty relay of the refrigerator compressor prevents the compressor from starting or running. When the compressor doesn’t work properly, the temperature inside the refrigerator rises and thus the coldness inside the freezer starts fluctuating rapidly. 


    Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

  4. Faulty temperature controls:

    If the temperature control board of the refrigerator is defective, it will fail to maintain the temperature set by you. When the system can’t control the temperature, the outside weather starts affecting the cold inside the freezer. 

  5. Damaged door seals:

    In case the refrigerator door seal or gasket is damaged or not placed properly, it will allow the cold air to escape outside and the warm air to escape inside the refrigerator. It will lead to temperature fluctuations causing an insufficiently cold freezer. 



    Some highly recommended refrigerator door seals or gasket for you:
    1. SUPCO SU2003 GIDDS-653260 Universal Refrigerator Door Gasket
    2. Frigidaire 241872513 Gasket
    3. Refrigerator Freezer Door Gasket

  6. Condenser fan issues:

    The condenser fan is located next to the compressor on the lower back of the refrigerator and helps in cooling the hot refrigerant that comes out of the compressor. A damaged or broken condenser fan will cause a rise in temperature inside the refrigerator, leading to system overheat. 

How to troubleshoot the freezer cooling issue?

Image credit: Wikimedia Commons

Whatever the problem is with your appliance, there is always a solution for it. We have mentioned a list of reasons as to why your freezer is not cold enough, and now we are going to go through the solutions for those issues. Following are some troubleshooting tips for your refrigerator freezer: 

1.Clean the condenser coils: When the condenser coils of the refrigerator are dust-covered, it affects the efficient running of the freezer and thus it is important to keep it clean. To clean the coils, make sure to unplug the refrigerator first and then brush off or vacuum the dust and debris from the condenser coils, located on the backside of the refrigerator.

Some recommended refrigerator condenser coil cleaner accessories:

1. Frost King ACF19 Foam Coil Cleaner
2. Long Flexible Refrigerator Coil Soft Bristile Brush

2.Check the compressor: The first thing to check when your freezer is not cold enough is the compressor of your refrigerator. If the compressor is not turning on normally or if it is making a loud noise, then you need to get it fixed immediately. Most of the time, a faulty compressor is required to be replaced to help your refrigerator keep working properly.

3.Replace the condenser fan: If you notice that your freezer is not cold enough and the temperature of the entire refrigerator is a bit higher than you set, check the condenser fan. If the condenser fan of your refrigerator is not working, you need to replace it immediately to help your freezer maintain the required temperature.

Some recommended condenser fan and motors for you:

  1. GE WR60X10220 Genuine OEM Condenser Fan Motor for GE Refrigerators
  2. Edgewater Parts W10124096 Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor Kit

4.Inspect the temperature control board: The temperature control board is responsible for controlling all the major components of the refrigerator, including the compressor. If your freezer is not functioning properly, inspect the temperature control board for any damage. In case you find that the control board is not working properly and is unable to control the components, it is time to get a new temperature control board for your refrigerator. 

5.Adjust the refrigerator or freezer door: Sometimes the reason behind increased temperature inside your freezer or refrigerator can be the door of the freezer or refrigerator not being properly closed. When the door is not properly closed, it allows hot or moist air to escape inside the system causing cooling issues. Overstuffing the refrigerator, food stuck in the door space, and bent or damaged door hinges are some of the main reasons behind an improperly closed refrigerator door. So, make sure that the items inside the refrigerator are properly organized and not sticking out from the door even a bit. Also, check the hinges and get them fixed in case of any damage as soon as possible to prevent your appliance from any further harm. 

6.Replace the evaporator fan: The evaporator fan of the refrigerator is located over the evaporator assembly and is responsible for moving the air through the cabinet to make the refrigerator cool. If the evaporator fan is damaged, it makes a squealing sound and affects the cooling of the freezer and the refrigerator as a whole. The only way to fix a malfunctioning evaporator fan is by replacing it with a new one.

7.Adjust or replace the door seals or gasket: Check if the door seals or gasket are not properly installed or are damaged from anywhere, allowing the hot air to escape inside the refrigerator. Adjust the seals properly, if not installed properly, and replace it with a new one, if it is torn or damaged in any way, to prevent frost buildup and cooling issues. 

8.Routine maintenance: Every appliance requires regular maintenance to make sure that it functions properly and has a long usable life. Follow the maintenance and care instructions given in the owner’s manual of your refrigerator. Clean the refrigerator from the inside and outside regularly to prevent any dust buildup in and on the system. Keep the drain pan clean and dry, replace water filters, clean the condenser coils, clean and maintain the door gaskets, etc. regularly to keep your refrigerator working and your freezer cold.

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