Why is my Refrigerator Working but the Freezer is not Freezing?

Blocked Air Vents

Cold air circulates between your freezer and refrigerator compartments through vents.

If food packages or frost build-up block these vents, cold air can't flow freely, causing the freezer to warm up.

Regularly inspect the air supply and return vents in your freezer, and keep items neatly arranged. The owner’s manual typically shows the location of air supply and return vents between the refrigerator and freezer sections.

Removing obstructions often restores proper airflow, quickly improving freezing performance.

Faulty Evaporator Fan

The evaporator fan motor moves cold air throughout the freezer. If this motor stops running, your freezer won’t maintain freezing temperatures, even if the refrigerator side feels cool.

Check to see if the fan is running by listening for the motor when you open the freezer door. No sound often indicates a faulty fan, often requiring professional repair or replacement.

Sometimes, you can troubleshoot evaporator fan problems on your own. Here’s a video that shows how to deal with an evaporator fan failure in a common top-mount refrigerator:

Dirty Condenser Coils

Your refrigerator’s condenser coils disperse heat from the appliance into the air. When dust and debris accumulate on these coils, heat dissipation suffers, impacting freezer temperatures significantly.

Make it a routine to vacuum or brush off condenser coils every six months. Clean coils boost efficiency, helping your freezer stay properly frozen.

Here’s a video that shows how to clean the condenser coils in your fridge:

Compressor Issues

The compressor pumps refrigerant throughout your appliance, essential for cooling both the fridge and freezer compartments.

A compressor issue, such as overheating or mechanical failure, reduces cooling performance dramatically. Listen carefully—excessive noise or a clicking sound often signals compressor trouble.

Here’s a video that shows how to troubleshoot compressor issues:

Defective Temperature Sensor or Cold Control Thermostat

An inaccurate temperature sensor or faulty cold control thermostat can cause freezer cooling problems while the fridge sections stays cool.

In many refrigerators, the temperature sensor in the refrigerator controls when the compressor kicks on to cool the freezer. If the temperature sensor is faulty, the compressor may not run long enough to cool the freezer properly.

Follow the tips in this video to troubleshoot refrigerator temperature sensor problems:

Some refrigerators use a cold control thermostat to regulate temperature in the refrigerator and freezer sections. When the cold control thermostat malfunctions, it may not send current to run the compressor long enough to cool the freezer properly.

Testing or replacing the cold control thermostat usually solves this problem effectively. A qualified technician can quickly diagnose and repair this issue.

Air Damper Failure

Refrigerators use various control systems to regulate cold air flow from the freezer section through the refrigerator.

A failure of the air damper control system or a problem with air flow through the damper such as an ice clog or a stored item in the refrigerator blocking the damper can prevent the freezer from cooling properly.

If you suspect an air damper problem is causing freezer cooling issues, schedule refrigerator repair service to have a technician check and repair the damper and control system in your fridge.

Sealed System Leaks

A sealed system leak involving refrigerant loss drastically reduces freezer cooling capability, while sometimes still allowing partial refrigerator cooling.

If you’ve checked everything else and your freezer remains warm, a refrigerant leak may be the culprit. Repairs to sealed systems are highly specialized and always require an experienced appliance repair technician.

Time to Call a Pro?

Understanding the reasons behind why your refrigerator works but the freezer is not freezing empowers you to troubleshoot effectively. Many causes, like blocked vents or dirty condenser coils, have simple DIY solutions. However, for compressor problems, fan motor failures, thermostat issues, or refrigerant leaks, calling in professional help ensures proper diagnosis and reliable repairs.

Stay ahead of appliance trouble by regular refrigerator maintenance and inspections. Your ice cream—and your wallet—will thank you!