Quick answer
A freezer that does not freeze is usually a dirty condenser, a failed evaporator fan, a defrost problem, a bad start relay or a worn door seal. Appliance Repair Philly repairs upright, chest and built-in freezers of every brand in Philadelphia and nearby towns. The diagnostic is $60 flat and credited toward the repair. Typical total is $200 to $450, and sealed system work $500 and up.
Act fast to protect the food
A full freezer holds safe temperatures for about 48 hours if the door stays closed, a half-full one for about 24. If food still has ice crystals and feels cold, it can be refrozen. If it reached 40°F or more for two hours, throw it out. Move food to a friend’s freezer or buy dry ice if the repair will take time.
Common freezer problems
| What you see | Likely cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Not freezing, motor runs | Dirty condenser, low airflow, sealed system | Clean coils, test the system |
| Not freezing, motor silent or clicking | Start relay, overload, compressor | Replace relay |
| Thick frost on the back or walls | Door seal, defrost heater, thermostat, control | Replace seal or defrost parts |
| Water pooling | Clogged defrost drain, melted frost | Clear drain, repair defrost |
| Loud noise | Evaporator or condenser fan | Replace the fan |
| Constant running | Dirty coils, door seal, overload, warm room | Clean, replace seal |
Upright vs chest freezers
Upright freezers are frost-free or manual defrost. Frost-free models have fans and a defrost system, with more parts to fail. Manual defrost models have fewer parts, but ice builds up and blocks the door seal.
Chest freezers are simple: a compressor, a thermostat and a seal. Most failures are a tired door gasket, a thermostat or a relay. Garage and basement chests work hard in summer heat, so keep the coils clean and leave space around the unit.
What you can check first
- Set the dial or panel to the coldest setting. Target is 0°F.
- Check the plug and the breaker. Garage outlets are often GFCI protected.
- Check the door seal with a dollar bill. If it slides out easily, the seal is worn.
- Vacuum the condenser coils on the back or bottom.
- Do not overpack, and do not block the air vents.
Repair or replace
Freezers last about 12 to 20 years. Relays, fans, seals and defrost parts are good repairs. A failed compressor on an older freezer is where replacing makes sense. We tell you before you commit. See the cost guide.
What freezer repair costs
| Job | Typical total with part |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic | $60 flat, credited to the repair |
| Clean coils, replace a door seal | $100 to $250 |
| Start relay, fan or thermostat | $180 to $350 |
| Defrost parts, control board | $250 to $450 |
| Compressor or sealed system | $500 and up |
How it works
- Send the brand, model and the freezer temperature.
- Call to check the next open appointment; availability depends on the schedule. Warm freezer calls come first.
- Diagnosis and a clear price. The $60 is credited if you go ahead.
- Repair and test. Ask what the repair includes when you book.
Areas we serve
Philadelphia, Northeast Philadelphia, Bensalem, Willow Grove, Abington, Huntingdon Valley, Southampton and Feasterville-Trevose.
Related: refrigerator repair, refrigerator not cooling, ice maker repair.
FAQ
Why is my freezer not freezing?
Dirty coils, a failed fan, a defrost problem, a bad relay or a sealed system fault. A technician finds which.
How long can food stay in a broken freezer?
About 48 hours if full and closed, about 24 if half full.
How much does freezer repair cost?
Most repairs are $200 to $450. Compressor work starts around $500.
Why is there frost all over my freezer?
A worn door seal, a door left open, or a failed defrost heater or thermostat.
Do you repair chest freezers?
Yes, upright, chest and built-in freezers.