Fridge Not Freezing?
Freezer Compartment No Longer Holding a Freeze?
On a fridge-freezer, the freezer compartment can stop freezing while the fridge section still feels cool, or both sides can struggle together. Possible causes include a temperature-control fault, airflow between the compartments, ice blocking a vent, a fan or sensor problem, a compressor-related issue or a refrigeration-system fault. Electro Appliance Repairs assesses the appliance in Harare before recommending work.
- Fridge fault diagnosis
- Cooling and temperature checks
- Mobile technician callouts
- Multiple fridge brands
- Harare service coverage
Why Is the Freezer Section of My Fridge Not Freezing?
A fridge-freezer has shared and separate parts. The freezer compartment can fail to hold a freeze because of a control setting, restricted airflow, ice over a vent, a fan or sensor fault, a compressor-related problem or a refrigeration-system fault.
This is different from a standalone chest or upright freezer. If the appliance is a dedicated freezer rather than a fridge-freezer, see freezer not freezing. Either way, the cabinet should be assessed before anyone assumes it needs gas.
Signs the Freezer Compartment Is Not Freezing
Frozen food turning soft
Ice cream, meat or ice cubes are no longer staying hard in the freezer section.
Fridge still cool, freezer not
The fresh-food side may still feel cold while the freezer compartment has lost its freeze.
Both sides losing temperature
Sometimes the fridge warms up at the same time as the freezer stops freezing.
Heavy frost around one area
Ice packed around a vent or the back wall can block the path cold air needs.
Possible Causes
Possible causes include the following. Diagnosis comes before any part or regassing recommendation.
- Freezer temperature control or setting
- Airflow problem between compartments
- Ice blocking a vent or evaporator area
- Fan or sensor fault
- Compressor-related problem
- Refrigeration-system fault
A Dedicated Freezer Is a Different Appliance
Chest freezers and upright freezers are assessed on their own pages. A fridge-freezer that will not freeze is diagnosed as a combined appliance, because the two compartments can share parts.
Do not chip ice out of sealed areas or open the cabinet. Surface frost the manufacturer expects you to clear is the limit of a safe home check.
How a Freezer Compartment Is Checked
The technician compares the two compartments, looks for blocked airflow or heavy ice, and checks whether controls, fans, sensors or the refrigeration system explain the lost freeze.
Regassing is not the default answer for a freezer compartment that has stopped freezing.
Need this fridge looked at?
Tell us the fridge brand, model if available, what it is doing and your Harare location so we can check technician availability.
Related fridge problems
Other Fridge Problems We Repair
Fridge Not Cooling
The fridge is running, but food and drinks are no longer staying cold.
Fridge Compressor Problems
The compressor clicks, will not run, or the fridge is warm and the compressor area is involved.
Fridge Making Noise
Buzzing, clicking, rattling or knocking that is new or much louder than usual.
Fridge Freezing Food
Food in the fridge section is freezing even though it should only be chilled.
Fridge types
Fridges We Repair
Domestic Fridges
Assessment of suitable household fridges used in Harare homes.
Refrigerators
Diagnosis for suitable refrigerator cabinets with cooling or starting faults.
Fridge-Freezers
Combined appliances where one or both compartments are not holding temperature.
Suitable Double-Door Fridges
Double-door models assessed within our household repair scope.
Suitable Side-by-Side Fridges
Side-by-side cabinets checked for the fault you describe.
Suitable Commercial Refrigeration
Commercial refrigeration appliances within our repair scope. This does not include industrial cold rooms.
Tell us the brand, model if available, and whether the appliance is a fridge, fridge-freezer or a commercial unit. Industrial refrigeration is outside this service.
Fridge Brands We Repair
We repair many popular fridge brands. Authorised-repair status is not claimed unless confirmed for a specific appliance. If your brand is not listed, contact us with the make and model.
Fridge Repairs Across Harare
Mobile fridge repair callouts are available across Harare and selected surrounding service areas, subject to technician availability.
Fridge Repair Questions
The freezer compartment is not holding temperature. Controls, airflow, ice, a fan, a sensor, the compressor or the refrigeration system can be involved. The appliance needs to be assessed.
Only if the appliance is a dedicated freezer. A fridge-freezer is assessed as a combined unit. Standalone freezers are covered under freezer not freezing.
Only if assessment shows refrigeration-system work is appropriate. A blocked vent, control fault or fan problem will not be fixed by adding refrigerant.
Say whether it is a fridge-freezer or a separate freezer, the brand, the model if available, whether the fridge side is still cold, and your Harare location.
Book a fridge repair
Need Help With Your Fridge?
Tell us the brand, model if available, the fault and your location. Contact Electro Appliance Repairs to arrange a fridge repair callout in Harare.