How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Freezer That Won’t Freeze?

If your freezer won’t freeze, you’re not just dealing with melted ice cream-you’re facing spoiled food, wasted money, and the urgent need to get things back on track. The good news? Most freezer freezing problems are fixable. The bad news? The cost can swing from $50 to over $600 depending on what’s broken. Here’s what you’re really paying for when your freezer stops working.

What’s Actually Wrong With Your Freezer?

• Thermostat failure: The control that tells the freezer when to turn on. If it’s stuck, the unit never kicks in.
• Condenser coils clogged with dust: Dirty coils can’t release heat, so the freezer can’t cool properly.
• Evaporator fan motor failure: This fan circulates cold air. If it’s dead, the freezer stays warm even if the compressor runs.
• Door seal leak: A cracked or worn gasket lets warm air in and cold air out. Easy to miss, but it ruins efficiency.
• Compressor failure: The heart of the system. If it’s dead, the freezer is essentially a very expensive box.

Most of these-except the compressor-are cheap and quick to fix. But if you don’t know which one it is, you’re just guessing. And guessing costs money.

Typical Repair Costs by Issue

Here’s what you’ll actually pay in New Zealand for each common problem, based on 2026 service data from Dunedin and Christchurch repair shops:

Notice something? The compressor is the outlier. It costs more than the other four issues combined. And here’s the catch: if your freezer is over 10 years old, replacing the compressor is usually a waste of money. A new mid-range freezer costs between $500 and $800. You’re better off replacing the unit unless it’s a high-end or built-in model.

Why You Shouldn’t Try DIY Fixes (Unless You Know What You’re Doing)

You’ll find YouTube videos telling you to “unplug it for 10 minutes” or “tap the thermostat.” Those might work once in a blue moon. But here’s what usually happens when you try to fix it yourself:

• You accidentally break the refrigerant line trying to move the unit.
• You order the wrong thermostat and waste two weeks waiting for a part that doesn’t fit.
• You drain the coolant by opening the system without proper tools.

Refrigerant is a regulated chemical. You can’t just buy it at the hardware store. And if you leak it, you’re not just harming the environment-you’re facing fines under New Zealand’s Hazardous Substances Regulations. Licensed technicians are trained to handle it safely. They also have diagnostic tools that show you exactly what’s wrong, not just what looks broken.

When It’s Better to Replace Than Repair

There’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new freezer, walk away. For most standard upright or chest freezers, that’s around $300-$400. If your repair quote is over $350 and your freezer is older than 8 years, you’re throwing money into a sinking ship.

Here’s what you get with a new freezer:

• Energy savings: Modern freezers use 30-50% less power than models from 2015.
• Better temperature control: Digital thermostats hold temps within ±1°C. Older models swing ±5°C.
• Warranty: Most new units come with a 1-2 year parts and labor warranty.
• No more guessing: No more wondering if the compressor will die next month.

If you’re replacing, look for models with an Energy Star rating or New Zealand’s Energy Efficiency Rating label. A 4.5-star or higher unit will pay for itself in electricity savings within 2-3 years.

How to Avoid This Problem Next Time

Freezers that stop freezing don’t just die-they warn you. Here’s what to watch for:

• Ice building up on the back wall inside the freezer (sign of poor airflow or failing fan).
• Condensation on the outside of the freezer (sign of a failing door seal).
• The unit runs constantly but doesn’t get cold (sign of dirty coils or thermostat issue).
• You hear clicking but no humming (sign of a failing start relay, not the compressor).

Do this every 6 months:

1. Unplug the freezer.
2. Use a vacuum or soft brush to clean the coils at the back or bottom.
3. Check the door seal by closing a piece of paper in the door. If you can pull it out easily, replace the gasket.
4. Keep the freezer at least 75% full. Empty freezers work harder to stay cold.

These simple steps can double the life of your freezer. Most failures happen because people ignore these small signs until it’s too late.

What to Do Right Now

If your freezer isn’t freezing today, here’s your action plan:

1. Check the temperature setting. Make sure it’s not accidentally set to “0” or “Off.”
2. Unplug it for 10 minutes, then plug it back in. Sometimes a reset helps.
3. Feel the back of the freezer. If it’s hot, the coils are probably clogged.
4. Look at the door seal. If it’s cracked or doesn’t snap shut, that’s your issue.
5. If none of that works, call a licensed appliance technician. Don’t wait. Food spoils fast.

Most local repair shops in Dunedin offer same-day or next-day service. The diagnostic fee is usually $50-$70, but it’s often waived if you go ahead with the repair.

How to Find a Reliable Repair Service

Not all repair techs are equal. Here’s how to pick one:

• Look for a company that specializes in appliances-not general handymen.
• Check if they’re registered with the New Zealand Electrical and Electronic Equipment (NZEEE) scheme.
• Ask if they carry parts for your brand. A good tech will have at least 5 common freezer models in stock.
• Get a written quote before they start. Avoid anyone who says “I’ll see what’s wrong and then tell you.”
• Read reviews from the last 6 months. A few bad reviews are normal. A pattern of complaints about hidden fees is not.

Most reputable shops in Dunedin charge $80-$120 per hour for labor. That’s fair. Anything over $140/hour is overpriced unless it’s a specialist for high-end brands like Liebherr or Sub-Zero.

What Happens If You Do Nothing?

Letting a freezer sit unfixed isn’t harmless. Here’s what happens:

• Food spoils. A full freezer can lose its temperature in 24-48 hours without power or cooling.
• Water leaks from melting ice, damaging your floor or cabinetry.
• The compressor keeps running, burning out faster.
• You end up buying a new freezer anyway-plus you’ve wasted money on spoiled food.

It’s not just about the repair bill. It’s about the cost of lost groceries, potential water damage, and the stress of scrambling for a solution.