Freezer Not Freezing? Find out what’s wrong and how to fix it

If your freezer suddenly stops making ice, you’re probably staring at a growing pile of unfrozen food and wondering what went wrong. The good news is many of the common causes are easy to spot and fix yourself. Below we walk through the first things to look at, the simple DIY steps that often solve the problem, and the signs that it’s time to call a qualified repair technician.

Easy DIY checks

1. Power and plug. It sounds basic, but the outlet could have tripped or the plug might be loose. Unplug the freezer, wait ten seconds, then plug it back in. If the freezer still won’t run, check the circuit breaker.

2. Temperature setting. Accidentally turning the dial down can leave the freezer too warm. Set it to the recommended 0°F (‑18°C) and give it a few hours to adjust.

3. Door seal. A cracked or dirty gasket lets warm air in. Close a dollar bill in the door; if it slides out easily, the seal needs cleaning or replacement.

4. Frost buildup. Too much frost can block airflow. If you see a thick layer of ice, defrost the freezer by turning it off, removing the food, and letting the ice melt. Clean up any water before restarting.

5. Condenser coils. Dusty coils behind or underneath the unit make the compressor work harder and can cause it to overheat. Vacuum or brush the coils once a year.

6. Overloading. Packing the freezer too tightly restricts air circulation. Arrange items so air can flow around them.

7. Thermostat or sensor fault. If you’ve checked everything else and the temperature still stays high, the thermostat may be malfunctioning. This usually needs a professional’s tools to test.

When to call a professional

If the freezer makes odd noises, leaks water, or the compressor runs constantly without cooling, stop the DIY attempts and call a repair service. These symptoms often point to a refrigerant leak or a compressor failure—issues that require specialized equipment and safety precautions.

A qualified technician can also diagnose electrical problems, replace a faulty start relay, or fix a broken fan motor. Trying to repair these parts yourself can be dangerous and may void any warranty.

At Wells Appliance Repairs we specialize in freezer repair across the UK. Our technicians arrive on time, run a quick diagnosis, and give you a clear plan and price before any work starts. Whether it’s a simple seal replacement or a major component swap, we aim to get your freezer back to full power fast.

Remember, regular maintenance—cleaning coils, checking seals, and defrosting when needed—keeps most freezers humming along for years. If you’ve gone through these steps and the freezer still won’t freeze, don’t hesitate to reach out. A quick call could save you a lot of wasted food and stress.