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Freezer running but not freezing
Common reasons your Freezer running but not freezing
The most common reasons your freezer is running but not freezing are a bad compressor, faulty thermostat or a broken compressor start relay.
31% of the time it's the Compressor
28% of the time it's the Thermostat
12% of the time it's the Compressor Start Relay
29% of the time it's the Something else
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Most common repairs needed to fix a freezer
Compressor Replacement
When your freezer is running but not freezing, a malfunctioning compressor might be the culprit. The compressor's role is to compress and circulate the refrigerant gas within the sealed system, which extracts heat from the freezer's interior, maintaining its cool temperature. If the compressor fails to work as it should, the freezer won't cool properly. Due to EPA regulations governing refrigerant handling and disposal, it's essential to enlist the services of a certified technician for repairs. You can schedule service through Sears Home Services, and we'll dispatch a certified technician to your home to address the issue.
Thermostat Replacement
If your freezer is running but not freezing, a bad cold control thermostat may be causing the issue. The cold control thermostat senses freezer interior temperature and cycles the compressor on and off to maintain the set temperature on the thermostat dial. A faulty thermostat may not be sensing freezer temperature properly or may not be sending current to the compressor properly to cool the freezer. When your freezer sometimes runs but is not freezing, schedule freezer repair service to have a Sears Home Services technician fix the cooling problem.
Compressor Start Relay Replacement
When you hear fans running in your freezer but the compressor isn’t turning on, a bad compressor start relay could be preventing the compressor from starting. The compressor start relay sends current to the motor start windings to boost motor torque to start the motor, and to the motor run windings. Once the motor starts, the relay continues to send current to the run windings, but cuts off current to the start windings. A defective start relay won't send current to the start windings, run windings or both. The start relay includes an overload component that shuts off all current to the motor if the motor overheats. A defective overload trips when the motor isn't overheated, preventing the motor from starting. Have a Sears Home Services technician check the compressor start relay and replace it if it’s bad.
What to expect when you experience a freezer running but not freezing
How to fix a freezer that is running but not freezing
Addressing most issues with a freezer running but not freezing typically involves replacing a bad compressor, faulty cold control thermostat or broken compressor start relay. However, since various factors could contribute to the problem, a thorough examination of the freezer is crucial for effective resolution of the problem. Having an accurate diagnosis made by a professional service technician if often necessary to determine the extent of the required repair.
Solutions for a freezer that runs but does not reach freezing temperatures
When your freezer isn't cooling properly, there could be numerous causes. To prevent unnecessary part replacements, we advise having a Sears Home Services expert conduct diagnostic tests to pinpoint the underlying issue. Our technicians have extensive experience in diagnosing various types of freezer malfunctions. The technician will examine the freezer and determine the exact cause of the cooling issue to accurately fix the problem.
What to watch for with a freezer running but not freezing diagnosis
It can be hard to diagnose modern appliances without the right knowledge and training. Some diagnostic techniques are complicated and you might end replacing the wrong parts. Don’t risk wasting money on parts that won’t fix the problem.
Appliances, especially those made in the last decade, have become very advanced, with electronic parts that are hard to check. Repairing the latest appliance models yourself is getting harder. To get your freezer diagnosed and repaired accurately, schedule freezer repair through Sears Home Services and we’ll send an experienced technician to your home to fix the problem.
What our customers say about us
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Fridge repair.
Bradley was on time very professional had the fridge repaired in less than an hour up and going. Cleaned up and got us going for our Thanksgiving day. we had a great experience with Sears.
Curt C, Mount Carmel, IL
Happy!
Pedro was on time and super friendly. He seemed to know the job and was helpful in explaining everything. Showed me the controls and where the problem was. So nice, would definitely use your service again. Another company was going to take 3 days to come and service us. You guys came same day, what a lifesaver!
Lisa M, Sahuarita, AZ
Freezer repair
Great service. Freezer repaired in a timely matter. Cleaned up work area. Would recommend
Lynwood L, Dayton, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
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Glossary Terms
A freezer bag is a specially designed plastic bag used for the cold storage of food in the freezer, offering protection against freezer burn and preserving the food's freshness and flavor over extended periods.
A freezer compressor is a vital component of a freezer's refrigeration system, functioning as a pump to circulate refrigerant through the system, which cools the interior by absorbing and expelling heat.
A freezer door gasket is a flexible seal that outlines the edge of the freezer door, ensuring an airtight closure to maintain cold temperatures inside and prevent warm air from entering.
A manual defrost freezer is an appliance that needs to be switched off and allowed to thaw periodically to remove accumulated ice, ensuring efficient operation and storage space maximization.