As the liquid refrigerant heads from the small metering tube into the larger evaporator, its pressure drops suddenly, causing it to convert back into a low-pressure vapor. The evaporator also absorbs the heat, which leads to a freezing cold vapor that keeps the unit's temperature cold enough for freezing your food.
The element is in the back of the freezer, which means you do not lose any volume. Under normal running conditions and with correct usage, the freezer will automatically defrost itself on a cycle meaning there will not be a build-up of ice, therefore eliminating the need to defrost.
OVERPACKING
If your freezer is not working, the first thing to check is if the shelves are packed too tightly. Overstuffed freezers can cause an airflow blockage, especially when the evaporator fan is blocked. If your freezer is not cold enough, try clearing off your freezer shelves.
The cooling cycle starts when the compressor draws refrigerant vapor in and increases its temperature and pressure, creating a hot and highly-pressurized gas.
As the liquid refrigerant heads from the small metering tube into the larger evaporator, its pressure drops suddenly, causing it to convert back into a low-pressure vapor. The evaporator also absorbs the heat, which leads to a freezing cold vapor that keeps the unit's temperature cold enough for freezing your food.
Dusty condenser coils can't release heat efficiently. Cleaning them can improve your freezer's ability to cool. First, unplug your freezer. Move the unit away from the wall, then use a vacuum or brush to clean the coils, which are usually on the back of your unit or its side panels.
In freezer-on-top models, it may be located under the floor of the unit, or it could be found at the back of the freezer. If you have a side-by-side refrigerator, the defrost thermostat is found at the back of the freezer side.
Some causes may be simple, like crowding items or dirty condenser coils, and other causes may require professional repair, like a broken evaporator fan. To avoid losing your frozen meats, veggies, and leftovers to the thaw, check out these troubleshooting tips to help keep your freezer at the ideal temperature.
Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
Locate the coils, which live either at the bottom of the appliance or in back of it. Older models have exposed coils mounted on the back of the refrigerator. Newer models place the coils at the bottom behind a toe space panel (like the model below) or at the back behind a rear access panel.
If your refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer will, you may have a defrost system failure. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed.
Check the compressor: Sometimes, refrigerators have a label on the compressor that will tell you the type of refrigerant used. It will be written in the form of a code, such as R-22 or R-12. You can then Google the code to find out if it is a type of Freon or a newer, nonharmful refrigerant.
Clear blocked air vents: Inspect the air vents inside the fridge and freezer compartments to ensure they are not obstructed by food or containers. Proper air circulation is vital for even cooling. Check the door seals: Inspect the rubber gaskets (door seals) around the refrigerator and freezer doors for damage.
Unplug the refrigerator from the power outlet, wait for a few minutes, and then plug it back in. This can help reset the system and potentially resolve any temporary issues. Check for obstructions: Ensure that there are no items blocking the vents in the freezer compartment.
The location of the reset button on your compressor can vary depending on the model and manufacturer. Typically, it is located on the motor or near the motor housing. Look for a small red or black button that is often labeled “reset.”
If the compressor or the compressor start relay stops working, the freezer won't freeze.
Blocked air vents
If your fridge is not cooling, the air vents may be blocked. Blocked air vents can prevent cool air from filtering inside the appliance. Check the vents inside your refrigerator and freezer and remove any items that may be blocking them.
Cool air enters through the freezer wall and moves downward. The air then recirculates through the vent near the bottom. Do not block any of these vents with food packages. If the vents are blocked, airflow will be obstructed, which can result in temperature and moisture problems.
Dirty condenser coils can contribute to hotter-than-normal freezer walls. Dust, lint, and other debris can build up in the coils over time and block efficient airflow, preventing your freezer from cooling properly. To clean the condenser coils, unplug the appliance.