Freezers usually fail due to airflow, temperature regulation, or mechanical issues. The most common failures include:
Types of Common Freezer Problems
Your freezer should last an average of 10–15 years. Depending on how you use it, take care of it, and store it, your freezer might even last a little longer.
If your freezer isn't freezing, Mr. Appliance recommends these troubleshooting steps:
To quickly check if your freezer is broken, use the water bottle test: freeze a half-filled bottle of water, then store it upright. If the ice melts and refreezes at the bottom, your freezer is losing power intermittently.
It is generally worth repairing a freezer if it is less than 5–7 years old, the repair cost is under 50% of a new unit, or the issue is minor (e.g., faulty seals or thermostat). For older units, particularly budget models over 10 years old or those with broken compressors, replacement is usually more cost-effective.
Use the following steps to reset your freezer:
Putting a penny (or any coin) in the freezer is an easy trick used to check if your freezer lost power while you were away, and whether your frozen food is still safe to eat.
Watch for warning signs like food spoiling prematurely, clicking or buzzing noises, continuous motor running, or excessive frost/condensation. Older units often cost more to repair than replace.
Frequent breakdowns - In case of frequent breakdowns, it is often better to replace the device. 3. The age of your appliance – Since freezers have a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, it is best to replace your appliance if it's more than 10 years old.
Strange Noises. Unusual noises coming from your upright freezer can be unsettling. The most common source of these noises is the evaporator fan or the condenser fan. If you hear a loud humming or rattling sound, it's likely one of these fans causing the disturbance.
The average lifespan of a fridge freezer is around 10 years. However, with proper maintenance and careful usage, it can last even longer. Regular cleaning, ensuring adequate ventilation, and avoiding overloading the fridge can help extend its life well beyond the decade-long expectancy.
HOW TO TROUBLESHOOT A FREEZER
The compressor, coils and control board are the most expensive repairs. Your fridge's brand, model and size, plus your location, will impact repair costs. If your refrigerator is more than 6 years old and it will cost you more than half its original price to repair it, consider replacing it instead.
A freezer can often be repaired if it's not cooling properly, and in many cases, the issue is related to a simple fix or a faulty component that can be replaced. "We had this exact problem with ours- it was the heating element for the condenser, which is behind the back cover of the freezer."
5 Foods to Avoid Refreezing
Yes, unplugging a freezer performs a "hard reset" that clears the main control board's memory, recalibrates its sensors, and restarts the compressor. It is an effective way to fix minor control panel glitches, unfreeze iced-up sensors, and reset error codes.
Green = Run. The green run light indicates the compressor is running. If the indicator is dark it does not mean the unit is off. The compressor only runs when the compartment temperature is too high.
To tell if a freezer thermostat is bad, listen for a distinct "click" when turning the dial back and forth. If you hear no click, or if the compressor runs constantly, the freezer fails to start, or internal temperatures fluctuate wildly, the thermostat is likely failing and requires testing.
If your freezer stops working, first check the power source, circuit breaker, and temperature settings to ensure it didn't get accidentally turned off or unplugged. Leave the door shut to keep food cold. Next, check for blocked air vents, clean any dusty coils, and manually defrost the unit if ice has built up.
Many freezer issues are simple to troubleshoot and resolve, but some problems are best remedied by replacing the entire freezer. If you're encountering issues in your freezer's later years, it may be time to upgrade to a new model.
The national average price to have a freezer repaired ranges from $100 to $400. The average homeowner spends around $200 to repair an upright freezer with a broken seal. Replacing a light bulb in a simple chest freezer is about $50, but fitting a built-in drawer freezer with a new compressor can cost up to $650.