Why Won't the Refrigerator Freeze? 13 Causes and Fixes

Refrigerators are essential household appliances in most Vietnamese homes. These devices have two compartments: the freezing compartment and the cooling compartment. In many cases, the freezing function encounters malfunctions and fails to freeze. Don't worry; Mytour Blog will guide you through common causes and remedies for this situation.

1. Refrigerator Not Freezing Due to Damaged Rubber Gasket

The rubber gasket (refrigerator seal) can get crushed, dented, and loose. In many instances, the rubber gasket, used over an extended period, undergoes aging and loses elasticity. For many long-serving refrigerators, this is one of the most common reasons they fail to freeze.

How to Fix:

• If the rubber gasket is crushed or dented, you can reattach it at home without hiring a repairman.
• If your gasket (rubber seal) has aged, it's advisable to hire a refrigerator repair service to replace the old seal. To save costs, you can purchase a new refrigerator seal from household appliance stores and replace it yourself.

2. Blocked Drainage Tube

When the evaporator or air ducts in the freezer accumulate dust or frost, it leads to a blockage in the cold air conduit. This obstruction prevents the cold air from transferring from the cooling part to the freezer, resulting in the refrigerator not freezing.

How to Fix:

• If the drainage tube is blocked by frost, turn off the power, wait for the frost to melt, and then wipe it dry.
• When the drainage tube is obstructed by dust or dirt, replace it immediately to ensure the freezing function operates normally.

3. Ice defrosting system malfunction causing refrigerator not to freeze

If your home uses older refrigerator models, the reason for the refrigerator not freezing may be a malfunctioning ice defrosting system. The refrigerator's ice defrosting system is designed to melt the accumulated frost on the evaporator. If this component doesn't work properly, water from the freezer will freeze into ice, hindering the refrigeration process.

How to Fix: You need to call for in-home refrigerator repair services to promptly address this issue.

4. Refrigerator not cooling due to excessive items stored

Storing too many items in the refrigerator can be a reason why the refrigerator doesn't freeze. When the refrigerator size is insufficient to accommodate a large amount of food, and there is not enough space to store cold air, it can reduce the cooling efficiency. Inadequate air circulation slows down maintaining low temperatures, leading to the refrigerator not being cold enough to preserve food. This issue is particularly common during Tet holidays when an abundance of food items in the refrigerator results in insufficient cold air dispersion.

How to Fix:

• Check the refrigerator and remove expired or unnecessary food items. This creates more space to store items that need freezing.
• Organize the food items so that cold air can circulate evenly in the refrigerator. Avoid blocking the cooling fans or air vents with food items.

5. Refrigerator not cooling due to low or depleted gas

One of the common reasons a refrigerator fails to freeze or cool properly is due to low or depleted gas. Refrigerant plays a crucial role in the cooling process of the refrigerator, and when there's insufficient or no gas, the refrigerator won't operate efficiently. This issue often occurs with prolonged refrigerator usage or due to a damaged copper tube causing gas leakage and depletion.

How to Fix: As this is a complex issue, it's recommended to contact a reputable refrigerator repair service for assistance. Attempting to fix it yourself can pose risks to you and your family.

6. Temperature control knob mispositioned causing the refrigerator not to cool

Within the structure of the refrigerator, there are two control knobs: one for adjusting the air volume in the freezer compartment and the other for adjusting the temperature in the fresh food compartment. These knobs determine the temperature and whether the refrigerator cools properly. If you turn the control knob incorrectly, it can result in the refrigerator not freezing, leading to water leakage.

How to Fix:

• Place the adjustment knob in the middle to maintain balance.
• If you want to increase the temperature for the freezer compartment, slightly turn it to the right, and if you want to decrease the temperature, turn it in the opposite direction.

7. Evaporator coil frosted up

If your refrigerator doesn't freeze, it may be due to the evaporator coil frosting up, usually caused by the accumulation of a thick layer of frost on the coil. The thick frost layer can hinder the cooling process, reducing the heat transfer capability from the evaporator coil to the food in the refrigerator. This can lead to issues such as not freezing or the inside temperature not being cold enough to preserve food.

Solution:

• You can turn off the power and clean the refrigerator.
• You can lower the temperature or turn off the power to let the frost thaw.

8. Faulty defrost timer

When the defrost timer, also known as the timer, is faulty, the defrosting system won't work, causing the evaporator coil to frost up. In such cases, the refrigerator either cannot freeze or requires an extended period for the freezing process.

Solution:

9. Refrigerator not freezing due to malfunctioning defrost system

For refrigerators, the defrost system plays a crucial role. If the defrost system is not operational, the evaporator coil will frost up, leading to the refrigerator's inability to freeze.

Solution: It is advisable to contact and hire a refrigerator repair service for a thorough inspection and resolution of the issue.

10. Malfunctioning fan causing the refrigerator not to cool

If the refrigerator fails to freeze, it's likely due to a malfunctioning fan. When this component is damaged, cold air from the evaporator coil cannot circulate into the freezer and fresh food compartments. You might hear a loud whirring noise from the faulty fan.

Solution: You can replace the fan yourself or call a repair service for professional installation of a new one.

11. Refrigerator not freezing due to the fan running in reverse

In rare cases, a malfunctioning fan running in reverse can hinder the refrigerator's cooling. This means the fan is drawing air from the freezer compartment into the evaporator coil instead of blowing cold air from the evaporator to both the fresh food and freezer compartments.

Solution: You need to hire a refrigerator repair technician to inspect and rewire the fan, ensuring it runs in the correct direction.

12. Faulty refrigerator damper

The refrigerator compressor, also known as the refrigeration block, is considered a crucial component in the cooling system. If this part encounters a malfunction, the refrigerator won't freeze.

Solution: Since this is a serious issue, you should hire a reputable refrigerator repair service to diagnose and replace the compressor if necessary. Avoid attempting repairs yourself as it may compromise the safety of your family.

13. Refrigerator not cooling due to power-related issues

Electrical fluctuations or power outage can be the cause of a refrigerator not freezing.

Solution:

• Check the voltage in the area to ensure it's not too low. If it is, consider installing a voltage stabilizer for the refrigerator.
• Inspect the outlets and plugs for looseness or damage, and repair or replace if necessary. In some cases, the power cord behind the refrigerator may be damaged due to rodent bites or collisions during movement.

Signs of a refrigerator not freezing:

When the refrigerator is operational but fails to freeze or maintain a cold temperature, it's a common issue identified by the following signs:

• The evaporator cannot provide enough heat to freeze the food.
• Freezing time takes longer than usual, sometimes doubling or tripling the normal duration.
• The ice in the freezer starts to melt, and the internal temperature rises higher than usual.

Frequently Asked Questions about the refrigerator not freezing issue:

We hope this article helps you identify the causes and solutions for a refrigerator not freezing, ensuring optimal food preservation. Follow Mytour.vn for more useful information!