Quick answer
If your freezer is not freezing, keep the door closed: a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours and a half-full one about 24 hours (USDA guidance). Then check that it has power and the setting was not changed, test the door seal with a strip of paper, clear items blocking the back vent and vacuum the condenser coils. A self-defrosting freezer with heavy frost on the back wall usually has a failed defrost part. Freezer repairs run $90–$650 (HomeAdvisor). Call (888) 217-0236 to reach an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP; the line is answered 24/7.
Follow the short menu, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for a few seconds while it connects; stay on. If it does not connect, call once more: companies taking calls change minute to minute.
Written & reviewed by Marcus ReedIICRC WRT
Reviewed October 27, 2026· Next review Apr 2027
A freezer that has stopped freezing, or holds only a soft chill, is a race against the food inside, so the order of what you do matters: protect the food first, then check the few things you can fix, then call.
First, Protect the Food
Keep the door shut while you work out what is wrong. Extension guidance based on USDA food-safety advice says a full freezer holds its temperature for about 48 hours, and a half-full one for about 24 hours, if the door stays closed. Put an appliance thermometer inside; frozen food is held at 0°F (-18°C).
Five Checks
- 1Power and the setting. Check that the plug is seated, the outlet works and the dial was not knocked to a warmer setting. Some freezers have a separate fast-freeze or power switch.
- 2The door seal. Close the door on a strip of paper at several points. If the paper slides out freely, the gasket is not sealing. Frost build-up near the door is another sign.
- 3Airflow. On upright freezers, items stacked against the back wall block the vent that moves cold air. Leave a gap.
- 4The coils and the fan. Condenser coils (behind or under the unit) clogged with dust make the compressor work harder. Unplug and vacuum them. Listen for the condenser fan when the compressor runs.
- 5Heavy frost on the back wall. A thick frost layer in a self-defrosting upright usually means the defrost system has failed. Manual-defrost chest freezers need to be defrosted when ice reaches about a quarter inch.
Talk to an appliance repair technician
One call reaches an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP, answered 24/7.
What Each Sign Points To
| What you see | Likely cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| Silent, no light, no hum | Power, cord or control | Check power, then a technician |
| Runs constantly, never cold | Low refrigerant, failing compressor, dirty coils | Technician |
| Clicks every few minutes, does not run | Start relay or compressor | Technician |
| Self-defrosting upright with a frosted back wall | Defrost heater, timer or thermostat | Technician |
| Frost near the door, warm spots | Worn door gasket | Replace the gasket |
| Cold at the bottom, warm at the top | Blocked vent or failed evaporator fan | Clear the vent, then a technician |
What a Repair Costs
HomeAdvisor's range for freezer repair runs $90–$650 depending on the part, and Fixr's national average is $100–$400, about $200. A gasket or relay sits at the low end; a sealed-system repair at the top, which is where many owners compare repair with replacement. The freezer repair page has the sources.
When to Call
Call once power, the setting and the seal are ruled out, and sooner if the thermometer has climbed above 0°F with food inside. (888) 217-0236 is answered 24/7 and connects you to an appliance repair company taking calls in your ZIP for washers, dryers, ovens, stoves, cooktops and freezers. Follow the short menu, enter your 5-digit ZIP and stay on while it connects; if it does not connect, call once more.
Reading to confirm what you already suspect?
Confirm it in two minutes instead — the pro on this line answers questions about YOUR situation all day: what it is, what it should cost, whether you even need service. If you want, they'll set the appointment on the same call.
No obligation to book
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my freezer running but not freezing?
Common causes are dirty condenser coils, a failed condenser or evaporator fan, a defrost system that has frosted over the coils, or a sealed-system problem such as low refrigerant or a failing compressor.
How long will food last in a freezer that stopped working?
With the door kept closed, about 48 hours if the freezer is full and about 24 hours if it is half full, according to USDA guidance.
How much does it cost to fix a freezer?
HomeAdvisor puts freezer repair at $90–$650 depending on the part, and Fixr's national average is $100–$400, about $200.
Who do I call when my freezer stops working?
An appliance repair technician, once you have checked power, the setting and the door seal.
Sources
- HomeAdvisor cost guides (2025)
- Fixr cost guides (2025)
- WVU Extension: food safety and power outages (USDA guidance)
- FDA: Are You Storing Food Safely? (freezer at 0°F)
Methodology: How we source and verify data · Report an error
Disclaimer: HearthDry is an independent educational resource. This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute professional, legal, or insurance advice. Consult licensed professionals before making decisions about your property or insurance claims.
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