What we fix
- Freezer not freezing — sealed system, defrost, or thermostat (see freezer not freezing for the full breakdown)
- Heavy frost on the back wall or roof — defrost heater or thermostat failed
- Compressor running nonstop — door seal, condenser, or low refrigerant
- Loud or unusual noise — fan blade hitting ice, or compressor mounting
- Door not sealing — gasket worn, hinge sagging, or unit not level
- Display showing error code — control board, sensor, or thermistor
- Water leaking from the bottom — drain pan crack or drain line clog (on auto-defrost units)
Auto-defrost vs. manual-defrost
Most modern freezers are auto-defrost. They cycle a heater every few hours to keep the evaporator coil clear. When the heater or its thermostat fails, frost accumulates on the coil — and eventually airflow drops and the freezer warms up. Symptom: thick frost on the back wall and warm air inside.
Manual-defrost freezers (mostly chest freezers) just freeze. When they fail, it's usually the thermostat or the sealed system. They're simpler to diagnose.
Garage and outdoor freezers
A freezer in a hot garage works harder. Many older units aren't rated for high ambient temperatures and will struggle when the garage gets above 85°F. A "garage-ready" model has a heater near the thermostat that helps in cold weather, not hot. If your garage freezer is old and struggles in summer, the unit may be the issue, not a part. We'll tell you straight.
Column freezers
Sub-Zero, Thermador Freedom, and Miele MasterCool make full-height column freezers that pair with a separate fridge column. Repairs are similar to built-in fridges — see our built-in refrigerator repair page.
Undercounter freezers
U-Line, Marvel, Sub-Zero, and True Residential make undercounter freezer drawers and door units. Most common failure is the condenser fan or a clogged condenser — same as undercounter wine coolers. Cleaning often solves it.
Food in the freezer: If the unit is fully warm and you have a lot of food at risk, mention this when you call. We'll prioritize the visit and bring a cooler if it helps.