If you’re not getting cold air coming out of your freezer, it’s likely not functioning properly. Luckily, there are some easy ways to fix it without calling in an appliance repair pro.
A common problem that can cause your freezer to not freeze is ice buildup on the evaporator fan blades. Clean the fan blades regularly, as well as the coils in your freezer’s condenser.
Thermostat
A freezer is a major appliance Installation manual that helps you store food. If yours is not functioning properly, it can be a nuisance and a sign that something needs to be repaired or replaced.
One reason why your Hotpoint freezer may be not freezing is if its thermostat is not working properly. This thermostat controls the compressor’s output of refrigerant. It should be set to the highest temperature setting.
This will then cause the compressor to run, which in turn will help to cool your freezer and prevent ice buildup on the evaporator coils.
If the coils are frosted over, they cannot function correctly and will be unable to release cold air for the freezer’s evaporator fan to circulate. If this is the case, your freezer’s defrost system is probably at fault and you should use a multimeter to test it for continuity.
In general, most freezer problems can be easily diagnosed and fixed. However, if the problem is old enough or has become so serious that you’re unable to repair it, it’s time to consider replacing your Hotpoint freezer.
Compressor
If your Hotpoint freezer isn’t icy cold, there may be an issue with the compressor. The compressor, which is located near the back of the freezer, circulates refrigerant through the evaporator coils and condenser coils.
When the compressor is working properly, you’ll hear it making a humming or clicking noise. If you can’t hear the compressor, you should test it for continuity between the start and run terminals with a multimeter.
You can also check the start relay, which is located on the side of the compressor. If it has burned, charred marks, or smells burnt, you should replace it.
Another troubleshooting technique involves checking the door seals for tightness. You can do this by opening the door, placing a dollar bill flat against it, and closing it again. If you can easily pull the bill out, the seal is probably okay. If you have to work a lot to remove it, however, the seal might be faulty.
Door seal
The door seal on your Hotpoint freezer helps to keep the interior cool and prevent the unit from absorbing excessive heat. If the seal is not working properly, it can cause your food to spoil quicker and lead to a rise in electricity bills.
First, you need to check the seal to see if it needs replacing. It is a simple piece of rubber that fits tightly into a groove around the door’s edge.
Once you’ve found the area with loose rubber, use a cotton swab to apply some petroleum jelly on it to make it easier to push it back in.
Next, open the refrigerator door and run your finger along the gasket to see if it feels tight. If you feel a little “suction” as you pull the gasket away, that indicates that it’s not sealing well enough.
If it doesn’t, you might need to replace the entire door seal. However, if the seal is still in good shape, it will usually fix itself with just a little cleaning.
Evaporator fan
The evaporator fan is the part of your freezer that blows cool air from the evaporator coil. It then moves the air through the freezer and refrigerator (or fresh food compartment).
If the evaporator fan is not working properly, it can cause your freezer to not get cold enough to keep your foods safe. Sometimes the fan motor will break down and you may need to replace it.
Other times, the evaporator fan will not work at all because of an ice buildup on its blades. It’s a simple fix, though you will need to unplug the appliance and remove and clean the evaporator fan blades.
The freezer evaporator coils on Hotpoint freezers can become dirty over time, which makes them less efficient at dissipating heat and reducing interior temperatures. Regularly cleaning the coils will help to improve your freezer’s cooling capacity and save you money on utility bills.