What to Do If the Fan in a Hotpoint Freezer Is Not Running

Normal Refrigerator Operation

• A modern refrigerator maintains cold temperatures while discouraging the formation of frost through continuous heating and cooling cycles. Electrical components within the refrigerator activate the cooling fan and heating element on timers ensuring ice doesn't form on delicate internal mechanisms. The cooling fan in the Hotpoint refrigerator or freezer unit does not run all the time. You don't have to do anything to freezer or refrigerator when the appliance is in its thawing cycle. This is a part of normal operation and is no cause for alarm.

Freezer Not Cooling Properly

• A problem with the refrigerator's internal thermostat may cause a breakdown in the appliance's defrost and cooling cycles. This means the fan in the Hotpoint freezer remains off, even when the system requires cooling. You may not realize the raised temperature until you reach into your freezer and notice melted ice cream. If you catch the cooling system malfunction in time, remove all perishable items from your freezer and store them in a colder location. Contact a licensed refrigerator technician to examine the unit and repair the problem.

Air Compressor Not Running

• The air compressor should run during thawing and cooling cycles. If you notice a lack of mechanical noise coinciding with no fan operation, this may be a sign of a bad or failing compressor. Unplugging the appliance and plugging it back into the wall outlet might restart the system and help you confirm if the compressor is to blame. If nothing happens, contact a licensed refrigerator repair technician to confirm that the compressor is the cause of problem. You will also have to purchase a new compressor.

Ice Blocking Coils

• Ice or excessive frost accumulating on a refrigerator's evaporator coils inhibit the system’s ability to cool both upper and lower storage compartments. When this occurs, the cooling fan may stop running because internal sensors get false readings about the appliance’s internal temperature. Removing the ice is necessary to fix the problem. Removing all food products from the refrigerator and unplugging the unit is the safest way to accomplish a complete thaw. Avoid using a sharp object to remove ice from the evaporator coils. You could easily puncture the coil and leak potentially dangerous amounts of Freon gas into your home.