The Freezer in My Refrigerator Is Not Working & the Front Wall Is Very Hot

Overheating

• Dirt and debris collect over time and contribute to blockages that won’t allow the unit to cool as it should. Fridges and freezers cool via air vents in which a fan blows on the condensing coils, which are the elements that power the unit’s coolant system. Hair, lint, animal dander and dust all become sucked in by the fan and are trapped in the vent screen, inhibiting air flow to the coils. Another common cause is a frozen drain hose that prevents circulation. If left unchecked, the freezer struggles to maintain the correct set temperature.

About the Coils

• Coils are either underneath the unit for older fridges or on the backside for most modern units. If the door on your fridge is hot, the overheating issue needs to be addressed quickly. In addition to the system burning out, stored food such as meats won’t be chilling at their recommended temperature and could promote the growth of harmful bacteria.

Melting Ice

• The easiest approach to addressing frozen drain lines that are inhibiting proper circulation is to unplug the unit, remove all contents of the freezer (place them in ice chests packed with ice for the time being) and open the hot door. Eventually the door will cool, but the main reason behind this approach is to allow warmer air to circulate throughout the freezer compartment and melt the ice, especially the frozen line. Have some towels on the floor in front of the freezer to sop up water if you try this approach.

Cleaning Debris

• After unplugging the unit from the wall, pull the fridge back far enough to create a workspace that allows you to get in behind the appliance. If the condensing coils of the unit are on the underside, you’ll need to tip the fridge back toward the wall to gain access to the coils. If they’re on the back, you need enough room between you and the wall to work. If you don’t know the location of the coils, check the fridge’s manual. Thoroughly wipe down the coils with warm soapy water to remove debris. To clean the fan, remove the screen cover and rinse it well, then wipe down the fan blades.