Freezer runs but does not reach −18°C; only mildly cool inside
Safety Warning
This repair may involve working with high voltage components or water connections. Always unplug the appliance before removing any panels.
If you are not confident in your ability to perform this repair safely, we strongly recommend contacting a professional technician.
Possible Causes
How to Fix / Troubleshooting
Safety: Do not attempt to cut or open refrigerant lines. This work must be done by a certified refrigeration technician.
User‑level checks:
- 1. Clean condenser: Pull the freezer away from the wall and vacuum/brush dust from the condenser coils and rear grille. Ensure at least several centimetres of clearance for airflow.
- 2. Check door seal: Inspect the gasket for gaps or tears. Close a sheet of paper in the door at various points; if it pulls out easily, the seal may be leaking cold air.
- 3. Verify load and usage: Avoid frequent door openings and overloading with warm food. Allow 24 hours after loading for temperature to stabilise.
- 4. Monitor frost pattern: If you can see the evaporator (behind the internal panel), a healthy system usually shows even frost across most of the coil. Frost only on a small section often indicates low refrigerant.
Professional repair: If cleaning and usage checks do not restore proper temperature, contact a refrigeration engineer to check for leaks, vacuum and recharge the system, or replace the compressor if necessary.