Sometimes, freezers malfunction, no matter how good the brand is. They can freeze up, not freeze properly or not freeze at all. So in this article, we look at how to handle a Hotpoint freezer that is not freezing.
Table of Contents
Hotpoint Freezer Not Freezing at the Top – What to Do
If your Hotpoint freezer is not freezing at the top, here are what you can do:
1. Check the Air Vents
It is possible the items in the freezer are blocking the air vents. So the cold air does not circulate to all parts of the freezer. It settles at the bottom because the top has no space for it to move around. So you find that the bottom part is freezing while the top part is merely cold.
Leave the air vents free. Don’t place items too close to them so that cold air can enter the freezer and circulate freely.
2. Check the Contents
When the freezer is filled to overflowing, the top part could possibly suffer for it. Therefore, reduce the items in the freezer if you have too many things in it.
Rearrange the contents to make room for better flow of air. Doing this will likely improve the freezing capacity of the top part of the freezer.
3. Check the Door Seal
A poorly-sealing freezer door can cause cold air to escape fast and warm air to enter and compromise the temperature. Sometimes, this affects the top part of the freezer because the cold air at the top escapes first while that at the bottom remains.
Therefore, ensure that the seal of the freezer door is working and seals tightly. If it does not, replace the seal so that the cold air inside the freezer is not compromised.
In addition to the above, be sure that the freezer is balanced and the door is properly aligned. If you place the freezer on uneven ground, relocate it to a room with an even floor. And if the bottom of the freezer is not level, find stands to place under it in order to make it level.
4. Check the Air Filter
A clogged air filter in the freezer affects how well cold air flows through the air vents. Much like the water filter, an air filter can become clogged with contaminants which reduce its effectiveness. So it is possible for the bottom part to continue to freeze while the top part does not freeze.
Change the air filter of the freezer and ensure you change it regularly so that it can perform optimally.
5. Check the Sealed System
A leak in the sealed system of the freezer or a freon leak can lead to the top shelf or top part of the freezer not freezing. It can also lead to a part of the evaporator coils frosting up.
Only a qualified refrigerator technician can determine if there is a sealed system leak or freon leak. However, in this case, the only viable solution is to buy a new freezer. It is the most cost-effective solution.
Hotpoint Freezer Not Freezing – How to Fix
Here are factors that lead to a Hotpoint freezer not freezing and what to do about them:
1. Faulty Temperature Control Thermostat
A faulty thermostat will not be able to read the temperature of the freezer and measure out the right amount of voltage to supply to the evaporator fan motor, the condenser fan motor and the compressor so that they can cool the freezer as needed. Consequently, the freezer will not freeze.
Turn the thermostat from the lowest temperature setting to the highest point to check if it is defective. Doing this should produce a click, indicating that the freezer has gone into action. However, if you don’t hear the click, it is likely the thermostat is defective. To be sure, test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the thermostat.
2. Bad Start Relay
The start relay is a part of the freezer or refrigerator that helps the unit run. If it is bad or faulty, the compressor will not get the power to run. And if the compressor does not run, the unit will not get cold.
If there is a suspicion that the start relay is bad or malfunctioning, switch the freezer off and detach the relay from the side of the compressor. Test it for continuity between the two terminals. If there is no continuity, replace the relay. Additionally, if the relay smells burnt, replace it.
3. Defective Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan makes sure there is no heat in the freezer by circulating cold air through the evaporator coils.
Usually, in Hotpoint freezer models, the motor of the evaporator fan goes off when the door of the freezer is opened. But pressing the freezer door’s microswitch gets the motor running again even while the door is still open. It happens because the fan detects the open door and a slow rise in the interior temperature. So it runs to cool it.
However, if you press the switch and the motor does not start running again, there is something wrong with the motor and it should be replaced.
4. Frosted Evaporator Coils
The evaporator coils cannot function right if there is a buildup of frost on them. They will be unable to release cold air for the evaporator fan to circulate in the freezer.
You need to check the defrost heater. It is the component that should defrost the coils as soon as they become too cold. With a multimeter hooked up to it, check the heater for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the heater because it is likely defective.
You can also check the defrost timer and the defrost thermostat for faults. If any or both of them malfunction, it will affect the defrost heater’s ability to defrost the coils.
But for a temporary solution to the frosted coils while you sort out the defrost system problem, manually defrost the freezer. Unplug it from the main socket or power down the circuit breaker and leave the freezer without power for several hours or even up to 24 hours. This is dependent on the ice in the freezer.
When this is done and you turn the freezer on again, give it a few hours to cool and see if the lack of freezing problem is solved.
5. Dirty Condenser Coils
Some Hotpoint freezers have their condenser coils within the walls of the freezer. Other models have the coils behind or under them.
If your Hotpoint freezer has the coils in the walls, you don’t need to clean them. But if they are outside, they are prone to gather grime and dust. This makes them less effective in dissipating heat and compromising the freezer temperature.
Therefore, clean them thoroughly to remove dust and any other debris. And if they feel as if there is grease on them, warm water, mild soap and a soft cloth will handle it. Of course, unplug the freezer before you begin.
6. Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan has the job of drawing air through the condenser and taking it over the coils. If the motor of the condenser fan is faulty, the fan won’t be able to draw air. As a result, the unit will not cool but will carry heat.
Try and turn the blades of the fan to see if they turn freely. If they don’t, check the bearings of the motor as they are likely to be worn out. But if the blades turn freely and no external object is stopping them from spinning, test the motor with a multimeter to check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the condenser fan motor.
The user control and display board, the compressor and the main control board could also have faults, leading to a lack of freezing in the freezer. But it is rare to see this happen and these parts have been misdiagnosed many times.
Therefore, ensure the parts listed above are in proper working order before you check the compressor, the display board or the main control board.
In addition to the above, you can have a refrigerator technician check the sealed system of the freezer to see if there is a leak. That is if none of the freezer parts is malfunctioning. One tell-tale sign of a leak in the sealed system is that the top shelf or top part of the freezer will not freeze anything. If this is the case, you will need to buy a new freezer.
[amalinkspro type=”cta-btn-css” ctabtn-id=”” asin=”” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07D3PTL46?tag=refrigeratorsreviewed-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ addtocart=”false” new-window=”true” nofollow=”true” alignment=”alignright”]Buy this refrigerator on Amazon[/amalinkspro]
Easy Fixes
We would like to point out here that there are a few easy-to-fix issues that could cause your Hotpoint freezer not to freeze. They are:
1. Wrong Freezer Temperature
Setting the freezer lower than it should be will affect its freezing capacity. It is recommended that freezers should be set at 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -18 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperature you can set a freezer and still have it freezing is 10 degrees Fahrenheit or -5 degrees Celsius.
Check the setting of the freezer temperature to be sure it is correct if your Hotpoint freezer is not freezing. Readjust it if there is any need for it and give the freezer some time, say 24 hours, to fully adjust to the new setting.
2. Weak Door Seal
If the seal of the door of the freezer is weak or torn, warm outside air will gain free entrance into the freezer and compromise the cold air. And if the seal or gasket is dirty, it won’t seal tightly, leaving room for warm air to enter.
Therefore, check the door seal to see if it still seals tightly if your Hotpoint freezer is not freezing. If you are not sure, use the dollar-bill trick. Close the door on any dollar bill of your choice and try to pull it out without opening the door. If you can pull it out without effort, then you know that the seal is weak and should be replaced. But if you cannot pull it out, the seal is still working fine.
Additionally, clean the seal with warm water and mild soap if it is dirty. And repeat the process regularly so that dirt will not permanently cake on the seal, compromising it for good.
3. Improper Air Circulation
Keeping items too close to the air vents will inhibit the proper circulation of cold air in the freezer. And having too many items in it will also inhibit the flow of air.
So if your Hotpoint freezer is not freezing, avoid blocking the air vents and don’t overstuff the freezer. Arrange food so that there is space between items where air can pass freely.
In addition, don’t put hot food into the freezer. This is because it will take longer to cool than other items and it will cause condensation in the freezer. Allow the food to cool properly before storing it in the freezer.
Here is a video explaining the different parts of the freezer that could contribute to lack of freezing if they are defective…
Check out these other articles…
- Kenmore Refrigerator Dispenser Problems [Solved]
- Midea Freezer Not Freezing [How to Fix]
- Maytag Fridge Freezing Food [Solved]
- Daewoo Freezer Not Freezing [How to Fix]
- Samsung Fridge Freezing Food [How to Fix]
- LG Fridge Freezing Food [solved]
- Beko Freezer Not Freezing [Solved]
Hotpoint Refrigerator Not Cooling or Freezing – Solution
The following are Hotpoint refrigerator parts to check if the refrigerator is not cooling or freezing:
1. Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan is tasked with drawing air through the condenser and passing it over the coils. This is to prevent heat from getting into the refrigerator through the refrigerant and making it unable to cool. But if the motor is faulty, the fan cannot perform its duty.
Take a look at the blades of the fan to see if anything is preventing them from spinning freely. If there is, remove it and clean the blades. But if there is nothing there, try and turn the blades with your hands. If you encounter stiffness, the motor needs a replacement. However, if the blades have no stiffness, test the motor with a multimeter to check for continuity. If you don’t find continuity, replace the motor as soon as possible.
[amalinkspro type=”showcase” asin=”B07YNM2VJH” apilink=”https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07YNM2VJH?tag=refrigeratorsreviewed-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1″ new-window=”true” addtocart=”true” nofollow=”true” sc-id=”6″ imgs=”LargeImage” link-imgs=”false” specs=”” btn-color=”#ff9900″ btn-text=”Buy on Amazon” alignment=”aligncenter” hide-prime=”0″ hide-image=”0″ hide-price=”0″ hide-button=”0″ width=”600″]Ultra Durable WR60X10220 Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor Replacement Part by Blue Stars – Exact Fit For GE & Hotpoint Refrigerators – Replaces AP4298602 WR60X10171 PS1766247 WR60X10133 WR60X10171[/amalinkspro]
2. Condenser Coils
The coils have the duty of dissipating the heat from the refrigerant as it passes through them to the refrigerator. If they are dirty, they won’t be able to release the heat efficiently. This will cause the refrigerator to work extra hard to cool but will only heat up because of the work.
Clean the coils with a brush or a soft cloth. If there is grease, clean it with warm water and mild soap. Repeat the cleaning once or twice every year to keep the coils working optimally.
3. Evaporator Fan Motor
The cold air that goes around the interior of the refrigerator is circulated by the evaporator fan. If its motor is not working, the refrigerator will not get cold but the freezer part could still be cold.
Turn the blades of the fan with your hand to see if they turn freely. If they do, the motor of the fan is probably not defective. But if they don’t, the motor is probably defective and should be replaced. Also, if the motor is noisier than usual, replace it. However, if the motor is not running at all, test it with a multimeter to check for continuity. If there is no continuity, replace the motor of the fan.
This video is a detailed presentation of how to replace the motor of an evaporator fan…
4. Thermistor
The thermistor is responsible for reading the temperature of the refrigerator and sending the result to the control board. With the result, the board is able to know the amount of power which the compressor and evaporator fan motor needs to operate according to the needs of the refrigerator.
So if the thermistor is bad, the reading will be wrong and the power needed won’t be supplied. As a result, the refrigerator won’t cool.
Using a multimeter, test the thermistor. If it is in good working order, its resistance will change as the temperature of the refrigerator changes. But if the resistance doesn’t change and there is no continuity, replace the thermistor.
5. Start Relay
With the start relay working with the start winding, the compressor is able to run. If the relay is defective or is not working at all, the compressor is likely to run within short periods or not run at all. And the refrigerator won’t cool if the compressor does not run.
Run a test for continuity on the start relay between its two terminal sockets. If there is no continuity between the sockets, replace the relay. Also, if there is a burnt smell emanating from the relay, it is damaged and should be replaced.
6. Start Capacitor
The compressor gets a supply of the power it needs to start from the start capacitor. Without it, the compressor is unlikely to start at all. And if the compressor does not start, the refrigerator won’t run, let alone cool.
Test the capacitor using a multimeter. If there is no reading in the multimeter, the capacitor is likely faulty and needs to be replaced.
7. Temperature Control Thermostat
The compressor and the motors of the evaporator fan and the condenser fan are able to run because of the thermostat. They receive the needed voltage after the thermostat reads the temperature of the refrigerator and determines the amount of voltage the parts need to make the refrigerator cold. But if the thermostat is defective, the compressor and fan motors won’t operate as needed.
Rotate the thermostat, moving it the highest setting from the lowest setting. You should hear a click as the other parts of the refrigerator begin operating. If you don’t hear the click, the thermostat is possibly defective. To be sure, take a multimeter and test it to see if it has continuity. If there is continuity, replace the thermostat.
In the event all the parts mentioned above are not faulty, then the main control board, the temperature control board or the compressor could be faulty. Contact Hotpoint customer service center to request service so that you don’t wrongly diagnose the faulty part.
In place of that, you can chat with our qualified refrigerator technicians. They are always available to solve all your refrigerator and freezer problems.
Important Note
All the steps detailed in this article apply to every type of Hotpoint freezer and refrigerator. So, if your Hotpoint freezer is not freezing, be it a chest freezer, a deep freezer, a bottom-drawer freezer, an upright freezer or a fridge freezer, you are covered.
And if your Hotpoint refrigerator is not cooling or freezing, be it a side-by-side, a double door, a 3-door French door or a 4-door French door, this is for you.
Always unplug the freezer or refrigerator from the wall outlet or shut down the circuit breaker that powers it before you run any test on it. Doing this prevents electric shock and any damage to the unit.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.