A freezer that will not freeze puts your food at risk, but the cause is often something you can check before it fails completely. Here is what to look at, and when to book professional freezer repair in Ottawa.
We service freezers across the Ottawa area, from Barrhaven to Gatineau, including chest, upright and built-in units.
In this article
Why a freezer stops freezing
- Dirty condenser coils. Dust-clogged coils cannot release heat, so the freezer struggles to reach temperature.
- Faulty evaporator fan. If the fan stops, cold air is not circulated through the compartment.
- Bad thermostat. A faulty temperature control stops the freezer from calling for cold.
- Worn door seal. A poor seal lets warm air leak in constantly, especially on garage freezers.
- Failed defrost system. Frost builds over the coils and blocks airflow.
People often ask: why is my freezer not freezing but the fridge is fine?
On combined units the freezer is where cold is made, so this points to the coils, evaporator fan or defrost system in the freezer itself, rather than the fridge side.
What you can check yourself
- Set the freezer to -18 C and give it 24 hours.
- Vacuum the condenser coils at the back or underneath.
- Check the door seal closes flush and is clean.
- Make sure the freezer is not overpacked, so air can circulate.
What the repair costs in Ottawa
| Repair | Typical range |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic or service call | $90 to $160 |
| Thermostat replacement | $150 to $350 |
| Evaporator fan motor | $180 to $400 |
| Defrost system (heater, timer or board) | $200 to $450 |
| Compressor (major) | $500 to $1,200 |
Pricing note: These ranges are estimates based on typical Ottawa market rates as of 2026. Your actual price depends on the model, the brand and parts, and whether the visit is scheduled or same day. Parliament Appliance Repair always gives an upfront quote before any work begins.
Save your money
Vacuum the coils twice a year and keep garage freezers away from direct heat. These habits prevent a large share of freezing failures. Newer ENERGY STAR certified appliances hold temperature more reliably too.
When to call a technician
If the coils are clean and the seal is good but the freezer still will not freeze, the fan, thermostat or defrost system needs testing. We repair every brand across Nepean and the Ottawa area. See our full freezer repair service.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my freezer not freezing but still running?
A running freezer that will not get cold usually has dirty coils, a failed evaporator fan, or a defrost fault. It runs constantly because it never reaches temperature.
What temperature should a freezer be?
Set it to -18 C (0 F). Warmer than -15 C and food will not stay safely frozen, and the ice maker on combined units will not cycle.
Do garage freezers stop working in winter?
Some can. In an unheated Ottawa garage, very cold temperatures can confuse a standard freezer’s thermostat. A garage-ready model is built to handle it.
How much does a freezer repair cost in Ottawa?
Most freezer repairs run $150 to $450 depending on the part. A compressor is higher, but that is less common.
Freezer not keeping food frozen? Parliament Appliance Repair offers fast, same-day freezer repair across Ottawa. Call (613) 509-1466 or request a free estimate.