Keep it closed
A closed refrigerator keeps food safe for about 4 hours without cooling. A full closed freezer holds about 48 hours, a half-full one about 24. Food that has been above 40°F for more than 2 hours should be thrown out.
Freezer running but not freezing?
A freezer that runs but will not stay frozen usually has an airflow, defrost, seal or sealed-system problem. Keep the door closed, then call 833-877-1717. RepairNowUSA connects the request. An independent appliance technician does the repair.
Am I in the right place?Yes for soft ice cream, thawing food, or heavy frost with poor cooling.
Is this urgent?Urgent when food is thawing.
What do I do next?Keep it closed and call 833-877-1717.
Whole fridge warm: refrigerator not cooling.
RepairNowUSA editorial review · Last substantively reviewed October 13, 2026 · Review standards
What to do now
Check vents
Do not block the vents inside with food.
Check the seal
A torn gasket or door that does not close lets warm air in.
Food safety
Refreeze only food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below.
Common causes
Evaporator fan
No air circulation.
Defrost system
Coil frozen over.
Condenser coils dirty
Poor heat release.
Compressor or refrigerant
Sealed system failure.
What to have ready when you call
- Property ZIP code, home or business
- Brand and model number (usually inside the door or on the back)
- How long it has been warm
- Frost buildup
What happens when you call RepairNowUSA
- Describe what is happening in plain words and give the property ZIP code. You do not need to know which trade to ask for.
- RepairNowUSA checks for a participating independent provider who handles freezer repair in that area.
- If one is available, you are connected. The provider confirms timing, access, scope and price with you before any work.
- The provider, not RepairNowUSA, diagnoses and performs the repair.
RepairNowUSA is a referral and connection service. Provider availability and response times vary by location, time and demand, and are not guaranteed. Before you approve work, ask what was found, the price, the timing and what is not included.
Call 833-877-1717Freezer running but not freezing questions
Why is my freezer running but not freezing?
Blocked vents, a failed fan, a defrost failure, dirty coils or a sealed-system problem.
Can I call at night or on a weekend?
Yes. You can call 833-877-1717 at any time, including nights, weekends and holidays. Whether an independent provider can come out right away depends on your ZIP code, the time and provider capacity, so availability is not guaranteed.
Authoritative references
These public sources give general safety context. They do not replace an on-site evaluation, and RepairNowUSA does not perform the work.