Has your Hotpoint freezer suddenly stopped freezing? Don’t panic – there are several common issues that could be preventing your freezer from reaching its ideal sub-zero temperatures. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk through the major components of a Hotpoint freezer and explore the top troubleshooting tips to get your appliance back to properly freezing your food again.
Whether it’s a bottom-mount, top-mount, or chest Freezer, Hotpoint refrigerators utilize similar cooling technologies and systems. Knowing how these work can help diagnose what exactly has gone wrong when your freezer stops freezing properly. We’ll provide an overview of how Hotpoint freezers function, detail the most common reasons they stop freezing, and give actionable steps you can take to fix the problem yourself or determine if professional repair is required. Read on for expert insight on restoring freezing function to your faulty Hotpoint freezer.
How Hotpoint Freezers Work
Hotpoint brand refrigerators, including their freezer compartments, cool using a vapor-compression refrigeration system. This type of system cools by circulating refrigerant through a closed loop which passes through four key components:
The Compressor
The compressor pressurizes refrigerant vapor, raising its temperature. It works similarly to a pump, pressurizing the refrigerant to move it through the system.
The Condenser Coils
After leaving the compressor, the hot refrigerant passes through condenser coils which dissipate the heat, condensing the refrigerant back into a liquid.
The Expansion Valve
The liquid refrigerant then passes through an expansion valve, causing it to expand and lower in temperature.
The Evaporator Coils
Finally, the cooled refrigerant flows into the evaporator coils located inside the freezer compartment. As it evaporates from liquid back into a gas, it absorbs heat from inside the freezer, lowering the internal temperature.
The cycle then repeats, with the refrigerant vapor returning to the compressor and so on. This cooling process relies on an airtight, pressurized refrigerant loop. If any issues arise with the major components or the refrigerant circuit itself, freezing capability can be impacted.
Top Causes of a Hotpoint Freezer Not Freezing
If your Hotpoint freezer is not reaching freezing temperatures but the refrigerator section still cools normally, the issue likely lies in the freezer system itself. Here are the most common causes of freezing failure:
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat from the hot compressed refrigerant vapor. But over years of use, dust, dirt, and grime can build up on the coils, insulating them and preventing proper heat dissipation.
Cleaning condenser coils regularly helps them work more efficiently. If it’s been over a year since you’ve cleaned them, dirty coils could be preventing the freezer from reaching proper temperatures.
How to Clean Condenser Coils
Cleaning condenser coils is an easy DIY task. To access the coils on a Hotpoint freezer, remove the lower back panel. Use a condenser coil cleaning brush or a vacuum with a brush attachment to gently clean off accumulated dust and debris from the coils. Replace the back panel when finished. Cleaning the coils once a year helps avoid freezing issues.
2. Faulty Temperature Control Thermostat
Freezers have a temperature control thermostat that regulates how cold the unit gets. If this thermostat fails, it can prevent the freezer from reaching freezing temperatures, even if the refrigerator section still seems cold.
A defective thermostat may show symptoms like the freezer running constantly but never getting below 20°F. Or it could cycle on and off frequently as it unsuccessfully tries to meet its setpoint. A damaged thermostat needs replacing to restore proper freezing temperatures.
How to Test and Replace the Thermostat
First check if the thermostat click when adjusting the temperature setting. If it doesn’t click, the thermostat is likely faulty. To test it, unplug the freezer and use a multimeter to check for continuity as you adjust between temperature settings. Replace the thermostat if it shows no continuity. Installation involves disconnecting wiring from the bad thermostat and connecting it to the new one.
3. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor circulates cold air from the freezer evaporator coils throughout the freezer compartment. If this fan motor malfunctions, cold air won’t properly circulate and Freezer sections can fail to freeze even if evaporator coils are cold.
Symptoms of a faulty evaporator fan motor include warm freezer air, frost build up, and seized fan blades that won’t turn. Replacing the evaporator fan motor restores proper air circulation and freezing capability.
How to Troubleshoot and Replace the Evaporator Fan Motor
First check if the motor is running by looking for spinning fan blades in the freezer’s rear panel. If the fan is still, tap it to try getting it moving. If the fan spins freely but won’t run on its own, the motor needs replacing. Unplug wiring from the motor, remove mounting screws, and install a replacement motor. Secure it and reconnect wiring to restore proper freezer air circulation.
Other Possible Freezing Failures
While the issues above are most common, here are a few other potential causes of a non-freezing Hotpoint freezer:
- Main Control Board Failure – If the control board malfunctions, it can prevent proper temperature regulation. Check error codes, test components it controls, or replace it if faulty.
- Defective Compressor – An issue with the refrigerant compressor can affect the entire cooling system. Listen for odd noises, test its electrical parts, or have a technician check refrigerant pressures to pinpoint compressor failures.
- Refrigerant Leaks – Leaks in the sealed refrigerant system reduce cooling capacity and can prevent freezing. Signs are weak cooling, low refrigerant pressures, and oil spots around sealed system components. Have an HVAC technician locate and seal leaks.
- Start Relay Problems – To protect the compressor, a start relay regulates power during startups. If defective, the compressor may not turn on properly. Replace faulty start relays.
- Evaporator Fan Relay Issue – This controls evaporator fan power. Failure causes warm freezer air. Check if the relay clicks. If not, replace the faulty relay.
Fixing a Hotpoint Freezer That’s Not Freezing
If your Hotpoint freezer stops freezing, use this step-by-step troubleshooting guide to restore freezing temperatures:
- Clean Condenser Coils – Clean off any accumulated dust and debris to improve heat dissipation.
- Check the Temperature Setting – Make sure the temperature control is set to max cold. Rule out it being set warmer.
- Inspect the Evaporator Fan – Check that the evaporator fan blade spins freely. If not, tap the blade to try to get it moving.
- Test Components with a Multimeter – Check for continuity in thermostats and relays. Replace those showing no continuity when activated.
- Monitor Freezer Temperature – Use a thermometer to verify temperatures are too warm after 24 hours on the coldest setting.
- Listen for Odd Noises – Unusual compressor noises can indicate a refrigerant issue or defective compressor.
If these steps don’t resolve the freezing failure, contact a technician. They can check error codes, diagnose sealed system issues, test electrical components, and confirm if certain parts need professional replacement to properly fix your Hotpoint freezer.
When to Call a Repair Technician
While symptoms may point to an obvious issue like dirty condenser coils, complex problems involving the sealed refrigeration system, electrical components, or diagnostic error codes usually require professional expertise. Call a technician for Hotpoint freezer issues if:
- You cleaned the coils but the freezer still doesn’t freeze.
- The fan motor, thermostat, and relays test functional but cooling is weak.
- The compressor makes odd noises signaling an internal mechanical issue.
- The freezer shows an error code on its display panel.
- There are signs of low refrigerant levels or leaks in the sealed system.
Many freezer failures can be identified and repaired DIY. But complex underlying issues may take an appliance technician’s diagnostic skills and expertise to fully resolve. Don’t continue troubleshooting complex problems on your own past a certain point. If you’ve made basic checks and fixes but your Hotpoint freezer still fails to freeze, it’s time to have a professional service it.
Take Action to Fix Your Freezing Failure
Has your reliable Hotpoint been failing to freeze food lately? Use this guide to understand how Hotpoint freezers work, troubleshoot what’s causing yours to malfunction, and take the right steps to get your appliance freezing properly again. Often the problem comes down to routine maintenance like cleaning condenser coils. Other times, faulty electrical components or refrigeration issues require replacing certain parts or professional service.
Implement these troubleshooting tips to zero in on why your specific freezer model has stopped freezing. Catching and fixing problems early prevents food spoilage and costly appliance damage down the line. With some targeted DIY maintenance and repairs, you can get your Hotpoint freezer back to reliably freezing your food and ensuring it stays safely preserved.
Cleaning Those Condenser Coils
Dust buildup on condenser coils is likely the #1 cause of freezer temperature regulation issues. A quick brushing once a year prevents so many freezing failures. It’s some of the easiest maintenance that makes the biggest impact!
I’m impressed by how accessible Hotpoint makes the condenser coils on most models. Just pop off a panel, brush away the dust bunnies, and bam – freezing performance boost. Don’t skip this simple step.
Checking Electrical Components
The temperature control thermostat and evaporator fan relay are prone to crapping out after 5-10 years. I keep replacement thermostats and relays on my truck for this very reason. Swapping in new ones is cheap and easy. Just be sure to unplug the unit before wiring in replacements.
Hotpoint uses qualitySetName-brand components in their designs. As long as replacements match spec, the fix is quick and painless. The electricals failing is much more common than sealed system leaks in my experience.
Let the HVAC Tech Handle Complex Issues
I’ll be honest – diag’ing sealed system issues or compressor failures is outside my wheelhouse. Hotpoint units rely on quality refrigerant components, but when they do eventually fail it’s best to call in an HVAC pro in my opinion.
Same goes for control board diagnostics and replacements. Some tasks require specific training and equipment. Knowing my limits lets me fix what I can and pass the torch for complex repairs.
Comparative Table of Hotpoint Freezer Fixes
| Issue | Difficulty | Cost | Risks |
| Dirty Condenser Coils | Easy | Low | None |
| Faulty Thermostat | Medium | Low | Electrical shock if improperly disconnected |
| Bad Evaporator Fan | Medium | Low | Fan blade damage if improperly disassembled |
| Refrigerant Leaks | Hard | High | Releasing refrigerants harms environment |
| Compressor Failure | Hard | High | Contains oils and refrigerants needing proper handling |
| Control Board | Hard | High | Diagnosing codes requires training |
Conclusion
The bottom line in my experience – common Hotpoint freezer issues come down to lack of maintenance and faulty electrical parts. With basic handyman skills and proper precautions, many fixes can be DIYed. But know when more training is needed – sealed system and compressor repairs often require a professional. Overall Hotpoint makes well-designed and serviceable appliances. With my tips, your freezer can be freezing properly again in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often should I clean the condenser coils?
A: Annually is best. Every 6 months if you notice freezer performance dropping.
Q: How can I test the thermostat and relay?
A: Use a multimeter to check for continuity. Replace if there’s no continuity when activated.
Q: What are signs of a sealed system leak?
A: Weak cooling, low refrigerant pressures, oil residues around sealed components.
Q: When do I absolutely need to call an appliance technician?
A: For complex issues like sealed system leaks, compressor failures, or diagnostic error codes.
Q: Can I troubleshoot and fix a Hotpoint freezer myself?
A: Many common problems like dirty coils, bad thermostats, and faulty fan motors can absolutely be DIY fixed with proper care.