Troubleshooting A Freezer

Excessive cooling in the freezer can be due to a number of reasons that can be addressed and solved in no time. You can simply check your freezer to find the issue and then easily fix it. Here are some possible and common reasons that cause of getting your fridge to get too cold, along with the solutions to these problems. 

Temperature Setting

You can check the temperature settings of your fridge if it’s set too low. The recommended temperature of a fridge is 0° to 18°. If your temperature is set lower, then it can be a cause of much cooling in your fridge. 

The Defective Thermistor, The Temperature Sensor

A thermistor is a small electronic device that tells the control board about the current temperature. If the thermistor does not work properly, it will send wrong signals to the control board, and the compressor will be working continuously, which results in the freezer getting too cold.  

Unplug the freezer and find the sensor. Check it with a multimeter and replace it with the new one if it is faulty. You can also call a technician to do this.  

Failure Of The Defrost System

The defrost system is responsible for melting the build-up of ice in the fridge. If it does not work properly, there will be a thick ice build-up on walls and evaporator coils. 

First of all, check the heater, thermostat, and timer of the defrost system and replace the faulty one with a new one or fix the issue. Also, check the drain; a clogged drain can cause water to refreeze.  

Damaged Door Seal

A damaged door seal can also be a reason why your fridge is getting too cold.  

You can check it by using a small piece of paper. Place a paper inside the door and close it, then pull out the paper. If it comes out easily, then you should change the door seal. 

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

The fan turns on when the compressor is on and circulates cold air throughout the freezer. A faulty evaporator fan motor can cause too much heat in your fridge.  

First, check the fan and motor to see if they are working properly or not, and then replace them with new ones or fix the issue. 

Malfunctioning Of The Air Damper

An air damper is just like a small window that allows the cooling to pass from the freezer to the refrigerator area. It opens and shuts according to the cooling needs of the fridge. If it is stuck on, then it may be a major cause of your fridge getting too cold.  

Dirty Condenser Coils

Dirty condenser coils force your freezer to work hard and thus be a reason for excessive fridge cooling.  Clean them with the coil brush gently, and then check the cooling of the fridge. 

The Faulty Thermostat, The Temperature Control

A thermostat is a temperature control device; its malfunctioning can also be a main reason for excess. 
Check the thermostat with a multimeter to determine if it is working properly or not, and fix the issues. If it still does not work, then change it with a new one, or you can seek help from a technician. 

Conclusion

There can be several reasons behind excessive and unwanted cooling in your fridge. Identifying the exact issue and addressing it properly is key to restoring your fridge’s normal function. You can try the troubleshooting tips discussed above. If the issue continues, it’s best to consult a professional technician or contact the customer support of the fridge brand. Generaltec only sells appliances, so we recommend reaching out directly to the manufacturer’s service center for repairs.

FAQs. 

Why is My Freezer Freezing Everything Too Much?  

Your freezer may be set too low, have a faulty thermostat, or have a defrost system failure. Check the temperature settings (ideal: 0°F/-18°C) and inspect components like the thermistor or evaporator fan. 

What Temperature Should a Freezer Be Set at?  

The recommended freezer temperature is 0°F (-18°C). Lower settings can over freeze food, while higher temps risk spoilage. 

How Do I Know if My Freezer’s Thermistor is Bad?  

If the freezer overcools despite normal settings, unplug it and test the thermistor (temperature sensor) with a multimeter. No continuity = replace it. 

What Happens if the Defrost System Fails?  

A failed defrost system causes thick ice buildup, uneven cooling, and a constantly running compressor. Check the heater, thermostat, and timer for faults. 

Can a Broken Door Seal Make my Freezer too Cold?  

Yes! A damaged seal lets warm air in, tricking the freezer into overworking. Test it with the “paper method” (if paper slips out easily, replace the seal). 

Why is My Freezer fan Not Spinning?  

A faulty evaporator fan motor may be jammed by ice or have burnt-out wiring. Unplug the freezer, check for obstructions, and test the motor with a multimeter. 

How Do Dirty Condenser Coils Affect my Freezer?  

Dusty coils force the compressor to overwork, leading to poor cooling efficiency and excess frost. Clean them every 6–12 months with a coil brush or vacuum. 

What Does a Stuck Air Damper Do? 

 If the air damper (cooling vent) stays open, too much cold air flows into the fridge. Manually check if it moves freely or replace it. 

How Can I Test my Freezer’s Thermostat?  

Unplug the freezer, locate the thermostat, and use a multimeter to test for continuity. If it’s defective, replace it or call a technician. 

When Should I Call a Repair Technician?  

If troubleshooting (like adjusting temps, cleaning coils, or replacing seals) doesn’t fix the issue, seek professional help, especially for electrical or refrigerant problems. 

Why Does My Freezer Keep Running Nonstop? 

A constantly running freezer often indicates a faulty temperature sensor, dirty condenser coils, or low refrigerant levels. First, check if the door seal is tight and the thermostat is set correctly (0°F). If issues persist, inspect the evaporator fan and defrost system components. 

 How Can I Tell if My Freezer’s Control Board is Malfunctioning? 

Look for erratic temperature swings, unresponsive controls, or error codes on digital displays. Test by unplugging the unit for 5 minutes to reset the board. If problems continue after resetting, the control board likely needs replacement by a qualified technician. 

What Causes Frost Buildup Only on One Side of My Freezer? 

Uneven frost patterns typically point to a failing door gasket, improper food storage blocking airflow, or a defective air damper. Check for cold air leaks using the dollar bill test – if it slides out easily from any section, replace the seal. Also, ensure items aren’t touching the freezer walls