How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Freezer That Won't Freeze?

If your freezer won’t freeze, you’re not just dealing with melted ice cream-you’re risking spoiled food, wasted money, and maybe even a full fridge breakdown. This isn’t a "wait and see" situation. Freezers are designed to stay at 0°F (-18°C) or lower. When they stop cooling, something’s broken. And fixing it isn’t always cheap. But it’s rarely as expensive as replacing the whole unit-if you catch the problem early.

What’s Actually Wrong With Your Freezer?

Before you panic about the price tag, you need to know what’s broken. Most freezer repair issues fall into five main categories, and each has a very different cost range.

• Thermostat failure: The thermostat tells the freezer when to turn on. If it’s stuck, the compressor never kicks in. This is one of the cheapest fixes-usually under $100.
• Condenser coil dirt: Dust and hair clog the coils at the back or bottom of the freezer. That stops heat from escaping. Cleaning them costs $50-$100, but many people fix this themselves with a vacuum and brush.
• Evaporator fan motor: This fan circulates cold air inside the freezer. If it dies, the freezer feels warm even though the compressor is running. Replacement parts run $80-$150, plus labor.
• Compressor failure: The compressor is the heart of the system. If it’s dead, the freezer won’t cool at all. Replacing it costs $400-$700, and sometimes more if the unit is older than 8 years.
• Door seal leak: A cracked or warped gasket lets cold air out. It’s easy to spot-if you can see frost buildup around the door edge, or if a piece of paper slips out easily when you close the door, the seal is bad. New gaskets cost $30-$60.

In Brisbane, where humidity is high and temperatures regularly hit 30°C, freezers work harder than in cooler climates. That means seals wear out faster, coils get dirty quicker, and compressors burn out sooner. If your freezer is over 10 years old, it’s likely running on outdated refrigerant like R12 or R22, which is now banned in Australia. Recharging with newer refrigerant isn’t always legal or cost-effective.

How Much Do Repairs Actually Cost?

Labor costs in Brisbane average $80-$120 per hour. Most repairs take 1-2 hours, so you’re looking at $100-$250 just for the technician to show up, diagnose, and fix it. Parts are extra.

Here’s a realistic breakdown of common repairs in Australia, based on quotes from local appliance technicians in 2025:

Typical Freezer Repair Costs in Brisbane (2026)

Problem	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimated Cost
Thermostat replacement	$30-$60	$80-$100	$110-$160
Condenser coil cleaning	$0-$20 (brush)	$80-$100	$80-$120
Evaporator fan motor	$80-$150	$100-$120	$180-$270
Door gasket replacement	$30-$60	$80-$100	$110-$160
Compressor replacement	$300-$600	$150-$200	$450-$800

These prices assume you’re using a licensed technician with a service guarantee. If you go with a fly-by-night operator, you risk being overcharged or getting substandard parts. In Queensland, the Office of Fair Trading requires appliance repairers to display their license number. Always ask for it.

When It’s Cheaper to Replace Than Repair

If your freezer is older than 10 years, you’re probably better off replacing it. Why? Because:

• New freezers use 40-50% less electricity than models from 2010.
• Modern units have better insulation and digital controls that reduce failure rates.
• A new standalone freezer costs $500-$900, and you can find energy-efficient models on sale for under $600.
• Older freezers often use refrigerants that are no longer sold legally in Australia. Even if you fix the compressor, you might not be able to refill the system.

Here’s a simple rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new freezer, walk away. So if a compressor replacement is quoted at $650, and a new freezer costs $800, you’re better off buying new. You’ll save on electricity, avoid future breakdowns, and get a warranty.

Also, if your freezer is built into a fridge unit (a fridge-freezer combo), and the fridge side is still working fine, you might consider replacing just the freezer section. But that’s rare-most manufacturers don’t sell freezer modules separately. In that case, replacing the whole unit is the only practical option.

What You Can Do Before Calling a Technician

Before you pay for a service call, try these quick checks. They might save you $100 or more.

1. Check the temperature setting. Someone might’ve accidentally turned it up. Set it to the coldest setting and wait 24 hours.
2. Feel the back or bottom. If the compressor is hot to the touch and humming, it’s running. If it’s cold and silent, the thermostat or start relay is likely dead.
3. Inspect the door seal. Close a dollar bill in the door. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is bad. Replace it yourself-it takes 15 minutes.
4. Clear the coils. Unplug the freezer. Use a vacuum with a brush attachment to clean dust off the coils. Don’t use water.
5. Listen for the fan. Open the freezer door and listen near the back wall. If you don’t hear a soft whirring, the evaporator fan might be dead.

If none of these steps help, you’ve got a deeper issue. Don’t keep trying to fix it yourself. You could damage the compressor or cause a refrigerant leak, which is both illegal and dangerous.

What to Look for in a Repair Technician

Not all repair people are equal. In Brisbane, the best ones:

• Have a current Queensland Electrical and Plumbing License (or a valid appliance repair license).
• Carry liability insurance-ask for proof.
• Offer a 30- to 90-day warranty on parts and labor.
• Don’t charge for a diagnosis if they don’t fix it.
• Use genuine or OEM-compatible parts, not cheap knock-offs.

Check reviews on Google or the Consumer Affairs Queensland website. Avoid technicians who show up in unmarked vans or refuse to give a written quote.

Why This Problem Happens More in Brisbane

Brisbane’s hot, humid climate puts extra stress on appliances. Freezers work harder to keep cold air in and heat out. That means:

• Door seals dry out and crack faster.
• Condenser coils collect more dust and mold.
• Compressors overheat and fail sooner.
• Moisture gets into electrical components, causing corrosion.

That’s why annual maintenance-cleaning coils, checking seals, ensuring airflow-isn’t optional here. It’s the difference between a freezer that lasts 15 years and one that dies in 6.

Final Advice: Fix It or Replace It?

Ask yourself these three questions:

1. How old is it? Under 8 years? Repair it. Over 10 years? Replace it.
2. How much is the repair? Less than half the price of a new one? Go ahead. More? Walk away.
3. How much do you use it? If you store bulk meat, frozen veggies, or ice cream for a big family, a reliable freezer is worth the investment. If it’s barely used, a cheap secondhand unit might do.

There’s no shame in replacing a freezer. Appliances have a lifespan. Pushing a broken one past its limit costs more in wasted food, higher electricity bills, and repeated repairs. A new, efficient freezer pays for itself in energy savings within 2-3 years.

Next Steps

If your freezer isn’t freezing:

1. Check the temperature setting and door seal.
2. Clean the condenser coils.
3. Listen for the fan and compressor.
4. If none of that helps, call a licensed technician with good reviews.
5. Get a written quote before they start work.
6. Compare the quote to the price of a new freezer.

Don’t wait until your food spoils. A broken freezer doesn’t fix itself-and every day it sits idle, you’re losing money. Whether you repair or replace, act now. The sooner you fix it, the less it costs.