Cost to repair a freezer

Types of freezer repairs and costs

The biggest factor in the cost of a freezer repair is what’s broken. Something as simple as swapping out a lightbulb could run you as low as $50. But if it’s a broken compressor or control board, you may pay up to $650, depending on the size and type of freezer.

Coils

Clean the coils about once every six months to prevent dust buildup.

Excess dirt is one common reason your coils may not be working properly. Instead of releasing heat like they’re supposed to, the buildup of dirt can cause them to actually retain it instead. This can be a cheap, easy fix if they’re just dirty. But if they’re broken, it could cost up to $440.

Compressor

The compressor is a key component of your freezer, helping to keep a balanced temperature by moving coolant through the system. When it’s not working correctly, your freezer will have a hard time maintaining a consistent temperature.

If you have a smaller, stand-alone freezer, you may consider just replacing it completely instead of paying the high cost to repair the compressor, which is often between $250 to $650.

Control board

One of the most expensive and complicated parts of your freezer, a broken control board means quite a bit out of pocket for repair. This piece of technology handles all your freezer's major functions, from temperature alerts to defrost cycles. To repair it, you'll pay between $300 to $650 on average, although higher-end models could be more.

Defrost motor

Some freezers have built-in defrost motors, also called evaporator fan motors, to help keep the freezer frost-free and operating at peak capacity. They operate automatically on a regular basis to heat up the freezer slightly as needed. If they’re broken, temperatures can spike unexpectedly and lead to over-freezing or spoiled food. This repair costs between $100 to $440 usually.

Door dent

While unsightly, most door dents don’t usually require an immediate repair — which is good because the cost can vary quite a bit depending on the dent size, type of freezer and its material. In some cases, the entire door may have to be replaced, which could cost as much as $700.

Door seal

A door seal, on the other hand, can’t be ignored. With a bad seal, your freezer won’t maintain its temperature or will lose the ability to stay shut completely. Luckily, this is usually a simple and relatively affordable repair, costing as low as $100.

Thermostat

If your thermostat isn’t visibly showing the temperature but is working just fine, you could just avoid this repair altogether. But if it’s unexpectedly altering the temperature up and down via a malfunction, you’ll want to get it fixed. This could cost between $75 to $200, depending on the situation and if the repair tech needs to defrost your freezer to access the thermostat.

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Cost of repair by freezer type

There are four main types of freezers: portable, chest, upright and drawer freezers. Depending on the size and complexity of the system, repair costs can range pretty widely from type to type.

• Portable freezers can cost anywhere from $50 to $300 to repair. Because they’re designed to be taken on the go, they’re lightweight and easily broken if handled incorrectly. The most common repairs for this type of freezer are specific to the seal and the floor of the freezer.
• Chest freezers, which are often found in basements and garages, cost between $50 to $400 to repair. While often pretty large, they’re usually pretty simple in design — making them more affordable to repair when something goes wrong.
• Upright freezers look and operate like a refrigerator, offering easier access to your frozen goods without digging through drawers or a big chest. They vary in design, complexity and size, meaning their repair costs also vary. Depending on the situation, you could spend anywhere from $50 to $500 repairing an upright freezer.
• Drawer freezers are higher-end freezers designed to blend in with your kitchen cabinetry. They’re pretty expensive on their own, meaning repairs are often higher as well. On average, you’ll pay somewhere between $75 to $500 on repairs. The most common repairs for this type of freezer are to fix the roller tracks, seals and the front of the drawer.

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Signs you need freezer repair

According to Dave Roebel of Northeast Mechanical Services, an HVAC company in Fort Wayne, Indiana, a freezer should last you about 15 years if maintained properly. But if you notice any of these signs, he says to call a repair tech right away before your food spoils and the problem worsens.

Loud noises

Unusual or loud noises like grinding, clicking or buzzing can indicate a malfunctioning compressor or motor. If you start to notice random sounds coming from your freezer (ones that aren’t related to ice dropping), there’s something wrong with your system.

Frost buildup can lead to freezer burn, bad odors and damage to the appliance.

Frost buildup

Noticing a lot of frost or ice on your frozen food? First, check that your settings are correct. If it’s not as simple as a temperature change, you may have a bigger problem. Frequent and excessive frost buildup can indicate a problem with the freezer's cooling system, Roebel said.

Not maintaining temperature

If your freezer can't maintain a consistently cold temperature, leading to thawed or partially thawed food, it's a sign that it may need help. This could be anything from a compressor to the thermostat to a bad seal.

Leaks

If water or ice starts pooling inside or outside your freezer, you may have a clogged or damaged drain. In some cases, this could be an easy fix; in others, it may cost you quite a bit out of pocket — and not just in repairs. If left untreated, it could lead to other types of damage to your flooring or foundation.

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Bottom line

The cost to repair a freezer can vary greatly depending on a multitude of factors. You could spend anywhere from $50 to $650 on a repair, depending on the make, model and issue at hand. In some cases, it may not be worth repairing the freezer and opting to replace it instead.

And while you may be able to fix it on your own, there are some benefits of hiring a professional — like faster and more accurate repairs — that may outweigh the cost savings. In many cases, attempting a DIY fix can void your warranty altogether.

So, before you get out your screwdriver, consider getting a professional inspection from a licensed repair tech. That way, you save yourself the time, money and headache of potentially worsening the situation.