Freezer Repair Cost Calculator
Freezer Repair Cost Calculator
Determine if it's cheaper to repair or replace your freezer based on age and problem.
If your freezer won’t freeze, you’re not just dealing with melted ice cream-you’re risking spoiled food, wasted money, and a growing mess. The average cost to fix a freezer that won’t freeze in Australia ranges from $150 to $650, depending on the issue. But that number means nothing if you don’t know what’s actually wrong. Some fixes cost less than a new bag of frozen veggies. Others cost more than replacing the whole unit.
What’s Really Going On Inside Your Freezer?
A freezer that won’t freeze doesn’t just break-it gives you clues. The most common reasons aren’t mysterious. They’re simple parts that wear out, get dirty, or stop working. You can often spot the problem yourself before calling a technician.
First, check the temperature setting. Sounds obvious, but someone might’ve bumped the dial to "off" or "cooler fridge" mode. Most freezers should be set between -18°C and -20°C. If it’s set higher, that’s your fix-no tools needed.
If the setting’s right, listen. Is the compressor running? If you hear a low hum, the motor’s on. If it’s completely silent, the problem could be the thermostat, start relay, or power supply. If it’s loud but not cold, the issue is likely airflow or refrigerant.
Top 5 Reasons Your Freezer Won’t Freeze (and What They Cost)
Here’s what’s actually breaking in most cases, based on repair logs from Perth service calls in 2025:
- Dirty condenser coils - Dust builds up on the coils at the back or bottom of the freezer. This blocks heat from escaping, so the unit can’t cool properly. Cleaning them takes 20 minutes and costs $80-$120 if you hire someone. Do it yourself? Just vacuum them. No cost.
- Faulty thermostat - The thermostat tells the freezer when to turn on and off. If it’s stuck, the freezer won’t start. Replacement parts cost $30-$60. Labour adds $90-$150. Total: $120-$210.
- Broken start relay - This small part kicks the compressor on. If it’s fried, the compressor won’t turn. Parts are $20-$40. Labour: $100-$160. Total: $120-$200. Often mistaken for a bad compressor.
- Leaking refrigerant - If the coolant is escaping, the freezer can’t get cold. This is serious. Finding the leak takes time. Recharging refrigerant costs $180-$300. But if the system is old (over 10 years), fixing it might not be worth it. New units start at $600.
- Failed compressor - The heart of the freezer. If it’s dead, you’re looking at $400-$650 to replace it. That’s 60-80% of the price of a new freezer. Most technicians will tell you to replace the whole unit instead.
When to Repair vs. Replace
Here’s the hard truth: if your freezer is over 10 years old and needs a compressor or refrigerant fix, it’s usually cheaper to buy new. New models use 40% less energy than ones from 2015. That saves you $80-$120 a year on electricity.
Use this rule: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a comparable new freezer, walk away. A basic upright freezer costs $500-$700. A side-by-side runs $900-$1,300. If your repair quote hits $350 or more on an old unit, you’re throwing money into a hole.
But if your freezer is under 7 years old and the issue is a thermostat or relay, fix it. Those parts are cheap. And you’ll get another 5-8 years out of it.
What You Can Do Before Calling a Pro
Don’t rush to book a technician. Try these steps first:
- Unplug the freezer for 5 minutes. Plug it back in. Sometimes it just needs a reset.
- Check the door seal. Run your hand around the edge. If you feel cold air leaking, the gasket is cracked. A new seal costs $40-$70 and snaps in place.
- Clear the vents inside. Ice buildup blocks airflow. Defrost the freezer if it’s manual. Even frost-free units can get clogged if you shove in too many bags.
- Make sure the freezer isn’t packed too full. Air needs to circulate. Overcrowding stops cold air from moving.
- Check the power outlet. Plug in a lamp to see if it’s getting electricity.
If you’ve done all that and it’s still not freezing, then it’s time to call someone. But now you’ll know what to ask for.
What to Ask a Repair Technician
Not all technicians are honest. Some will push expensive fixes when a cheap one would work. Here’s what to say:
- "Can you test the compressor? Is it getting power?"
- "Is the refrigerant level low? If so, can you find the leak?"
- "What’s the warranty on the part and labour?"
- "Is this repair worth it, or should I just replace it?"
Ask for a written quote before they start. A good tech will explain the problem clearly-not just say "it’s broken" and name a price.
Watch out for these red flags:
- They won’t tell you what part is faulty.
- They say "it’s the compressor" without testing anything else.
- They charge $200 just to show up and don’t guarantee the diagnosis.
Real Cost Examples from Perth Repairs (2025)
Here’s what actually happened in three recent cases:
- Case 1: A 12-year-old upright freezer wouldn’t freeze. Technician found clogged coils. Cleaned them. Cost: $110. Freezer works fine now.
- Case 2: A 5-year-old side-by-side stopped cooling. Start relay failed. Replaced part + labour. Cost: $185. Still under manufacturer warranty-paid $0.
- Case 3: A 14-year-old chest freezer had a slow refrigerant leak. Found the leak, patched it, recharged. Cost: $420. Owner chose to replace it with a new 18-cubic-foot model for $680.
Notice the pattern? Age matters. Simple fixes are cheap. Major repairs on old units aren’t worth it.
How to Avoid This Problem Next Time
Prevention costs nothing. Do this every 6 months:
- Unplug and vacuum the coils at the back or bottom.
- Wipe the door seal with warm water and vinegar. Dry it. Prevents cracks.
- Keep the freezer ⅔ full. Too empty = inefficient. Too full = no airflow.
- Don’t put hot food inside. Let it cool first.
- Check the temperature with a standalone thermometer. Don’t trust the dial.
These habits extend your freezer’s life by 5-10 years. That’s hundreds of dollars saved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my freezer cold but not freezing?
If the freezer feels cold but food isn’t frozen, the temperature is set too high, the vents are blocked, or the door seal is leaking. Check the thermostat first. Then inspect the interior for ice buildup. Clean the coils if they’re dusty. If all that fails, the thermostat or start relay may be faulty.
Can a freezer be repaired if it has a refrigerant leak?
Yes, but only if the leak is small and easy to find. Older freezers often have corroded copper lines. Patching them is possible, but the repair rarely lasts. Refrigerant is expensive, and the system may leak again within months. For freezers over 8 years old, replacement is usually the smarter choice.
How long does a freezer compressor last?
A good compressor lasts 10-15 years under normal use. But if the coils are dirty, the door seal leaks, or the unit is overworked, it can fail in as little as 5 years. Regular cleaning and proper loading help extend its life.
Is it cheaper to fix a freezer or buy a new one?
If the repair costs more than half the price of a new freezer, buy new. A new energy-efficient model saves $80-$120 a year on power. For freezers under 7 years old, repairs under $300 are usually worth it. Beyond that, replacement is better long-term.
Do I need a professional to recharge refrigerant?
Yes. Refrigerant is a controlled substance in Australia. Only licensed technicians can handle it. Trying to recharge it yourself is illegal and dangerous. It also won’t fix the leak-you need to find and seal it first.
Next Steps
If your freezer still won’t freeze after checking the basics, take a photo of the model number and call a local appliance repair service. Ask for a quote over the phone first. Most offer free diagnostics.
Don’t wait until your food spoils. Frozen meat and veggies can go bad in 24-48 hours if the temperature rises above -5°C. Keep a cooler with ice packs ready just in case.
And if you’re thinking about replacing it, look for models with an Energy Star rating. In 2026, the most efficient freezers use under 300 kWh per year. That’s less than half of what older units used to drain.