Why Is My Fridge Freezing

If you open your fridge and find that your milk is frozen or your salad leaves are encased in ice, you are not alone. A fridge that freezes its contents is a surprisingly common household issue and one that can quickly lead to wasted food and frustration. Fridges are designed to keep food cool, not frozen, and when temperatures dip too low, it usually means something is not quite right with how the appliance is functioning.

The temperature inside your fridge should stay between three and five degrees Celsius. If the internal temperature drops below zero, certain items may begin to freeze, particularly those stored close to the cooling element. Understanding why this happens can help you fix the problem and avoid further damage to your food or the appliance.

Thermostat Settings and Sensor Issues

The most straightforward explanation is that the thermostat has been set too low. Many people turn their fridge temperature down in the summer or after a large shop, but if it is left too cold, the appliance will struggle to maintain a balanced environment. If your fridge has a manual dial, try setting it to a middle position and give it a few hours to adjust. For digital thermostats, make sure the display is accurate and not faulty.

Another possibility is a malfunctioning temperature sensor. In modern fridges, the thermostat uses a sensor to detect how warm or cold the fridge is. If the sensor is damaged or dirty, it may give incorrect readings, prompting the compressor to run too often and overcool the contents. Replacing or cleaning the sensor may resolve this issue, though professional help is often required for diagnosis.

Blocked Air Vents and Poor Airflow

Good airflow is vital for a fridge to function properly. Most fridges use internal fans to circulate cold air evenly throughout the compartments. If vents are blocked by food or frost build-up, the cold air can become concentrated in certain areas, particularly near the back of the appliance where the cooling plate is located. This can cause items placed too close to these areas to freeze while others remain at the correct temperature.

To improve airflow, avoid overpacking the fridge and leave some space between items and the back wall. This allows cold air to circulate freely and helps maintain a consistent temperature throughout the compartment. If frost has built up, switch the appliance off and let it defrost fully before turning it back on.

Damaged or Worn Door Seals

Fridge door seals are often overlooked, but they play a crucial role in maintaining the correct internal temperature. A damaged or loose seal allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter, which can confuse the thermostat and cause the compressor to overwork. This often results in the fridge becoming colder than necessary as it tries to compensate for the warm air entering.

Check the door seal by closing the fridge on a sheet of paper and trying to pull it out. If it slides easily, the seal may need to be replaced. Cleaning the seal regularly also helps keep it soft and flexible, ensuring it forms a proper barrier when the door is closed.

Faulty Components and Ageing Appliances

As fridges age, internal components such as the thermostat, defrost timer or compressor can begin to wear out. This can cause temperature regulation to become inconsistent and lead to freezing. In some models, a faulty defrost system can allow ice to build up around the cooling coils, which then transfers excess cold to the main compartment.

If your fridge is over ten years old and regularly freezes items despite adjusting settings, it may be nearing the end of its working life. A qualified appliance engineer can test the various components to identify whether a repair is possible or if a replacement is more cost-effective.

Case Example

A homeowner in Manchester noticed that her fruit and vegetables were freezing in the salad drawer of her fridge. She initially thought the appliance was set too low, but adjusting the dial had no effect. A local engineer inspected the fridge and discovered that a blocked air vent at the rear of the appliance was directing too much cold air into the lower section. After defrosting and cleaning the vent area, the problem was resolved and the fridge returned to normal operation.

Conclusion

If your fridge is freezing its contents, the cause is likely a simple issue such as incorrect settings, blocked airflow or a faulty seal. However, it can also indicate a deeper problem with the appliance’s internal systems. Taking time to inspect and adjust the basics can often resolve the issue, but if freezing continues, professional inspection may be the best route to preserve your food and extend the life of your fridge.