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

When your freezer stops freezing, it’s not just an inconvenience-it’s a financial loss. That bag of frozen berries, the family-sized ice cream tub, the batch of homemade meals you prepped last month-all of it can spoil in hours. And if you’re in Wellington, where winters can still sneak up on you, a broken freezer feels even more urgent. So, how much does it actually cost to fix a freezer that won’t freeze? The answer isn’t simple, but it’s not as scary as you might think.

What’s Really Going Wrong?

Before we talk money, you need to understand what’s broken. A freezer that won’t freeze usually has one of five core issues:

• Thermostat failure - The control that tells the compressor when to turn on. If it’s faulty, the freezer never gets the signal to cool.
• Condenser coil dirt buildup - Dust and lint clog the coils at the back or bottom. This blocks heat from escaping, making the system overheat and shut down.
• Compressor malfunction - The heart of the system. If it’s dead, the freezer won’t run at all. This is expensive to fix.
• Evaporator fan failure - This fan circulates cold air inside the freezer. If it stops, air doesn’t move, and things thaw even if the compressor is working.
• Door seal leak - A worn or cracked gasket lets warm air in. It doesn’t stop the freezer from running, but it makes it work overtime and still not reach the right temperature.

Most of these aren’t catastrophic. The thermostat or fan might cost under $100 to replace. But if the compressor is the issue, you’re looking at a major repair-or a new unit.

Typical Repair Costs in New Zealand (2026)

Here’s what you’re likely to pay in Wellington and other major cities:

Average Freezer Repair Costs in New Zealand (2026)

Issue	Parts Cost	Labor Cost	Total Estimate
Thermostat replacement	$40-$70	$80-$120	$120-$190
Evaporator fan replacement	$60-$110	$90-$150	$150-$260
Condenser coil cleaning	$0-$30 (cleaning kit)	$70-$100	$70-$130
Door seal replacement	$30-$60	$60-$90	$90-$150
Compressor replacement	$300-$600	$150-$250	$450-$850

These prices include diagnostic fees and standard service call charges. Some technicians charge a flat call-out fee of $60-$90, then bill hourly after that. Others include the first hour in the diagnostic. Always ask before they start work.

When to Repair vs. Replace

The big question: is it worth fixing? Here’s the rule of thumb we use in Wellington: if the repair cost is more than half the price of a new freezer, walk away.

Most basic upright freezers start around $500. A mid-range model with frost-free tech runs $800-$1,200. If your freezer is over 8 years old and the compressor is failing, you’re likely spending $600+ to fix a unit that’s already used half its life. Newer models are quieter, use 40% less power, and come with better warranties.

But if your freezer is 3-5 years old and the issue is the fan or thermostat? Fix it. You’re getting five more years out of it easily. Plus, you’re not throwing away a perfectly good appliance.

DIY Fixes You Can Try First

Before you call a technician, try these simple steps. They fix 30% of freezer problems:

1. Unplug it for 10 minutes. Sometimes, a power reset clears a glitch in the electronic control board.
2. Check the temperature setting. Did someone accidentally bump it to "off" or "warm"? Turn it back to 0°F (-18°C).
3. Clean the coils. Pull the freezer out, vacuum the back or bottom coils. Dust buildup is the #1 cause of overheating.
4. Test the door seal. Close a dollar bill in the door. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is worn. Replace it yourself-it takes 15 minutes.
5. Check for frost buildup. If the evaporator coils are covered in ice (not just a little frost), the defrost heater might be broken. This is fixable, but usually needs a pro.

These won’t fix a dead compressor, but they’ll save you a service call if the issue is simple.

How to Find a Reliable Repair Tech

Not all repair people are equal. In Wellington, we’ve seen too many shops charge $150 just to look at a freezer, then say "it’s the compressor"-even when it’s not.

Here’s how to avoid getting ripped off:

• Ask for a diagnostic fee in writing. Some companies charge $50-$80 just to come out. Make sure they’ll apply it to the repair cost if you go ahead.
• Check for licensed appliance technicians. Look for members of the Australian and New Zealand Appliance Repair Association.
• Read recent reviews on Google. Look for comments like "They didn’t upsell me" or "Fixed it for half what another quote said".
• Ask if they use genuine parts. Aftermarket parts are cheaper but often fail faster.

Some local appliance stores offer repair services. They often have better pricing because they buy parts in bulk. Don’t assume the big national chains are cheaper-they’re not.

What to Do If It’s Not Worth Fixing

If you decide to replace it, don’t just toss the old one. In New Zealand, you can recycle old appliances for free at most council transfer stations. Some retailers even take your old freezer when you buy a new one. And if you’re lucky, you might qualify for a government energy efficiency rebate-especially if you upgrade to an A++ rated model.

Keep the receipt and the old unit’s model number. You’ll need it if you apply for a rebate. The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) sometimes runs seasonal programs that give up to $150 off new efficient freezers.

Final Advice: Act Fast

The longer a freezer runs poorly, the more damage it does. A struggling compressor wears out faster. A leaky seal lets moisture in, which can rust the interior. And if you don’t move your food out quickly, you’ll lose more than just frozen peas-you’ll lose money.

Don’t wait for everything to melt. If you’ve tried the simple fixes and it’s still not cooling, call a technician within 48 hours. Most reputable repair shops in Wellington can come out the same day or next morning. And if you’re lucky, you’ll walk away with a working freezer for under $200.