Assuming its the kind where the freezer is just a compartment inside the fridge, then yes, the freezer keeps the fridge cold. the metal plate that makes the freezer is usually the only cold coil in the fridge. the fact that its a freezer, is just by virtue of the contents being wrapped completely in the cold plate/coil. i dont see people ripping them out, but it is not uncommon for people to bend them down, and out of the way (only after the fridge has been unplugged, and warmed up to room temperature, so the tubes are less brittle).