I feel like this question has more to do with water and its changes of states more than just freezing water. Water has a high specific heat, which means that it takes more energy to either boil or freeze than many other types of substances. This is unusual about water because it has a low molecular weight, which is normally associated with a smaller need for energy to change states. Is water didn't require this extra energy, then it water would freeze much more easily. This would be detrimental for many biological ecosystems. Think about how the world would be if water froze at say 60 degrees F, rather than 32. This would significantly effect the world as we know it.
