The freezer is the part of a refrigerator-freezer appliance that is more likely to experience problems, prompting a large percentage of calls for home appliance repair. Yet freezers are not very complicated, and many handy homeowners can troubleshoot a freezer problem with a little time and some detective work. In some cases homeowners can even get their freezers working properly again without having to call appliance repair techs in. By taking the time to troubleshoot problems, an appliance owner will know whether a call for freezer repair is actually necessary or not.
Understanding How A Freezer Works
Freezers work through a chemical reaction that occurs with the coolant inside the cooling condenser system. Coolant is compressed, then passed through the freezer compartment where it expands again, absorbing heat inside the compartment as it does. Uncompressed, warmer coolant then leaves the freezer compartment to continue through the cooling system, to be compressed again and start the entire process over. This basic, continuous process is what continues to draw heat out of the freezer, keeping the temperature lower.
When Freezers Do Not Keep Food Frozen
The main problem appliance owners experience with their freezer is food not actually being kept frozen. This means that for some reason the interior freezer compartment is not maintaining a cool enough temperature. There are a number of reasons why this can happen, such as the following, many of which are easy for homeowners to troubleshoot on their own before calling an appliance repair company for a freezer repair:
- Improperly Set Temperature - Home appliance repair experts suggest that the simplest, and most obvious place to check first when the freezer is not functioning properly is the temperature setting. If it accidentally got bumped or changed somehow, this could be, and frequently is the problem. Set the freezer temperature correctly, depending upon the appliance, close the door for a little while, then test the interior temperature with a thermometer. It should read between 5 degrees and 0. If this is not the problem, check for other issues.
- The Freezer Door - The freezer door can be responsible for poor cooling in a number of different ways. Make sure the door is properly aligned so that it closes squarely, and that there are not items inside the freezer pushing against the door, preventing it from fully sealing. Clean and inspect freezer door seals. If they are dirty, torn, or hardened, this could be the problem in preventing a tight seal, and letting warm air in.
- Poorly Packed Freezer - How the freezer is packed can also affect its function. Always make sure there is space in front of the freezer vents to allow for air circulation, and avoid packing a freezer so full that air cannot circulate within the compartment. If cool air cannot circulate, and warmer air cannot be cooled, the freezer will not be able to keep things frozen.
- Dirty Coils and Compressor - Dust and dirt collected on the refrigerator coils, compressor and motor can prevent the cooling system from getting as cool as it should, reducing the ability to freeze food and keep it frozen. When the freezer is behaving inefficiently, pull the refrigerator out, clean under and behind it, and clean off the coils, the condenser, and the motor so they can function properly. Make sure there is room for air circulation around the appliance, too.
Freezers that do not freeze are a common problem, but thankfully the problem is usually a simple one. If things do not improve after trying these quick troubleshooting methods, a call for freezer repair may be necessary. If so, appliance owners can at least mention the things they have already tried, helping home appliance repair techs to get a better idea of what the problem could be, and whether an actual appliance repair may be necessary!
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