Common Freezer Problems and Solutions

Common Freezer Problems and Solutions – After loading your freezer with food, you suddenly realize after some hours that the food isn’t getting cooled.

You check the appliance and then you realize that the freezer is not even cooling at all despite being plugged into a power source. The next thing on your mind would be to call a technician for possible repairs.

But before you dial that number take some time to learn and understand some common freezer problems you might encounter over the course of usage and how to resolve them on your own.

In this article, we have gathered some of the freezer problems that most customers often complain about. Read on to discover them and learn about their possible solutions.

1. Freezer not freezing

If you notice that your freezer is no longer cooling, check the rear wall of the appliance to see if it is cold enough.

In addition, take a look at the evaporator fan and observe if it is working correctly. Place your hand beside it and check if you can feel air flowing from the freezer vents.

If you do feel the air, then everything is fine. If you can’t feel the air, then it is an indicator that the evaporator fan motor is faulty.

The only solution here is to have the erring component replaced which can only be done with the help of an expert.

However, before calling in for help to have this part fixed, be sure to also check the condenser coils as they may be dirty.

The condenser coils can either be located at the back or the bottom of the appliance (depending on the brand and model).

You should take it as a point of duty to have the condenser coil cleaned at least once annually.

If you do this, you will help that component properly do its job of dissipating heat. You can do this by first disconnecting the appliance from the mains. Now, with a dusting brush or a vacuum, clean the coil thoroughly.

2. Freezer producing strange noise

Sometimes freezers tend to start emitting strange unusually loud noises. This could be a sign that the evaporator fan motor requires replacement.

The fan motor should be located at the back of the unit and it does the job of circulating air via the evaporator coil.

There, the coils convert heat into cool air which is now distributed in every corner of the freezer and refrigerator.

Typically, evaporator fan motors come with a life span of about a decade. Nevertheless, they can still break down over time if the fan blade gets jammed or finds it difficult to rotate hence the unusual strange noise from the freezer.

There are other noises you might hear from your appliance but they do not necessarily mean that there may be an issue with the unit.

For example, a sizzling sound from the cooling unit usually means that the freezer is having a defrost cycle.

In the same vein, if you hear a gurgling noise, then there’s no cause for alarm as it likely means that the water is draining off the evaporator coil in the process of defrosting.

There’s really nothing to worry about if you hear noises like this from your appliance as the sound will always stop after a few moments.

However, if the noise doesn’t stop for a while, then it would be best to have a professional technician take a look at the unit, especially its fan motor.

3. Frost building up in the freezer

If you open your freezer door and discover that there is heavy frost building up in the unit, then it is a sign that that defrost heater has malfunctioned.

If this is the case, then be prepared to get that part replaced. However, if you observe frost developing around the freezer gasket, then it is just an indication that the freezer door was not closed properly.

Be sure to check for any gaps or openings between the door gasket and the freezer. If there are visibly unusual gaps, get some thermocol (polystyrene) or some other item to be used in properly sealing the gasket.

Furthermore, check the freezer’s temperature to confirm that it isn’t set too low as this is another common cause of frost buildup.

For a freezer, the ideal temperature should be -18°C (0°F) and for a refrigerator, 3°C (37°F).

In order to clear the excessive buildup of frost, the cooling unit would need a few defrost cycles, so be sure to make a plan for it.

Depending on how large the appliance is, defrosting a freezer may take a while. You can defrost the freezer by unplugging the appliance from the power source.

Next, open the unit’s door and leave it in that position so that the ice can melt freely. With this method, be prepared to wait for around three hours to complete the defrosting process.

To avoid the frost buildup issue, make sure that you position your freezer at a good distance away from the wall.

This will allow air to freely circulate. Also, the heat being generated from the compressor will need to have sufficient room so it can seamlessly dissipate.

4. Freezer indicator light stopped working

When this happens then it is obvious that the freezer’s indicator light has developed an issue. It could be a result of broken wires which will need replacing.

The operating mode of the appliance is highlighted by the indicator lights. When the refrigerator is connected to a power source, the green indicator comes on.

It means there’s a decent electrical supply going into the appliance. But when the red indicator lights up, it is a warning sign, alerting you of a high temperature.

A professional technician can help you take a look at the unit. If after checking and the indicator light is okay but still not coming up, then there’s a problem with the user control and display board. A replacement should be arranged if this is the case.

Best Freezers for Homes and Businesses

If you are out to buy the best freezer for your home or business, you may find it difficult to pick from the various brands and models available in stores today.

Not to worry though, below are some excellent selections of high-quality freezers and refrigerators you can pick from.

Royal 105L Chest Freezer (RCF-H105)

Royal 215L Chest Freezer (RCF-S215)

Royal 430L Chest Freezer (RCF-S430)

Royal 225L Double Door Refrigerator (RBCD-225)

Conclusion

There is really no need to panic if you notice your freezer is having a few issues. Some of these problems are common and do not necessarily mean that they’ll need a 3rd party to help in resolving them.

However, if the problems you’re having with your appliance persists, then it may be time to bring in a technician to have a look at it.