From storing ice cream to preserving frozen meals, our freezers play a vital role in our daily lives. This is why when they malfunction, it can be quite inconvenient and troubling. Atlas Appliance Repair has created this blog, highlighting everything from simple issues like improper cooling that can be remedied by adjusting the thermostat to a freezer that doesn’t work at all that needs an expert freezer repair service, helping you identify freezer problems and find the best solution to fix them.
7 Common Freezer Issues: Problems & Solutions
Okay, let’s say you notice one day that the frozen pizza in your freezer isn’t “frozen” anymore. Or maybe you can hear weird noises from the appliance. Something must be wrong. These are some of the most common problems that a lot of people face with their appliances, and often, some simple fixes can resolve the issues.
Here are a few of the most common freezer-related problems and how you can fix them.
Poor Cooling
Issue: The first freezer problem on our list is if the freezer isn’t keeping everything inside in a solid form. This includes melting ice-cream bars, mushy frozen meals, or even ice trays that hold liquid instead of ice cubes. This doesn’t just mean warm drinks, but also rotting food.
- Solution: A simple fix in this case is to check the thermostat. Readjust the temperature to something like -18 degrees or more to blast the freezer to preserve your food.
Dirty Condenser Coils
Issue: Another common one. The dirty condenser coils reduce the freezer’s efficiency, raising your monthly bills by making your appliance work harder to keep your food frozen. Not to mention, they also reduce the appliance’s lifespan in the process.
- Solution: A simple freezer repair hack is to unplug the appliance and clean the condenser coils. Use a vacuum brush to remove the gunk from the coils located at the back or underneath the appliance, and you’re done.
Compromised Door Seal
Issue: if the door seal is loose, it will reduce the cooling inside. This is because the cooling would escape through the gaps between the seal. It could also result in frost build-up.
- Solution: Clean the seals with a warm detergent solution to remove residue. If a paper test proves unsuccessful afterward, it isn’t a simple freezer repair situation, and you need to replace the seal instead.
Ice Build-Ups
Issue: If you still see large chunks of ice inside the freezer, the issue could be something bigger. Ignoring it would lead to rotting food, raised electricity bills, and even higher repair costs at the end.
- Solution: turn off the freezer overnight to melt and manually remove the ice. Ensure that the door closes properly, but if the issue persists, call in a freezer repair expert to take a look.
Overloaded Freezer
Issue: If your freezer is jam-packed, the containers could be blocking the vents, thereby reducing the cooling inside.
- Solution: Remove some of the food containers and move the rest around so that the cold air has an easier time circulating throughout the freezer.
Strange Noises
Issue: Hearing loud noises coming from your freezer could indicate that your condenser or exhaust fan is compromised, reducing cooling.
- Solution: Try cleaning the fan blades to see if that solves the problem. Though, it probably wont. So, instead, call in a reliable appliance expert to replace the motor.
Freezer Not Cooling
Issue: If you open the freezer door and find the inside completely warm, it could indicate a serious issue with the appliance like a faulty thermostat, compressor, or starting relay.
- Solution: Schedule a freezer repair service immediately to have a professional assess your appliance and fix the issue.
Conclusion
To conclude, a faulty freezer can be quite troubling, but it isn’t completely unheard of. Some of the most common freezer problems can be fixed through simple fixes. Problems like dirty condenser coils and loose seals can be fixed by simply cleaning them, but if it’s loud noises or a freezer that doesn’t work at all that’s troubling you, you should have a reliable freezer repair technician come in to fix the issue instead.
FAQs
What are the three basic types of freezers?
Chest freezers, upright freezers, and drawer freezers are the three basic types of freezers.
What is the cost of freezer repair services?
Depending on the issue, the cost can range anywhere from $700 to $13,00.
What is the most expensive part of a freezer when you need to replace it?
The condenser is usually the most expensive part of the freezer when you go for replacements.
How long does freezer repair take?
Simpler issues can be fixed in about 2 hours, but if the breakdown is something major, expect it to take a day or two.
