How to Replace a Freezer Door Seal

The seal on a freezer door seals your freezer: it helps maintain a low and even temperature inside the appliance.

The seal of a freezer should be changed when you notice that it is damaged, torn, deformed, or that:

• The freezer is covered in frost
• The freezer is too cold
• The compressor makes noise
• The door no longer closes
• Food is poorly stored

The seal frames the freezer door, on the interior side.

The seal around your freezer door, also known as a gasket, plays a crucial role in keeping the cold air inside and the warm air out. If your freezer isn’t cooling as effectively as it should, or you notice condensation or frost buildup, it might be due to a worn-out or damaged door seal. Replacing the freezer door seal can help improve your freezer’s efficiency and save on energy costs. Here’s how to do it:

Materials You Will Need

• Replacement freezer door seal
• Screwdriver
• Soapy water and a cloth

Before you begin, ensure you’ve purchased the right replacement seal for your specific freezer model. You can find this information in the freezer’s manual or on the manufacturer’s website.

Step 1: Remove the Old Seal

1. Begin by unplugging the freezer to avoid any electrical mishaps.
2. Open the freezer door and locate the screws or clips that hold the seal in place. They are typically found under the lip of the gasket.
3. Using a screwdriver, loosen the screws. There’s no need to remove them completely.
4. Once the screws are loose, gently peel off the old seal. Be careful not to damage the door liner as you do this.

Step 2: Clean the Door

1. Once the old gasket is off, clean the area where the seal was attached. There might be bits of the old seal, food debris, or grime stuck there.
2. Use soapy water and a cloth to thoroughly clean this area. Wipe dry when finished.

Step 3: Install the New Seal

1. Start at one corner of the door and press the lip of the new seal under the liner edge or into the groove where the old seal was.
2. Move along the edges of the door, pressing the seal into place. Ensure that it’s properly aligned and that there are no kinks or twists.
3. Once the seal is in place, tighten the screws that you loosened earlier. Don’t tighten them all the way until you’ve checked the seal.

Step 4: Check the Seal

1. Close the freezer door and check the seal for any gaps. You can do this by trying to slip a piece of paper between the seal and the freezer body. If you can pull the paper out easily, you have a gap that needs adjusting.
2. Adjust the seal as needed and then tighten all the screws.

Step 5: Restore Power

Plug the freezer back in and monitor it over the next few hours to ensure that it’s cooling properly.

Replacing a freezer door seal may seem like a daunting task, but with a little patience, it can be a straightforward process. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself or encounter any issues, don’t hesitate to call a professional. Proper maintenance can extend the life of your freezer and improve its energy efficiency.