Sometimes breakdowns occur on a freezer, they are often related to temperature problems. If this happens, it is necessary to react immediately and to shelter the food so that it does not deteriorate further.
This temperature problem can cause the proliferation of bacteria such as salmonella, so it is necessary to know how to maintain these devices to avoid future breakdowns. If the freezer is no longer cold, then certain elements will need to be checked.
- If your compressor is not running, you will need to check its power supply, the thermostat, the safety klixon and the starting device.
- If your compressor is running normally, you will need to check the evaporator, the fan, the defrost resistance and the thermal probe.
A functioning freezer is a staple in most households, a guardian for our frozen food and the key ingredient in keeping our ice cream perfectly chilled. But when a freezer stops being cold, it can cause quite a disruption. If you’ve noticed that your freezer isn’t as frosty as it should be, this article will help identify potential issues and solutions.
Possible Causes for a Warm Freezer
There could be several reasons why your freezer is no longer cold. Below are some common causes:
1. Faulty Thermostat
The thermostat in your freezer is the device that detects the temperature and sends signals to the system to cool down when necessary. If it’s faulty or set incorrectly, it might fail to initiate the cooling process, causing your freezer to become warmer than it should be.
2. Defective Evaporator Fan
The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating cold air from the freezer’s coils to the food compartment. If this fan isn’t working correctly, the cold air won’t circulate, and the freezer might not be cold enough.
3. Blocked Vents
If the vents in your freezer are blocked by food or ice, the cold air won’t circulate properly. This could lead to a rise in temperature.
4. Problems with the Door Seal
A freezer door seal that’s not functioning properly might let warm air in and cool air out, causing the temperature inside your freezer to increase.
5. Broken Compressor
The compressor is the heart of your freezer’s cooling system. If it’s broken, your freezer might not cool at all.
6. Issues with the Defrost System
If the defrost system in your freezer is malfunctioning, it can cause a buildup of frost on the evaporator coils, which can interfere with the freezer’s ability to cool.
CHECK EVAPORATOR
If the compressor is working properly, check the evaporator. There are two models: static and ventilated.
- Remove all food and all racks (shelves) from the aviary, then dismantle the bottom plate of the aviary, which is usually screwed on.
- Watch the evaporator: make sure it is free of ice.
- If there is ice, you will need to defrost the freezer.
LOOK AT THE THERMAL PROBE
The temperature probe has a value corresponding to a certain temperature. If the sensor does not show the correct value, the compressor runs constantly and frost forms on the evaporator.
To test the sensor, you must use the multimeter in the kilo-ohm position and read the value.
- Compare the found value with the value specified by the manufacturer at a certain temperature.
- If the value is incorrect, the sensor must be replaced.
Solutions to a Warm Freezer
Now that you have an understanding of potential problems, here are some solutions:
1. Check the Thermostat
Make sure the thermostat is set to the correct temperature. If it is and your freezer still isn’t cooling properly, the thermostat might be broken and might need replacing.
2. Inspect the Evaporator Fan
If your freezer is cool but not cold, the evaporator fan might be the problem. You’ll need to check if it’s running. If not, it might need to be replaced.
3. Unblock the Vents
Ensure the vents inside your freezer are not blocked by food or ice. Maintaining a good airflow is essential for proper cooling.
4. Check the Door Seal
If the door seal is worn out, cracked, or not sealing properly, it might need to be replaced to maintain the correct temperature in your freezer.
5. Contact a Professional
If the problem seems to be with the compressor or the defrost system, it’s time to call a professional. Working with these parts can be complex and could potentially be dangerous if you’re not trained.
Remember, if your freezer isn’t cooling as it should, it’s important to address the issue promptly to avoid food spoilage. Regular maintenance of your freezer can also help prevent these issues and extend the lifespan of your appliance.
