And a Few Issues That Require the Help of a Freezer Repair Specialist
Like all kitchen appliances, freezers would experience their own issues from time to time, and while for some of them you’ll have to call a professional freezer repair technician, many can be fixed with simple DIY solutions. We have put together a short, and hopefully - helpful guide, on what to look for and how to resolve the problem on your own, along with suggestions on when it’s time to call a kitchen appliance repairs company.
1. Freezer Not Cooling Properly
This is one of the most common freezer problems, and it’s very distressing to have to waste food over something that could be easily fixed most of the times.
DIY Fix:
- Inspect the door seal – If it’s worn or dirty, it might lead to the cold air escaping, thus making the freezer work harder, and unable to maintain the right temperature. Clean it with warm soapy water, checking for damages. In case the seal needs a replacement, call a professional kitchen appliance repairs technician.
- Check the thermostat – Freezers should usually be set at 0°F (-18°C). If, for some reason, the thermostat shows a higher temperature, adjust it accordingly.
- Clean the condenser coils – Dust and dirt accumulate on the condense coils, and disrupt the freezer’s efficiency. Make sure to regularly clean them with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner.
If none of the above steps resolves the problem, you could be faced with something more serious, such as a faulty compressor or refrigerant leak, and this would require professional freezer repair services.
2. Ice Build-Up in the Freezer
Ice build-up is one of these unpleasant issues that we tolerate for a while before tackling them – usually when we notice the space in our freezer is becoming smaller. It could be a minor problem, but it could also be something more serious.
DIY Fix:
- Inspect the door seal – If the door seal is damaged or dirty, you’ll need to clean it or replace it, otherwise the freezer won’t be able to maintain the set temperature. This, combined with the moisture entering from the outside because the door cannot close properly, will lead to ice build-ups.
- Defrost the freezer – If your appliance doesn’t have an automatic defrost function, you’ll have to manually defrost it - the freezer must be unplugged for this. Then remove all items and store them either in the fridge or in cooling boxes. You can speed up the process by placing bowls of hot water inside the freezer, and replacing them when necessary, or use a hair dryer.
Once defrosted, clean the freezer’s interior before moving back the food. Make sure to regularly defrost, clean, and inspect your freezer for damages to prevent ice build-up.
If the problems persist despite that, it may be due to a malfunctioning defrost system, which requires professional freezer repairs.
3. Freezer Making Strange Noises
When your freezer is making unusual, sometimes loud noises, it’s an indication of an underlying issue.
DIY Fix:
- Check the fan – Freezers have evaporator and condenser fans that help circulate air. If there is an obstruction, such as food debris or ice build-up, the blades will make noise. Unplug the freezer, inspect the fans, and clean if necessary.
- Level the freezer – An unbalanced freezer can cause vibrations that result in unusual noises. Check and adjust the legs accordingly. You can also place a rubber mat underneath the freezer to reduce noise.
If the noise persists, the issue could be related to the motor or compressor, which will likely require help from a professional freezer repair technician.
4. Freezer Leaking Water
A leaking freezer can cause water damage to your floor and lead to mould growth if not taken care of on time.
DIY Fix:
- Clean the defrost drain – A clogged defrost drain would usually cause water to pool inside or around the freezer. Find where the drain hole is – either at the back or bottom of the freezer, and clean it. You can use a pipe cleaner.
- Check the water supply line – If your freezer has an ice maker or a water dispenser, it could be that the supply line is causing the leak. Inspect the line for damages or loose connections, and replace or tighten respectively.
If none of the above is causing the leaking of water, it’s best to call in a kitchen appliance repair expert.
5. Freezer Door Won’t Close Properly
A freezer door that doesn’t close well is another cause for ice build-ups or cooling issues.
DIY Fix:
- Check for obstructions – Make sure the freezer is not overfilled as this is one of the main causes that prevent the door from closing tightly.
- Inspect the door seal – A damaged or dirty door seal can prevent the door from sealing tightly. Clean it with warm soapy water, inspecting for cracks, and replace if needed.
In some cases, the hinges may need adjustment or replacement, which might require the help of a professional freezer repair engineer.
Taking regular care of your freezer and addressing minor issues early can prevent costly repairs and prolong its lifespan. By following these simple DIY fixes for common freezer problems, you can save money and keep your appliance in peak condition.
There are a few more common problems that would rather require professional attention:
- Persistent temperature fluctuations
- Strange, not food-related smells coming from the freezer
- Frost accumulating too quickly, even after defrosting
- Electrical issues, such as frequent tripping of circuit breakers
For those more serious issues, proper care and timely freezer repairs, a professional kitchen appliance repair technician would best to do the job right, and address more serious and complicated problems.