This freezer might need repair
Freezers are usually extremely reliable. This is true for combination refrigerator-freezers as well as for stand-alone units. They perform their job well with little maintenance and can last 12 to as long as 20 years. However, no machine lasts forever. From time to time, you may notice signs that your freezer needs repair. Here are three of those signs:
1. Your food is spoiling
Just like fresh food, frozen food has a shelf life, which typically ranges from about two months for cured or processed meat to a year or more for fruits and vegetables. If your frozen food is not lasting that long, your freezer may need repairing. This is especially true if your food is spoiling after only a few days. Although other possibilities exist, the premature spoilage of food could be a symptom of a malfunctioning thermostat or dirty condenser coils. In either case, you will want to call for a freezer repair as soon as possible in order to minimize the damage. Also, your freezer may be running more than it should in an effort to keep up, and this could increase your electric bill.
2. Frost is building up on the freezer walls
If you see heavy frost or ice beginning to accumulate on the walls of your freezer, this is another sign that you may be in need of a freezer repair. In such cases, you may notice that your freezer isn’t holding its temperature as well as it should. Possible causes include a bad door seal or worn-out door hinges. Either of these can allow room-temperature air to enter the freezer compartment, which can cause condensation. It is also possible that your freezer drain could be clogged.
If frost is accumulating in the back of the freezer where the evaporator coils are located, this could indicate a problem with the defrost cycle. Suspects include a defective heater or defrost sensor. It is also possible that the freezer control board or timer has gone bad. Some of these issues are hard to pinpoint and will require the services of a qualified technician.
3. Your freezer is making noise
Very loud noises or strange sounds could be an indication that your fan motor needs to be replaced. Other possibilities include a malfunctioning ice maker. If the freezer is making gurgling sounds, it could be the sound of water draining off the coils during a defrost cycle. It is possible that these sounds are due to the normal operation of the freezer and nothing to be concerned about. However, if you notice any other signs, such as the freezer not maintaining its temperature, you may want to have your freezer serviced by a qualified appliance technician.
Waiting could cost you
If you notice any of the above signs, you should go ahead and call for a freezer repair at (262) 253-2200 as soon as possible. Otherwise, you may lose the food in your freezer. Ignoring minor problems could lead to more substantial problems later on.
Ask us about our repair specials. Senior Discount: Seniors ALWAYS receive $13 off any repair service.
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FAQs
Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.
How do you know when to replace your freezer? ›
- Your Fridge Freezer is Getting Old. ...
- Your Energy Bills are Too High. ...
- It's Not Getting Cold Enough. ...
- Food Spoils Before Its Use-By-Date. ...
- You've Noticed Some Condensation. ...
- You Have Excessive Frost Build-Up. ...
- It's Making Strange Noises. ...
- There's a Funny Smell.
Freezers typically last anywhere from 12 to 20 years. Along with gas and electric ranges, freezers tend to be the longest-lasting kitchen appliances. But that's not a guarantee! Many factors influence how long freezers last, including maintenance and environmental factors.
What to check when the freezer stops working? ›
Check the settings, compressor, condenser coils, evaporator fan, defrost thermostat, and power supply for issues as you would in an upright freezer. You'll also need to check the lid gasket to ensure it seals properly when closed. If part of the seal is broken or weak, you'll need the whole gasket to be replaced.
What is the most common problem with freezers? ›
Frost Build-up
Frost accumulating inside the freezer compartment can block the vents that carry cold air into the compartment. Most freezers today have auto defrost, so check to see if the door has been left open, or if the door seal is worn. You'll need to have the seal replaced if it's damaged or torn.
How do I know if my freezer needs freon? ›
Take a look at the back of the fridge. If there's any frost or ice buildup, it could be a sign of a leak. Another clue is the smell. Freon has a distinctive smell, so if you notice a peculiar aroma near your fridge, it's worth investigating further.
How do I test my freezer? ›
Place a container filled with water in the freezer compartment. 2. As soon as the water has completely frozen, place a coin onto the surface of the ice. Now, if your freezer really is failing from time to time, over time the water in the container will thaw a little and the coin will gradually sink downwards.
When the freezer goes out? ›
If full, most freezers will keep food frozen for 48-60 hours, depending on the type of food and the beginning freezer temperature. Place a thermometer in the front of the fridge or freezer to check temperatures after 24 hours without power.
How do I make sure my freezer is working properly? ›
The easiest way to diagnose a problem with your freezer's compressor is by listening for its routine humming sound. Pay attention to your freezer for at least 30 minutes. If the humming sound doesn't kick in within that time, the compressor may not be working correctly. Schedule a visit with a technician for more help.
What is the life expectancy of a freezer compressor? ›
Typically, the average lifespan of a commercial refrigerator compressor is approximately 10 to 15 years. The exact length of time depends significantly on various things like frequency of use, maintenance, and the temperature environment where it's in operation.
According to Spencer's TV & Appliance, chest freezers typically last longer than traditional ones, ranging anywhere from 15 to 20 years. In comparison, a regular refrigerator-freezer will only last around 10 to 15 years. However, maintaining your chest freezer can greatly impact its longevity.
Is it worth fixing a 15 year old freezer? ›
A freezer is worth fixing when the appliance is less than 10 to 15 years old, or when the repair cost is less than 50% of the price of a new one. If multiple parts have broken, then replacing it is typically more cost-efficient.
How do I know if my freezer thermostat is broken? ›
If a thermostat is faulty it will show one of the following symptoms:
- The thermostat does not switch on, the light inside (if fitted and the bulb has not failed) will light up but the motor will not try to start.
- The fridge will not switch off, the motor runs continuously and everything is freezing solid inside.
To break it down, you likely have a bad compressor if:
- The compressor starts making an unusual or loud noise when running.
- The compressor turns on and off too frequently.
- The compressor turns off prematurely.
- The refrigerator is not cooling.
- The compressor overheats.
- Your electricity bills are too high.
Unless your freezer stops working altogether, it may be less obvious that it isn't running at its full potential. Less noticeable signs that your freezer is struggling to work include excessive frost, a loud motor sound, ice at the bottom of the freezer and freezer burn on the products.
How can I test my freezer? ›
Place a container filled with water in the freezer compartment. 2. As soon as the water has completely frozen, place a coin onto the surface of the ice. Now, if your freezer really is failing from time to time, over time the water in the container will thaw a little and the coin will gradually sink downwards.
How long does it take for a freezer to go bad? ›
The guidelines for freezer storage are for quality only—frozen foods stored continuously at 0°F (-18°C) or below can be kept indefinitely.
What happens when food goes bad in the freezer? ›
Food can remain frozen indefinitely and technically be safe to eat, as bacteria will not grow. However, over time all frozen food will deteriorate in quality and become unappetising to eat when defrosted. The time it takes for this deterioration to happen varies between foods.
How do you know if something went bad in the freezer? ›
7 Signs Something Has Gone Bad in the Freezer
- There are ice crystals inside the packaging. ...
- The protein has changed color. ...
- The veggies look super dull. ...
- You can't remember when exactly you put something in there. ...
- There's evidence of spills. ...
- There's a rancid or off odor. ...
- The defrosted food is sticky or slimy.
