How to Get to the Bottom of Freezer Issues

It's easy to take a household appliance for granted and when one of them breaks down, panic can ensue. Certainly, while some of these units are important, it's not a matter of life or death if your dishwasher is playing up. However, your freezer is another matter, and without this, food can spoil and mealtimes can be ruined. What can you do to try and fix the problem, if your freezer is refusing to cooperate?

Narrowing It Down

Your freezer relies on two fundamental components to create the optimum internal temperature and to help preserve your food. The condenser and the evaporator help convert heat to cold in a continuous process and they must be kept in proper working order if you are to avoid a breakdown.

Condenser Coils

To begin with, you should look at the condition of the condenser coils. These should be cleaned quite regularly, as you need to remove any buildup of dirt and debris. Usually, you can do this by running a vacuum hose over the coils, and if you do so, the condenser will once again be able to dissipate heat effectively and maintain optimal levels.

Evaporator Coils

The evaporator coils are also crucial, as they help to circulate colder air throughout the freezer. Sometimes normal operation can lead to a buildup of frost on the surface, and if this is left unchecked, it will affect how cool air is drawn over the coils and into the freezer. You may need to switch off the unit and defrost for a day or more but remember to put something in place to capture the melting water.

The Motor

Sometimes, the motor responsible for drawing air over the evaporator coils can develop a fault. Check to see if electricity is flowing to the freezer and whether the internal light is on. If so, but the evaporator fan does not activate when you press the door switch, then you will need to replace the motor.

Crucial Cleaning

Always keep the area underneath and to the back of your freezer as clean as possible. This is an area that can become quite damp due to the buildup of condensation and can consequently attract pet hair, dust and other debris. If you're not careful, it can also become a home for roaches or other pests who thrive in these conditions, so don't let these issues become the cause of your freezer downfall.

Calling for Help

If you're still not sure why this crucial appliance is not working, bring in an expert to help you figure it all out and to perform freezer repairs.