Every year owners of chest freezers should clean the condenser coils so that the freezer can run more efficiently. In standard freezers, the condenser coil is a static condenser which runs up and down behind the freezer and can be vacuumed or cleaned with a clean cloth.
If your freezer is positioned against a wall, pull it out so you can access the back of it. Remove the cover from the condenser coils. If the coils are covered in dust and aren't wet, use a vacuum cleaner to get the dust off them. If the coils are wet, use a dry cloth to give them a good clean.
Whether located at the University or in your home, the refrigeration coils on all refrigerators and freezers must be regularly cleaned in accordance with manufacturer's instructions to ensure safe and efficient operation.
I know that chest freezers have condenser and evaporator coils embedded somewhere between the inner and outer walls of the appliance.
Regular chest freezer maintenance is essential for energy efficiency, product safety, and extending the lifespan of your equipment. Routine cleaning and inspections can prevent common issues like temperature fluctuations, frost buildup, and door seal leaks.
Both upright and chest freezers can last an average of 10 to 15 years. To make your freezer last longer and live its best life make sure the unit gets proper ventilation, don't overload it with food and keep it set at a consistent temperature.
Make a solution of hot water and vinegar and put it in a spray bottle. A solution of water and soap can also work, but vinegar is food safe and has no soapy film. Spray the interior walls, floor and gaskets. Wipe with a sponge or microfiber cloth.
Where are the condenser coils located on a chest freezer? Look on the outside walls and the back of the freezer to find the condenser coils. You may find these coils just inside one of the freezer walls. You can also sometimes find freezer coils on the bottom of the freezer.
The coils play a crucial role in the refrigeration cycle, removing warmth from the refrigerant by converting it from a gas to a liquid. However, when these coils become clogged with dust, pet hair or kitchen debris, their efficiency plummets. Dirty condenser coils cause your fridge to work harder and less effectively.
The evaporator inside the chest freezer is refrigerant tubing that runs through the inside walls of the freezer just inside the freezer compartment liner.
Vacuum the Coils: Attach a soft brush to your vacuum cleaner and carefully vacuum the coils. This will remove the dust and debris loosened by the brushing. Ensure the vacuum is set to a low suction level to avoid damaging the coils.
To fix a freezer that's not freezing, you'll need to identify the root cause. Common issues include frost buildup, a faulty temperature sensor, or a broken compressor. For accurate diagnosis and repair, it's recommended to hire a service professional.
In a normal home operating environment, routine condenser cleaning is not typically needed. However, if the environment is particularly greasy or dusty or there is significant pet traffic in the home, the condenser should be cleaned every 2 to 3 months to ensure maximum efficiency.
The evaporator fan can be found behind the rear panel of the freezer and testing it yourself can help you troubleshoot freezer issues and save you money in repairs.
Unplug the freezer. Use a brush like this one – our favorite long-handle bristle brush – coupled with your vacuum cleaner to remove lint, dirt, pet fur and other debris from the condenser coils. Restore power to the freezer.
Locate the coils, which live either at the bottom of the appliance or in back of it. Older models have exposed coils mounted on the back of the refrigerator. Newer models place the coils at the bottom behind a toe space panel (like the model below) or at the back behind a rear access panel.
Steps For Cleaning Evaporator Coils
Remove the access panel to expose the coil. If the coils are coated with dirt or lint, vacuum them with a soft brush attachment. If the coils are coated with oil or grease, clean them with a mild detergent and water solution and rinse. Be careful not to splash water on insulation.
The interior of your upright or chest freezer should be cleaned at least once a year. Before cleaning the freezer interior, it is recommended that the freezer be unplugged.
The condenser coils are located either under the Refrigerator behind the base grille, on the back of the Refrigerator or on the top of the Refrigerator. To minimize the possibility of electric shock, always unplug the Refrigerator from the power supply before attempting any maintenance or cleaning.
For manual defrost Chest Freezers, the Freezer has a defrost drain plug. The defrost drain plug pulls out (it is not a screw type plug). On some models, the drain plug has a drain hole and you just pull the drain plug out about an inch (you do not completely remove it). Defrost water will flow out of the drain plug.
Make sure the freezer is properly sealed to keep warm air and humidity out, so you can reduce the risk of frost forming. Keep the temperature consistent, and regularly clean the inside of your freezer to remove any existing frost. Ensure your freezer's thermostat is set properly.
Check the Drip Pan
The drain pan is located under the freezer, near the compressor. It's possible that it's been overfilled, resulting in a leak.