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.
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.
Just put a thermometer in the freezer and take a peek at it every time you open the door. The maximum temperature is 0° F, if it is above that you need to reset your thermostat. A good range to keep the freezer temp. is -5° to -10° F.
1. Frost Buildup. One of the most prevalent issues with upright freezers is frost buildup. When frost accumulates on the freezer's interior walls or around the door seal, it can affect the appliance's efficiency and cause temperature fluctuations.
Signs that Your Freezer is Dying
Spoilage – A properly functional freezer will keep the foods in good condition for a long time. If the food starts rotting before its expiration date, the freezer isn't working efficiently and needs repairs.
Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning. If you suspect you need a new compressor, it may be time to contact a refrigerator repair professional for assistance.
In very cold temperatures the compressor lubricating oil becomes too viscous and the compressor can't start because of excess friction. This causes the compressor overcurrent protector to trip. If the freezer is left ON in a cold place, it will keep trying to start over and over again.
If the compressor or the compressor start relay stops working, the freezer won't freeze. If you listen to the freezer for about 30 minutes but don't hear the familiar hum when it operations, it's possible the compressor is the problem. A certified refrigeration technician is required if the compressor fails.
A blocked evaporator fan
When your freezer is cold but not freezing, the problem could be the fan. The evaporator fan moves cold air throughout the freezer. If ice buildup or other obstructions block the fan, it can't circulate air effectively, leading to cooling issues.
Dirty condenser coils can reduce your freezer's overall cooling capacity since dirty coils make the condenser retain heat rather than release it. This causes the compressor to overcompensate.
Keep an eye out for these dirty condenser coil symptoms for your refrigerator: Reduced cooling efficiency: Dirty refrigerator coils struggle to dissipate heat, which can mean your refrigerator doesn't cool as effectively. This is one of the most common refrigerator dirty condenser coil symptoms.
Cleaning Defrost Drain Tube
You can flush out the drain hole with a solution made of 1 tablespoon of baking soda and 2 cups of hot tap water. Use a meat/turkey (bulb) baster to squeeze the solution into the drain hole and flush out the drain tube. When clear, you will hear water running down into the drain pan below.
One method is to place a cup of water in the freezer, and then check it after a set amount of time, such as 15 minutes. If the water is partially frozen, the freezer is at or below freezing temperature (0°C or 32°F). Another method is to use a food item that is sensitive to temperature, such as ice cream.
There are a few ways to determine if your freezer temperature is set correctly: Check your ice cream: If your ice cream is hard and has a smooth consistency, your freezer is likely set at the correct temperature. It may be set too warm if it's soft or has ice crystals.
On average, the life expectancy of a refrigerator-freezer or chest freezer is 16 years. 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!
Milk has been named the item most likely to expire in the fridge, according to new research. A survey of 2,000 Americans has revealed that 46 percent say they've been caught by a sour scent in their bottle or carton.
Water Leakage: If you notice water pooling inside your fridge, especially around the vegetable crisper drawers or at the bottom of the freezer, it is likely due to a clogged drain hole.