Some Things You May Not Know About Your Freezer

Most of the modern day freezers on the market today are equipped with automatic defrost that does not require the need to be turned off and then defrosted. When the freezer has frost build up, the freezer will automatically melt the ice. Not a lot of people realize that the freezer is more efficient with energy usage when the freezer is full with food versus more empty. When the freezer is empty it takes more energy to keep it cold than if it is full. The freezers that have automatic defrost also have a timer that will turn the freezer off every six to eight hours and then turns on the defrost heater.

Some of the models equipped with automatic defrost; also have a timer that is able to be set to run the defroster at a specific time of the day. How it works is that the water from the defrosting then goes into a pan that is under the freezer and is then evaporated by a fan blowing warm air over it or is evaporated by the heat of the compressor.

What is the best temperature for the freezer?

The freezer should maintain a temperature of 0 degrees Fahrenheit to 8 degrees Fahrenheit. If the freezer has not been running and you immediately turn the freezer on and then fill it with food, for the freezer to reach the proper temperature, it could take up to twenty four hours and this is not good news for your food. The best thing to do with a new freezer or a freezer that has not been running is to plug it in and leave it for twenty four hours to give it ample time to reach the proper temperature before filling it with food.

What happens if the freezer fluctuates more than a few degrees?

The temperature of a freezer should never fluctuate more than a few degrees in order to keep the food at their proper temperature. For the best results for the food, the temperature of the freezer should be kept at least 0 degrees Fahrenheit or below. What happens is that every time the temperature of the freezer drops, some of those small ice crystals will convert to larger ice crystals and as time passes, the food will be ruined. The best thing you can do to keep your freezer running at a constant temperature is to fill it with food at least half way.

What is wrong with the freezer if isn't getting cold enough?

If the freezer isn't getting as cold as it should be, or isn't freezing the food, this may be due to a number of different problems, it may be that the compressor is not functioning properly, it may be a refrigerant leak, or the timer is not working properly. For these types of problems, the best thing to do is to call in a professional repairman to fix it.

However, if the freezer is running and is not freezing properly or is developing frost near the top, you will need to check the door seal and make sure that the door is sealing properly when closed. As time passes by, the door seal of the freezer will need to be replaced, and depending on what climate you are in, the rubber seal will deteriorate and cause abnormal leakage. Make sure to also check the magnetic strip on the freezer door, it may become loose and not hold the door tight enough.

Sources: 5001 Handyman Secrets for the Do-It-Yourselfer

http://www.ehow.com/how_5057361_keep-freezer-icing-up.html