How to Manage Frost in your Freezer
For millions of homeowners, freezers provide a safe and economical way to store foods for long periods of time. However, frost accumulation in the freezer can cause a foul taste known as “freezer burn”. Additionally, frost accumulation can inhibit the efficient operation of the freezer and shorten its lifespan. Luckily, it’s relatively simple to manage frost in your freezer by doing (or not doing) a few simple things. Read on for more information on managing frost in your freezer and contact Diamond Appliance for your St. Louis and Kansas City refrigerator repair and freezer repair needs.
Do: Fix a Broken Freezer Door Seal
The rubber seal around a freezer door helps to insulate the appliance, keeping the cold air inside. If this component becomes worn or cracked, warm air from the kitchen can enter into the freezer compartment. This warm air then quickly cools and condensates, creating unsightly frost throughout the freezer walls.
An old trick used by appliance repair specialists to test the quality of a gasket is the “dollar bill test.” After cleaning the gasket with an all-purpose cleaner, close the door with a dollar bill halfway in the freezer. If you can easily pull out the dollar bill, the gasket is not sealing properly.
Replacing the seal is typically an easy DIY task. If complications arise during replacement, a St. Louis freezer repair expert can tackle the project at a low cost.
Do: Open Ice Dispenser Chute
Many modern refrigerator and freezer combo units come equipped with an ice and water dispenser built into the door. If ice or other debris become trapped in the chute and prevent the chute door from closing completely, it can allow warm outside air to seep into the interior of the freezer.
A visual inspection can typically alert homeowners to any ice that may be keeping the chute door from closing. If it is, a spoon or fork can often be used to dislodge the ice and close the chute. If the dispenser chute is not easily visible, consulting the appliance manual should clue homeowners in on how to assess the issue.
Don’t: Put Hot Foods in the Freezer
Placing hot or warm foods into the freezer can cause frost to accumulate. The humidity generated from the steam of hot foods condenses into liquid water on the interior walls and rear evaporator coils of the appliance. This liquid eventually freezes into solid ice and frost.
To combat this issue, homeowners should attempt to let their food cool to room temperature on the counter whenever it is possible and safe to do so. Letting the food chill in the fridge before moving to the freezer can provide an added layer of security against frost accumulation.
Don’t: Put Wet Food in the Freezer
When wet food is placed into the freezer, frost and ice can accumulate. This is a common problem in warmer climates, when frozen foods such as ice cream or frozen vegetables begin to condensate on the trip home from the grocery store.
Simply drying any wet containers with a paper towel is often enough to fix this issue. For added protection, homeowners can transfer these foods to dry reusable containers before storing in the freezer.
Don’t: Put Too Much or Too Little Food in the Freezer
Keeping your freezer well-stocked helps to keep the interior of the appliance cold. However, as any experienced freezer repair specialist can attest, overstuffing a freezer can cause more issues that it solves. This is because an overstuffed freezer can block the cold airflow that must circulate through the vent system in the back and sides of the appliance. When these vents become blocked, frost accumulation is likely to follow.
When there is minimal food in a freezer, the freezer has to work extra hard to keep these few items at the proper temperature. This overworking can cause certain components to heat up and quickly condensate and freeze, contributing to frost buildup.
A good rule of thumb to adhere to when stocking a freezer is to keep the freezer about 75% full with one inch of clearance around the interior walls, back, and ceiling of the unit.
If you’re experiencing issues with your freezer, call Diamond Appliance today. We perform freezer maintenance, repair, and consultation for homeowners in St. Louis, Kansas City, Overland Park, St. Charles, Lenexa, Florissant, Independence, and surrounding communities. We proudly service Whirlpool, KitchenAid, Maytag, GE, and other major refrigerator and freezer brands. Contact us today.
