If you store food in your freezer for convenient future use, you'll need to be sure that the unit is working correctly so that the food remains safe to use and doesn't spoil.  Major faults need to be dealt with by a qualified and experienced appliance repair specialist, but there are some routine maintenance tasks that you can carry out to keep things running smoothly.  Read on for some helpful tips.

Over-icing

Although you want your freezer to remain below freezing point, problems can arise if there is too much ice build-up on the interior walls.  Allowing too much ice to accumulate can cause the freezer door to stick, may place undue strain on the seals, and can also affect the efficiency of the unit.

To avoid these problems, get into the habit of defrosting your freezer whenever a few centimetres of ice has built-up on the walls.

Keep it clean

One area that's often overlooked by homeowners is the seal around the freezer door or lid.  This seal can trap dirt, leading to food contamination and preventing the freezer door from closing tightly, allowing air to enter the unit and disrupt the freezer's temperature control system.

To prevent this problem from occurring, wipe around your freezer's seals every few weeks, using a solution of washing up liquid and warm water.

Temperature checks

When taking food in and out of the freezer, it's all too easy to knock the temperature control out of whack.  This can lead to the freezer becoming too cold or warming up, potentially spoiling the food inside.

It's a good idea to check the freezer temperature each time you access it just to make sure that it's correct.

Keep the evaporator fan clear

Your freezer has an evaporator fan, which is usually sited behind a vent at the back of the unit.  The fan circulates cool air through the freezer, helping to keep the temperature inside at the desired level.  If the fan becomes obstructed, it won't work properly and the food inside the freezer won't freeze completely.

You can quickly and easily solve this problem by pulling the freezer away from the wall and vacuuming away any cobwebs, dust, and other debris that is blocking the fan.  When replacing the unit, make sure that you don't push it completely flush with the wall.

In conclusion

A faulty freezer can be a real inconvenience, but you can help to prevent problems by following the simple tips given above.  If your freezer continues to play-up, always consult an experienced appliance repair firm for specialist advice.

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