As with all other household appliances, freezer maintenance is certainly easier and cheaper than repairs. If you take care of your freezer, it will serve you well for that much longer. There are a number of areas that require regular maintenance. Here are a few freezer maintenance tips to keep this appliance in top working condition and prevent unnecessary wear and tear.
The condenser coils of your freezer are much like those of your refrigerator. As time goes by, dust gathers on them, and this makes it more difficult for them to perform their duty. This results in an overworked freezer and higher electric bills. Excessive cycling causes various parts of your freezer to work overtime, and this results in early appliance failure. Unplug your freezer and use your vacuum cleaner to clear away the dust before plugging it in again.
Just like you need to clean the condenser coils regularly, you also need to thaw out the interior of your freezer on a regular basis. Some freezers have a self-defrosting setting but, if this is not the case, then you will need to unplug your freezer from time to time and allow it to defrost on its own. Remove the drawers, and you can help the defrosting process along by using a special scraper to remove large chunks. Leave the door open and remember to protect your floor with something to absorb any water that drips down.
It’s important to make sure that you check your freezer regularly to ensure that it is level. If not, it will not close properly and, even if the doors do shut, they will shut at odd angles which will result in a warped freezer over time. Adjust the legs of the freezer as needed to ensure proper positioning.
The drain opening and pan need regular cleaning. Even if your freezer has that wonderful self-defrosting feature, water still needs an easy way out. To clean this area of your freezer, it will need to be unplugged first. Make sure that there are no blockages in the drain opening and, while you’re at it, inspect the pan that’s designed to collect the water. This water often evaporates on its own, but it’s always good to keep an eye on the water level and clean the tray from time to time. If nothing else, this will help prevent the growth of mold around your freezer.
There are some powerful seals around the door of your freezer. They are designed to ensure that no air moves in or out when the door is properly shut. Use a bank note to test the seal of the door. Place the note in the door before closing it. Now, try to remove the note without opening the door. If you can remove the note, this means that the seal is not perfect and you should probably have the gasket replaced. Any damage to the seals also means that yous should replace them as soon as possible. Of course, while inspecting the seals, take a moment to run a damp cloth or sponge along each crevice. Removing any dirt will help you spot problems that much faster.
Finally, don’t forget that your freezer will require repairs at some point. Regardless of how well you tend to your freezer maintenance, the working parts will eventually need to be repaired or replaced. However, you can certainly prolong your freezer’s life by following these simple tips. When you need professional and reliable appliance repairs in the Greater Toronto Area, call Express Appliance Repair at (647) 492-7773.
