A faulty appliance is not only one that does not turn on. If your Frigidaire freezer is not getting cold enough, it could be due to a small problem or a more significant issue. The best approach is to take it step-by-step and examine all possible causes before choosing to replace any parts. These are some of the most common problems to consider when diagnosing such a problem.
We sometimes forget how often we open and shut our freezer. If you notice that temperatures inside your freezer are rising, you might want to inspect the door seals first. The popular dollar bill test is easy and effective. All you need to do is place a dollar bill in the door with half of it sticking out. Close the freezer door properly and then try to remove the dollar bill without opening the door. If it slides out easily, you might need to clean or replace the seals on the door. Remember, if your freezer is not level (or tilted slightly towards the back) it might not seal properly so this is also worth checking while you’re at it.
Sometimes temperature settings can be raised accidentally and, of course, this will mean that the freezer will only maintain the set temperature. So, take a minute to check the temperature at which your freezer is set.
In order to get a closer look at the evaporator coils of your freezer, you will need to remove one of the interior panels. However, this is not necessary if you know how to identify common symptoms of poor cooling. Poor cooling usually occurs when frost builds up on the evaporator coils. Since you cannot simply take a look and inspect them, you can do the next best thing – look for ice that is building upon the inside floor, walls or ceiling of your freezer. Frost builds up on the evaporator coils due to damaged door seals (mentioned above) or it could indicate a problem with the self-defrosting system.
Your freezer should self-defrost about four times in a 24-hour period. If any of the self-defrosting components fails, it can result in the freezer continuing to cool which causes ice to build upon the coils. The more ice builds up, the more difficult it is for the freezer to cool and, eventually, the coils are completely covered in frost.
Just as the evaporator coils can get covered in frost, so too can your condenser coils become covered in dust, lint and debris. When this happens, the coils are no longer as effective at dispersing heat. When cleaning the condenser coils of your freezer, make sure that you disconnect the appliance first. You can even use a vacuum cleaner to perform an even more effective job. Be prepared to move your freezer around in order to remove all that loose and stubborn dirt.
Apart from some of the easier problems to diagnose, there are also some faults that will definitely require the help of a professional. Not only is it a case of the right tools, but also the necessary training and knowledge in this area. Some examples of faulty parts that can cause your freezer to run at a higher temperature include faulty evaporator fans, problematic door safety switches, defrost control timer issues and even a bad thermostat. If you hear a thumping sound, the compressor could be to blame.
No matter the fault, it is always worthwhile getting a professional opinion. In many cases, you will find that the repairs or maintenance required will cost significantly less than a new appliance. With regular cleaning and care, you can prevent many common fridge and freezer problems but, no matter what, wear and tear will always occur.
When you need professional Frigidaire freezer repairs and fridge repairs that you can trust, call Express Appliance Repair at (647) 483 9051. We are available throughout the GTA and our team is trained and experienced in repairing freezers of all makes and models, including Frigidaire.
