Should A Freezer Feel Warm On The Outside? [Freezer Repair Guide]
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Why does my freezer feel hot on the outside?
Have you ever gone to open your freezer to grab a frozen pizza or ice cream and noticed that the exterior of the freezer was abnormally warm and hot to touch? Now don't panic! This isn't necessarily a major issue however it does need to be checked out to determine whether you will need to repair your freezer or it's just a common occurrence.
One thing to note is that if your freezer is excessively hot or is feeling warm frequently, it may be a sign that repairs and maintenance are in order. That being said, there are a handful of reasons why this may occur which will be explored throughout this article.
Throughout this freezer repair guide, we will provide you with five reasons why your freezer exterior may feel warm and how you can go about looking to amend those issues, with some reasons not even being a negative problem at all!
Reasons why your freezer exterior feels warm
There are many reasons why your freezer may feel warm on the outside. Some of the reasons are nothing to be concerned about however others raise more worry which may require appliance repairs.
Here are five reasons why your freezer feels warm on the outside:
1. Anti - Condensation Heaters
2. Dirty Condenser coils
3. Overheating Freezer
4. Improper Ventilation
5. Compressor Location
1. Anti - Condensation Heaters
One of the main reasons why your freezer feels warm from the outside is due to the anti-condensation heaters. Some freezers have anti-condensation heaters installed on the exterior of the freezer to help prevent moisture build-up. These heaters can make the surface hot to touch. This is not an issue in any sense however, it provides a reason as to why your freezer may feel hot. To understand whether your freezer has this feature near the exterior refer back to the freezer user manual.
2. Dirty Condenser coils
Another reason why your freezer may feel warm is due to the condenser coils located at the back of your freezer being covered in dirt and dust. Condenser coils are used to help dissipate heat however they can become coated with dust over time. This accumulation of dirt and dust on the condenser coils can result in the freezer not cooling properly which makes the exterior of the freezer appear to be hot to the touch. Regular cleaning of the condenser coils is an easy way to avoid this issue and maintain optimal freezer performance.
3. Overheating Freezer
If you notice your freezer failing to maintain a set temperature and is constantly running it may lead to the freezer overheating. An overheating freezer occurs due to many different issues however some of the most common issues are malfunctioning thermostats, damaged freezer door seals or other internal issues. When a freezer overheats this can lead to the outside of the appliance feeling warm. To amend this issue, it is best practice to get in contact with a local appliance repair specialist who will be able to provide you with the best advice and next steps to take.
4. Improper Ventilation
Improper ventilation is another common reason that causes your freezer to feel warm on the outside. Ventilation is pivotal in ensuring a freezer's cooling system is functioning effectively and if it is blocked or broken this can result in your freezer not working as it should be. If the ventilation system is blocked by dust or debris, it can lead to heat build-up on the exterior of the freezer. To ensure that this issue is amended and repaired properly, please get in contact with an appliance repair expert who will be able to guide you on whether you should repair or replace your damaged freezer.
5. Compressor Location
Sometimes in specific freezer models, the compressor is positioned near the exterior of the surface of the freezer. The compressor is the unit that is responsible for cooling the freezer and ensuring that heat is removed from the interior of the freezer. As the compressor removes heat from the interior of the freezer it releases heat outside. This can lead to the exterior of your freezer appearing to be warm. This is not an issue with your freezer and is instead just due to the make-up and design of the freezer itself which isn't a cause for concern.
How to prevent your freezer from overheating
In order to prevent your freezer from overheating and causing you issues in the long run, ensure you perform regular maintenance on the freezer, at least once a year as a minimum. Freezers are one of the longest-lasting appliances in the kitchen with a lifespan of 12 - 20 years. That being said they are also always constantly working turned on 24 hours a day and 365 days a year.
This means that if you are not conducting regular maintenance on your freezer, issues are more likely to arise. Things you can do to avoid things such as dusty coils and overheating by following the steps below:
- Ensure the freezer is placed in a well-ventilated area.
- Make sure the temperature is set at around -18 degrees at all times.
- Don't overload the freezer with too many products inside. Allow room for airflow.
- Avoid blocking the vents in the freezer with products.
- Regularly defrost your freezer.
- Regularly dust the coils of the freezer.
- Check the compressor to ensure it is working as it should be.
These quick tips will help to prolong the life of your freezer and keep it running at maximum efficiency, thus saving you money on your energy bills too. It is a win-win! That being said please do not use these tips as a way to amend your current issues instead get in contact with a professional appliance repair specialist who will be able to provide you with the relevant care to fix your warm freezer if required.
If you are looking for fast, affordable and reliable appliance repairs in Southend-on-Sea, check out our appliance repair service here.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there are several reasons why the outside of your freezer may feel warm, with some reasons not being issues with others requiring professional intervention in order to repair. If you do notice that the outside of your freezer is a lot warmer than usual, it may be a sign of an issue.
As discussed throughout this repair guide, heat is not always indicative of a serious issue, however consistent warmth or excessive heat should be addressed quickly to ensure the freezer's optimal functionality and help avoid any future problems. If you do notice that your freezer is showing signs of an issue, get into contact with an appliance repair specialist who will be able to advise you on your next move.
If your freezer is causing you too many issues and you require a new one, here at Sale Appliances we offer a huge range of affordable and long-lasting freezers for your home. We offer delivery across Southend-on-Sea and the surrounding areas. Stocking leading refrigeration brands such as Liebherr, Bosch, Hotpoint and many more. Get in contact with a member of the team on 01702300010 today!