Ways to check if the refrigerator freezer is working properly

Imagine this – you return home from the scorching heat outside and immediately feel the need to grab a chilled beverage or an ice cream. Unfortunately to your dismay, your refrigerator’s freezer has seemingly given up as you’re been treated to warm drinks and melted frozen food items. As the temperatures soar high, a refrigerator’s freezer becomes one of the most important appliances in the home. 

A freezer is simply a section of refrigerator that runs at substantially lower temperatures, usually at or below zero degrees fahrenheit. It keeps frozen foods fresh, prevents food spoilage during heatwaves, and ensures that you have ice on hand for cold drinks. However, the high temperatures during summer heat can put  a strain on the freezer making it run inefficiently. 

A malfunctioning refrigerator freezer can lead to melted ice items, thawed meats, and unnecessary food wastage. And this can be highly frustrating during the summer months as you don’t get access to much-needed cold items. The costly repairs could also take a few days before the unit works normally. Additionally, in certain cases, the freezer section may stop working while the fridge compartment works totally fine. 

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There are plenty of easy ways to check if the refrigerator freezer is working properly.  We list those below. However, it’s recommended to contact a professional service instead of performing a fix yourself to avoid further damage.

1. Check the temperature of some food items

The ideal freezer temperature should be at or below 0°F or -18°C. If certain items like ice cubes, ice cream or frozen items are too soft and not solid (which they should be), then the freezer may not be working at the right temperature. Hence, it’s necessary to check if the freezer temperature setting is correct. If the temperature outside is too warm, the appliance will have a hard time to cool down the interior.

2. Frost build-up.

Most refrigerators today come with an auto-defrost system. Frost accumulation is normal in frost-free models but the excess build-up on freezer walls can block vents and coils. In this case, you should manually defrost it by unplugging the unit and following the owner’s manual. Meanwhile, in modern refrigerators with auto-defrost settings, excessive frost can also indicate a faulty defrost system. 

3. Check door seal

The rubber gasket surrounding the refrigerator doors ensures a tight seal to keep cold air circulating inside. A worn out or lose seal may allow warm air inside. This can cause temperature fluctuations and even higher electricity consumption. A common practice to test the seal’s quality is to place a piece of paper between the doors of the refrigerator. If you can easily pull it out without tearing it, then the door seal needs to be replaced. 

4. Monitor ice production

Almost every freezer has an ice maker, and monitoring if it is producing ice properly is the easiest way to check the freezer’s performance. A slow or non-functioning ice maker can hint at temperature issues or low water pressure. 

5. Inspect the exterior and vents

Obstructed vents inside the refrigerator and freezer can reduce the cooling capacity. Hence, it’s necessary to check that they are not blocked by storage boxes and utensils. Another way to notice if the freezer is working properly is by touching the back or sides of the refrigerator. If they feel excessively hot, then it may indicate an issue with the condenser coils or ventilation. 

6. Refrigerant leaks

A gas in a fridge or even an air conditioner is called a refrigerant. Over time, it is prone to leakage due to normal wear and tear. The chances are even higher if you stay in a humid environment. Food not staying cold, unusual odour, and oily residue are signals of refrigerant leakage and an inefficient operation. This problem requires a professional’s help. 

By regularly checking the above signs, you can ensure that the freezer is running correctly and prevent costly repairs, especially during the vital summer months. This way, you can also have ice-cold refreshments whenever needed.