If you are somebody who also relies on electrical gadgets in your household, you will know that a freezer takes the number one spot in the list of the most important appliances. Since this gadget allows you to preserve your food items, keep your water chilled, and use your perishable items for days, it remains switched on most of the time.
Although it is a helpful aspect, a constantly running freezer can often lead to multiple problems. For example, it can drain a significant amount of energy and add to your utility bills while developing premature device failure. If you choose to let these drawbacks fester for too long, it can do permanent damage to your compressor and other such components.
Not only that, but if your freezer won’t stop running, it can also shorten its lifespan more than you may like. However, you will be happy to know that you will be able to take care of these complications and minimize their frequency with a few simple checks and adjustments. To succeed in this endeavor, you need to first figure out the root cause of the challenges and how to resolve them, which we will do in this blog. Without further ado, let us begin!
Understanding the Impact of a Constantly Running Freezer
If your freezer has been running non-stop for a while now, it is an indicator that there is something wrong with it. Instead of delaying the examination, you should focus on troubleshooting freezer problems as soon as possible because it will be able to boost the efficiency and longevity of your appliance. Not only that, but this attention will also enable you to avoid the need for costly appliance repair services because of major breakdowns.
Most of you may have already noticed at least once in your life that a refrigerator works by automatically turning itself on and off at regular intervals. It does so to maintain a stable temperature inside the gadget, which allows it to preserve the items you have stored in it. There could be several reasons why a freezer won’t stop running, such as a dirty condenser coil, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a faulty door seal. Keep in mind that the sooner you address these difficulties, the easier it will be for you to take care of them.
The Energy and Cost Implications
As has been mentioned, a freezer motor running constantly can harm your expensive apparatus in more ways than one. However, the main damage it will do is increase your electricity bills by consuming more energy than usual. Along with putting a strain on the components of your appliance, the continuous running can also add to electricity waste, which leads to a higher carbon footprint on the planet.
There are also various other ways in which this problem can impact you, such as:
- It can enhance your electricity consumption level by 30-50 percent.
- The constant running can easily put pressure on the internal components and cause premature freezer compressor issues.
- When your freezer struggles to maintain an optimal climate, it can lead to food spoilage.
- This problem may also reduce the lifespan of your gadget by a wide margin.
Common Causes of a Freezer Won’t Stop Running
Since a freezer is just another electrical appliance, it is common for it to develop problems if you have been using it for years. However, once you start understanding the cause of a freezer won’t stop running drawbacks, you will be able to take care of your equipment and maintain a consistent climate inside it.
Whenever you figure out that your freezer is failing to automatically turn on and off, consider it as some kind of a malfunction, be it mechanical, electrical, or maintenance-related. After identifying the source, you will be able to use targeted solutions for each. Hence, let us now take a detailed look at these details for a better understanding!
1. Freezer Thermostat Issues
All of you may have heard about a component called the thermostat at least once in your life. It is a kind of freezer part that lets you control the temperature on the inside of the gadget. You can rest easy knowing this piece will enable you to determine when the compressor should run and also regulate the climate.
As a result, this component is always at work, trying to ensure your perishable items are being preserved accordingly. This constant performance can sometimes put a strain on the thermostat, which can lead to further drawbacks. This is where troubleshooting freezer problems come into play.
Signs of Thermostat Problems:
The easiest way for you to understand that your thermostat is having issues is with the help of a few noticeable signs, such as:
- The freezer does not stop running automatically even once throughout the day.
- Different areas of the freezer have different temperatures, some warmer than the other ones.
- No matter how many times you set the temperature, it keeps changing on its own.
- You spot unusual patterns when it comes to the automatic on-and-off cycles.
How to Fix Freezer Thermostat:
When you spot any of these problems with your gadget, you should start focusing on how to fix the freezer thermostat immediately so that you can get back to your regular routine without a hitch. Here are a few steps you can take during this endeavor:
1. Check Temperature Settings
The primary approach that you should opt for is to check the temperature settings of the thermostat. Make sure it is set to the recommended temperature, that is, 0°F Fahrenheit or -18°C, if you wish to fix the freezer thermostat.
2. Thermostat Replacement
If the problem keeps persisting even after taking all the necessary steps, maybe it is time for you to replace the thermostat altogether. Even if you take very good care of the item, it is normal for an electrical gadget to become worn out. In times like these, you can hire Care & Repair technicians to take care of this endeavor to free you from a constantly running freezer.
2. Dirty Condenser Coils
One of the most important parts of a fridge is the condenser coils because they dissipate heat from the inside of the equipment. Just like any other part of the device, this one works tirelessly as well, making it easy for it to develop problems over time. It is because extreme usage and lack of maintenance can cover these coils in dust and debris by a wide margin. When this happens, the component needs to work harder to continue its operation.
If you let this go on for too long, the freezer condenser coils will become worn out earlier than usual and require replacement to prevent breakdowns. Hence, it is necessary for you to take good care of the coils.
Indicators Of Poor Condenser Coils Performance
If you wish to spot the strain on your condenser coils on time to prevent freezer won’t stop running challenges, you should look for indicators, such as:
- You will find your coils covered in dust, dirt, and layers of grime along with debris or cob-like formations.
- The surface of the coil will change colors and become darker or even become discolored over time.
- You will notice a sudden spike in your monthly electricity bills.
- There will also be visible frost buildup or warm spots in different sections of the freezer.
Tips To Clean Dirty Condenser Coils
If you suddenly notice a certain decline in your freezer’s performance, you need to pay more attention to its maintenance and repair. Other than hiring a reliable specialist company like Care & Repair, you can also take a few energy-saving freezer tips at home, such as:
1. Regular Visual Inspection
Keep in mind to examine the freezer condenser coils regularly to spot any visible damage or changes. Accumulating dust, debris, grime, and signs of potential blockage should be taken seriously. You should take out your fridge once in a while or use a flashlight to inspect the coils on the back.
2. Gentle Cleaning
After locating the areas that need instant care, use a soft-bristled brush to remove all the unnecessary dirt and dust from the coils. You are also allowed to utilize a vacuum if you set the speed and the suction power at the lowest. Before touching the coils, unplug the gadget and move it away from the wall for ease of usage.
3. Compromised Door Seals
Believe it or not, door seals are the main components that are responsible for trapping the cold inside the freezer and preventing warm air from getting in. As a result, when this part of the gadget is worn out, it can lead to the freezer motor running constantly to maintain the optimal temperature at all times. You should take care of this drawback as soon as you learn about it because, over time, this can put pressure on the compressor coils and cause a breakdown. This is why regular inspection and on-time replacements are recommended as parts of the best energy-saving freezer tips to secure the efficiency of the equipment.
Symptoms Of A Damaged Door Seal
You can lower the need for costly professional freezer repair sessions by being more careful about damaged door seal symptoms. They are:
- Upon closer inspection, you will find cracks, tears, or rips in the door seals.
- You will also notice inconsistencies in the temperature inside, which means air is not being trapped appropriately.
- The cooling cycle duration will increase by a wide margin, which will also cause a spike in your utility bills.
- You will also find condensation or water droplet formations inside the freezer, which points to hot air seeping into the gadget.
Advice To Fix Compromised Door Seals
If your freezer is failing to live up to its efficiency lately, it may be an indicator of a compromised door seal. This issue can transform the cool air inside this gadget into a sauna, resulting in food spoilage, increased electricity bills, freezer compressor issues, etc. In circumstances like these, there are a few steps you can take to tend to these problems. They are:
1. Cleaning and Conditioning
Once you have a thorough understanding of the spots in your door seal that need care, create a warm water and mild soap solution to clean it. Take a soft cloth, dip it in the solution, and use it to scrub the damaged areas as gently as you can. After cleaning, apply a thin layer of petroleum jelly to reduce friction and provide the seals with moisture.
2. Seal Replacement
After careful assessment, if you notice that the seal is beyond maintenance and has a significant amount of wear and tear, you should consider replacing it as soon as possible. You can conduct this technique yourself or with the help of trained personnel from Care & Repair, but keep in mind to get a rubber gasket that is ideal for the freezer you have.
You will be happy to know that just because the freezer won’t stop running does not mean you need to change the appliance altogether immediately. Sometimes these drawbacks stem from minor issues that can be taken care of at home. All you have to do is take the help of a few DIY methods and learn more about freezer care to enhance the efficiency of your gadget as much as possible. However, if none of the techniques work in your favor, you can reach out to us at Care & Repair to ease your challenges in the best possible ways!
