Even though freezers are supposed to be cooling devices, you will notice that they warm up on the exterior. This is common and is brought on by heat loss during refrigeration. It has been observed that the back and the sides of an upright freezer and chest freezer can be up to 1 to 2 degrees Celsius warmer than the ambient temperature.
To understand why the sides of a freezer get warm and what we can do to lower the temperature, let’s first look at how a freezer operates.
How does a Freezer operate?
To cool down the compartments of a freezer, evaporation is used as a power source.
The evaporator, which removes heat and causes items to become cold, and the condenser that transmits the heat outside, are the reasons for the warmth you feel radiating on the outside of the appliance.
Condensation and liquefaction of the refrigerant gas circulate through copper tubes within the refrigerator to continuously evaporate and condense. Once the heat has been released, it immediately returns to the compressor to continue the process.
Why Do Freezers Get Heated and How Can We Prevent It?
Dirty Condenser Coils
One of the leading causes of freezer heat is the refrigerator’s dirty condenser coils. Dust and filth prevent the condenser coils from properly dissipating the extra heat generated by the freezer. The freezer becomes warmer than usual due to the heat becoming trapped inside. This problem could seriously harm the appliance if it persists for a long time.
How to Prevent: The condenser coils should be cleaned at least once every three months to prevent this issue. Simple strokes with a duster will suffice to clean the condenser. The coils can occasionally be covered in filth. Use a brush or a dampened soapy-water cloth to remove the dirt from the coils. Before doing this, make sure you unplug the refrigerator. And once the cleaning is complete, wipe the coils with a dry towel.
Faulty Condenser fan
Some commercial refrigerators are installed with a fan to assist in cooling the condenser. The compressor in your refrigerator won’t be able to chill down if the condenser fan stops working. Instead, it will overheat, which will cause your freezer to heat up as well.
The buildup of dust is the cause of condenser fan failure. The fan tends to accumulate dust and debris as it spins.
How to Prevent: Verify that the condenser fan is operating freely. If it’s stuck, cleaning out the dust and removing anything else that might be keeping the fan stuck will fix the problem. You might have to change it if it still doesn’t function properly.
The Electric Heater is on
Electric warmers were installed in some older refrigerator models, such as those produced before and during the 80s. Although it might seem counterintuitive, heating systems are present in refrigerators and freezers to avoid condensation within the fridge. Your freezer may feel the warmth while touching the sides if the electric heater is on.
How to Prevent: If your refrigerator has a moisture-prevention mechanism and is an older model, turn off your heater as soon as you observe a rise in temperature within the fridge. The switch may have the words “Energy Saver” or “Power Saver” written on it.
Final Takeaway
A compressor is the heart of every refrigerator, and there are a variety of factors that might lead to an overheated compressor. All of the aforementioned causes of your warm refrigerator can be simply remedied by using a few simple techniques. However, if your issue still isn’t resolved after taking these actions, you should speak with a specialist to investigate the situation.
You can also contact us to know more ways to prevent your freezer from heating. This will help you deliver consistent, tasty menu items to your customers all year round by maintaining your composure and regulating your commercial refrigeration equipment.
