If your freezer is only at 20 degrees, it means that it is not cold enough to keep your food frozen and safe. The most common causes of this problem are a faulty thermostat, a dirty condenser coil, a leaky door seal, or a malfunctioning defrost system.
In this article, we will explain how to diagnose and fix these issues, and how to prevent them from happening again. We will also provide some tips on how to store your food properly and avoid food spoilage and waste.
The first step to solving the problem of a warm freezer is to measure its actual temperature. You can use a thermometer that is designed for freezers, or a regular food thermometer. Place the thermometer in the center of the freezer, away from the walls and the door, and leave it there for at least 15 minutes. Then, read the temperature and compare it to the recommended range.
According to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the ideal temperature for a freezer is 0°F or below. This temperature ensures that your food is frozen solid and prevents the growth of harmful bacteria and mold. If your freezer is above this temperature, you need to take action immediately.
How to troubleshoot the common causes of a warm freezer
There are several possible reasons why your freezer is not cold enough. Here are some of the most common ones and how to fix them:
Faulty thermostat: The thermostat is the device that controls the temperature of your freezer. It senses the temperature inside the freezer and turns the compressor on and off accordingly. If the thermostat is broken or set incorrectly, it may not signal the compressor to run when needed, or it may run it too often or too little. To check the thermostat, turn it to the coldest setting and listen for the compressor to start. If it does not start, or if it runs continuously, you may need to replace the thermostat. You can also use a multimeter to test the continuity of the thermostat. If there is no continuity, the thermostat is defective and needs to be replaced.
Dirty condenser coil: The condenser coil is the part of the refrigeration system that releases the heat from the refrigerant. It is located at the back or the bottom of the freezer, and it looks like a series of coils or fins. If the condenser coil is dirty or clogged with dust, dirt, or debris, it cannot dissipate the heat effectively, and the freezer will not cool properly. To clean the condenser coil, unplug the freezer and use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove the dirt. You should do this at least once a year, or more often if you have pets or a dusty environment.
Leaky door seal: The door seal, also known as the gasket, is the rubber strip that surrounds the door of the freezer. It creates an airtight seal that prevents the cold air from escaping and the warm air from entering the freezer. If the door seal is torn, cracked, or loose, it will allow the cold air to leak out and the warm air to leak in, causing the freezer to work harder and consume more energy. To check the door seal, close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is not tight enough. You can also inspect the seal for any visible damage or wear. To fix the door seal, you can try to adjust the hinges of the door, or apply some petroleum jelly to the seal to make it more flexible. If the seal is beyond repair, you need to replace it with a new one that matches the model and size of your freezer.
Malfunctioning defrost system: The defrost system is the mechanism that prevents the buildup of frost and ice on the evaporator coil, which is the part of the refrigeration system that absorbs the heat from the freezer. The defrost system consists of a timer, a heater, and a thermostat. The timer periodically turns off the compressor and turns on the heater to melt the frost. The thermostat monitors the temperature of the coil and turns off the heater when it reaches a certain level. If any of these components is faulty, the defrost system may not work properly, and the evaporator coil may become covered with ice, blocking the airflow and reducing the cooling capacity of the freezer. To check the defrost system, you need to access the evaporator coil, which is usually located behind a panel inside the freezer. You may need to remove some screws or clips to open the panel. If you see a thick layer of ice on the coil, you need to defrost it manually by unplugging the freezer and letting the ice melt, or by using a hair dryer or a heat gun to speed up the process. Be careful not to damage the coil or the surrounding parts. After defrosting the coil, you can test the components of the defrost system using a multimeter. If any of them is defective, you need to replace it with a new one.
To keep your freezer running efficiently and avoid the problem of a warm freezer, you should follow these preventive maintenance tips:
Check the temperature regularly: You should monitor the temperature of your freezer at least once a month, or more often if you notice any signs of malfunction. You can use a thermometer to measure the temperature and adjust the thermostat accordingly. You should also avoid overloading the freezer or opening the door too frequently, as this can affect the temperature and cause the freezer to work harder.
Clean the condenser coil regularly: You should clean the condenser coil at least once a year, or more often if you have pets or a dusty environment. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a soft brush to remove the dirt from the coil. This will improve the heat transfer and the cooling performance of the freezer.
Inspect the door seal regularly: You should inspect the door seal at least once a year, or more often if you notice any gaps or damage. You can use a dollar bill to test the tightness of the seal, and apply some petroleum jelly to make it more flexible. You should also replace the seal if it is torn, cracked, or loose.
Defrost the freezer regularly: You should defrost the freezer at least once a year, or more often if you see a lot of frost or ice on the evaporator coil. You can defrost the freezer manually by unplugging it and letting the ice melt, or by using a hair dryer or a heat gun to speed up the process. You should also check the components of the defrost system and replace them if they are faulty.
How to store your food properly and avoid food spoilage and waste
To ensure the safety and quality of your food, you should follow these storage tips:
Label and date your food: You should label and date your food before putting it in the freezer, so that you know what it is and how long it has been there. You should also follow the recommended storage times for different types of food, and discard any food that is past its expiration date or shows signs of spoilage, such as discoloration, odor, or texture changes.
Use freezer-safe containers and bags: You should use containers and bags that are designed for freezer use, and that are airtight and leak-proof. This will prevent freezer burn, which is the loss of moisture and flavor due to exposure to air. You should also leave some space in the containers and bags to allow for expansion of the food when it freezes.
Organize your freezer: You should organize your freezer by grouping similar items together, and by placing the oldest items in the front and the newest items in the back. This will help you find what you need easily and use up the food before it goes bad. You should also avoid stacking the containers and bags too high, as this can block the airflow and reduce the cooling efficiency of the freezer.
Conclusion
A freezer that is only at 20 degrees is not cold enough to keep your food frozen and safe. The most common causes of this problem are a faulty thermostat, a dirty condenser coil, a leaky door seal, or a malfunctioning defrost system. You can diagnose and fix these issues by following the steps and tips we provided in this article. You can also prevent the problem from recurring by maintaining your freezer regularly and storing your food properly. By doing so, you will save energy, money, and food, and enjoy a safe and delicious frozen food.
