How To Maintain Your Chest Freezer In A Perfect Condition
If you own a chest freezer, you need to take good care of the appliance so that it can give you the best service. The freezer is a handy appliance that allows you to shop for groceries in bulk. If you have a large family, a freezer will ensure convenience and it will prove to be very helpful if you love to entertain. Like with all major appliances, proper maintenance is essential if you want to avoid huge repair bills. Overlooking simple maintenance can prevent the chest freezer from operating at its full potential. A freezer can be rather costly and it is important to look for the best ways to get the most from it.
Maximize the efficiency
The first thing that you should do is to look for the best ways to maximize freezer efficiency. By reducing the cost to run the appliance, you can make huge savings. There are several maintenance tips that will help to lower your electricity expenses and they include cleaning the coils and defrosting. Not many may want to do these tasks. However, fact is that they make a huge difference when it comes to efficiency. It is necessary to unload and defrost the freezerannually to allow the unit to cool efficiently.
The freezer placement
You need to be careful about where you locate your freezer. Following the manufacturer’s instructions will help to ensure that you place the chest freezer in the best possible location. Most models need good airflow around the appliance and this means you should avoid clutter around and on top of the freezer as this can affect its performance. You also need to think about the ideal temperature range for the room. Manufacturers carry out extensive research about optimal conditions and they have come up with guidelines that offer advice on the ideal location for any type of freezer.
Keep the freezer full
You can ensure that your freezer functions at optimum capacity by keeping it full. The main reason to have the freezer in the first place is to enable you to stock items in bulk. A freezer that is half-empty is not an economical option. The best way to fill your freezer without shopping for foods that you do not need is by stocking up on ice. The ice cubes will come in handy the next time you entertain. You can also stock up on water and other drinks. If you are finding it difficult to fill your freezer, it may be because you invested in a model that is bigger than you required.
Cleaning the coils
Just like with your refrigerator, it is essential to clean the freezer’s condenser coils. Make sure that you unplug the freezer and vacuum the coils at least two times a year. Dirt and dust build up on the appliance coils affects the air circulation. This can shorten the freezer’s life, while also resulting in a spike in the energy consumption. Check the thermostat periodically to confirm that it is working well.
Check the door gasket
You should inspect the freezer’s door gasket to make sure it is sealing properly. Look for signs of dirt and deterioration that can cause obstruction. To make sure that the appliance does not need to overwork, it has to maintain the ideal temperature. Use warm soapy water to clean the gasket and make sure that you clear away any dirt or debris. If the rubber seal has holes or tears, it will need to be replaced.
It is a good idea to organize your freezer so that you know exactly what you have stored. This will ensure convenience and efficiency when you need to remove anything from the freezer. If your appliance is showing signs of slowing down, it is very important to get professional repair services. An appliance technician will help to ensure that your freezer works at the optimum level.