Fridge, freezer, same thing. So why do you need to care for it any differently?  They have a similar function, but depending on what you have, the maintenance may differ. All fridge units have a refrigerator and freezer component, but some families that like to buy and cook in bulk may have a stand-alone freezer unit as well, also called a deep freezer. It has way more capacity and is more energy efficient.

 

Here are some simple tips to keep your freezer in great condition:

 

Do the paper test

 

The internal temperature of a freezer needs to be at -18? so it is important to ensure there’s no leakage. The first place to check is the rubber door seal. Insert a sheet of paper in the door and if it slips out with no resistance, chances are that replacing the seal will improve performance and bring down your energy bills. It is a quick, easy and inexpensive repair.

 

Clean the coils

 

Do this once a year. The condenser coils and cooling fan accumulate a lot of dirt. Use a soft bristled brush attached to a vacuum cleaner on a low suction setting to take off the dust and lint, once you’ve turned the power off. Dirty coils make the unit work harder, resulting in quicker wear and tear and higher energy bills. Some models may have a concealed coil. Annual servicing by a professional or a fridge maintenance company is a good option.

 

Monitor the freezer temperature

 

Now you don’t have to do this every day, but it’s a good idea to check that the freezer is indeed at -18?every few months or if you notice that food is not freezing quickly. Technically, food stored below -18? lasts indefinitely – well, it may not taste the same and may lose some nutritional value, but this temperature will deter the growth of microbes that cause food decay for a very long time.

 

Keep the freezer reasonably full

 

This is a less known fact – that freezers operate better when they are full. Frozen food containers will keep their neighbours cold as well, reducing the load on the unit. If you find that the freezer gets empty towards the end of the week or your shopping cycle – throw in some ice-packs or even plastic containers filled with water.

 

Use suitable storage

 

Storing food in a freezer requires a lot more prep than putting in on a fridge shelf. If you plan to use packaged produce quickly, like a single bag of peas or corn – it’s fine in the original packaging. But if you’ve bought in bulk – break it down into small packets, either freezer bags (which take up less space) or containers (specialised freezer containers are better as others can crack at sub-zero temperature). Ditto with cooked meals. Heavy duty aluminium is an option, but wrap to ensure that there is no exposure to air which can cause freezer burn. Always label with the date it was purchased or cooked on.

 

A bit of regular maintenance can keep your freezer unit working efficiently and will also contribute to lower energy bills. For any domestic freezer repairs or maintenance, contact Melbourne Fridgeworks today.