An icy freezer is a common annoyance. Aside from taking up valuable storage space, ice or frost buildup can cause a funky smell to develop in your freezer and leave you with freezer-burned food. But how does the ice develop in the first place? Ice builds up when moisture or warm air enters the freezer and sticks to the evaporator coils, subsequently freezing. Let’s explore the key culprits below.
TROUBLESHOOTING: COMMON CAUSES OF FREEZER FROST
- Is the freezer door ajar? An open door allows cool air to escape the freezer and warm air to enter. Check to ensure nothing is blocking the door from shutting completely.
- Is the freezer being opened frequently? Constantly opening and closing the freezer door or keeping your freezer open for extended periods of time can introduce unnecessary moisture and humidity. You can help prevent this by keeping your freezer organized. A tidy freezer can help you access what you need faster, reducing the duration and number of times you need to open the freezer.
- Is the door seal cracked or damaged? As its name implies, a freezer’s door seal (also known as a gasket) seals the air in your freezer, keeping cold air in and warm air out. Inspect the seal for cracks by slowly moving your hand around the outside perimeter of the closed freezer door. If you feel cold air leaking out, the seal likely needs to be replaced.
- Has food been cooled before storing? Placing hot foods in the freezer shortly after cooking can introduce humidity. Allow food to cool before storing and wipe any moisture that has accumulated on the outside of the container before placing it in the freezer.
HOW TO DEFROST YOUR FREEZER
If your freezer has already frosted up significantly, you can follow our easy step-by-step guide to defrosting your freezer.