It can be hard not to panic when you realize one of your home appliances is malfunctioning. It is even harder when the appliance in question is your freezer, and you are in the middle of a hot Michigan summer.
Why is your freezer struggling to stay cool? Can you get it repaired, or is it serious enough that the whole unit will need to be replaced?
At Apex Appliance, our appliance repair technicians will be at your home as quickly as possible to inspect your freezer and determine the extent of the damage. We can fix your freezer for you, or we can order a part for you so you can fix it yourself.
Before you call our appliance repair experts, there are a few steps you can take to rule out some easy fixes. Here are four things you should consider to see if your freezer problems are simpler than you may think:
- The age of your freezer
- How full your freezer is
- Whether or not your freezer is fully sealed
- The temperature settings of your freezer
1. How Old Is Your Freezer?
The big question we hear when it comes to appliances is, “Should I repair it or replace it?”
Typically, we recommend replacing appliances when the cost to repair them outweighs the cost for a newer model. However, even if the cost to repair an appliance is low, you will want to weigh it against the age of the appliance itself.
If your freezer is getting along in years, you may want to replace it. However, you will still want to call an appliance repair technician first before you give up on your unit.
Why You Should Have an Expert Inspect Your Appliance Before Replacing It
There are a few reasons you should get an inspection even if you are planning on replacing your freezer.
First, you need to know exactly what went wrong with this unit and whether or not it is due to age or user error. You do not want to repeat any mistakes with a newer, more expensive freezer.
Second, you will benefit from getting an expert opinion on the manufacturer of your current freezer. Feel free to ask our appliance repair expert if they are constantly servicing this make or model. You do not want to invest in the same unit or a similar one just to have to call us again sooner rather than later.
Finally, there is always the chance that you may decide to repair your freezer instead of replacing it, even if it is a bit old. Some appliances will last well past their average expiration date if they are properly cared for. If you have invested in a high-quality freezer, at least let a high-quality appliance repair expert give you their opinion on whether or not it is time to put it to rest.
2. How Full Is Your Freezer?
An easy fix for a freezer that is not staying cold is to check how full it is. A common recommendation is to keep your freezer at all times.
If your freezer is too full, then it may block the vents that cool the unit, raising the temperature.
If your freezer is too empty, then all of the cool air will rush out whenever you open the door. This requires your freezer to work overtime to keep the temperature where you want it.
It is a good idea to have a full freezer in case of emergency as well. A full freezer can maintain a safe temperature for during a power outage. If your freezer is only half-full, then it will only last for half the time: 24 hours.
3. Is Your Freezer Properly Sealing?
Before you panic about a warm freezer, ask yourself, “Was it shut correctly?”
Sometimes, freezer problems simply come down to user error. Make sure you know how your freezer door looks and sounds when it is fully shut and sealed.
If your door still is not sealing properly, our appliance repair team can help.
4. Is Your Freezer Set to the Right Temperature?
Before you panic about your melted ice cream, check your freezer’s temperature settings. In certain models, these can be easily knocked out of place as you remove something from the freezer itself.
Although water freezes at 32° F, your freezer should be much colder. The recommends keeping your freezer temperature at 0° F.
Call Our Appliance Repair Experts Today
Although some problems with your freezer may be simple fixes, others will require an expert. Our Grand Rapids, MI, freezer repair technicians will inspect your freezer and recommend a repair or replacement. Call Apex Appliance today at (616) 363-9894, or contact us online.