Freezer Problems in Hot Weather – How To Fix? 4 tips

Summer can be a great time to feel the vacation vibe and enjoy the warm temperatures. However, the hot weather can be unkind to home appliances like your freezer. So, what are these freezer problems that may occur when it’s scorching outside? 

Freezer problems in hot weather may include constant cycling, high energy consumption, condensation buildup, or it may stop working entirely. To fix these, you may need to clean condenser coils, keep the unit in an ideal location, turn off power saving, and don’t overload the freezer.

This article will discuss the common problems you may encounter with your freezer during hot weather, including tips on dealing with them and preventing them from happening. Let’s get to it!

1. The Freezer Starts To Cycle or Run Constantly

During hot weather, you may notice that your freezer starts to cycle constantly. 

Your freezer works to maintain a constant temperature to cool the food inside. It should run about 80-90% of the time if it’s new, but running about 50% of the time for older models is typically okay. 

So, when your freezer constantly runs, it signals that the appliance is struggling to maintain the correct cooling temperatures. Two things may cause this problem.

Dirty Condenser Coils (Freezer problems)

Dirt accumulation limits air circulation to the condenser, which puts extra strain on the freezer and leads to compressor damage. 

You’ll know that the compressor is bad if you notice several issues, such as abnormal noises and overheating. If you want to learn more about these, check out my article on how to spot the signs of a bad compressor.

Ultimately, a flaw in the condenser coils will result in the freezer struggling to work optimally to cool food.

Read: 3 Reasons Why Chest Freezer Is Not Working After Power Outage

Worn-Out Door Gasket

It could also be due to worn-out door gaskets. These gaskets seal the freezer door and keep the cold air in, but over time, they can become worn and cracked, which lets the cold air out and warm air in. 

A gasket problem mounts excessive strain on the appliance and shortens its lifespan, as the hot air from outside makes the freezer work harder to maintain low temperatures.

How To Fix?

If it has been a while since you cleaned the freezer’s condenser coils, here is how you can clean them quickly:

1. Unplug the freezer. Unplugging when checking any appliance is vital to minimize the risk of electric shock.
2. Locate the condenser coils. They’re usually at the bottom of the fridge, but you access them from the rear side.
3. Remove the pressboard cover. This will allow you to access the condenser coils.
4. Clean the coils. Use a vacuum hose with a soft upholstery attachment to do this, and be gentle to avoid breaking the condenser’s metal lines.

If you have worn-out gaskets, replace them as necessary. Replacing them will ensure that the freezer’s door closes properly and prevent air from the hot weather outside from entering the freezer. It’s an easy fix that can help keep your freezer cold and working efficiently.

Cleaning the condenser coils or replacing the gaskets could restore your freezer to optimal working conditions during summer. With either solution, you can be sure that your freezer is always cool, which means cold beverages even when temperatures soar outside.

Read: 3 Possible Reasons Why Chest Freezer Not Freezing At Top – Troubleshooting Guide

2. The Freezer’s Energy Consumption Increases 

During the summer heat wave, temperatures soar higher than usual, so the freezer must work harder than it should to maintain ideal internal temperatures for cooling.

The extra burden on the freezer also reflects on its energy consumption needs. The harder the freezer works to maintain an optimum temperature, the more energy it consumes, so you will likely incur higher-than-usual electricity bills.

How To Fix?

The freezer’s position can impact its ability to maintain cool temperatures during hot weather, so you may want to place it in a cool place away from direct heat from the sun or heat sources like cookers and ovens.

Also, give the freezer at least 5 cm (1.97 inches) space around the back, top, and sides. The spaces allow for proper ventilation so that the fridge releases heat from the compressor. Doing this eases the freezer’s work of keeping food fresh during summer.

Read: Why Chest Freezer Not Working After Moving? How To Troubleshoot? 

3. The Freezer Has Condensation Buildup

Hot and humid conditions may lead to condensation buildup, especially if you turn on the freezer’s power-saving feature. 

Condensation buildup is a giveaway of temperature changes within the freezing unit if hot ambient air may have entered the freezer.

You may notice the condensation on the freezer door gasket if the unit has gasket damage or there’s a trapped object on the freezer door, which may let the hot air inside the compartment. When the hot air reacts with the cool internal air, it forms condensation, which may compromise food safety in the freezer.

Read: Can You Keep A Freezer Outside In The Winter?

How To Fix?

You can avoid condensation buildup in your freezer by doing the following:

• Turn off the power-saving settings on the freezer. Some appliances may develop condensation when you turn on power saving, so turn it off once you notice the problem.
• Reduce your visits to the freezer. It helps limit the hot external air from mixing with the cool freezer air, which prevents condensation.
• Check the freezer door gasket. Ensure that no spaces allow air inside the freezer even when you have closed it, and replace worn-out gaskets to prevent the problem from recurring.

4. The Freezer Stops Working Completely

Your freezer may fail in hot weather due to two essential factors.

Leaving the Freezer Open for a Long Time

When you keep your freezer door open, hot and humid air seeps in, which causes the freezer to work harder to maintain its low temperature. This can put unnecessary strain on the freezer and may cause it to break down over time and stop working altogether, primarily if it’s poorly maintained.

Overloading the Freezer

Overloading the freezer with food and drinks may seem like a good idea. However, doing so may block the vents, restricting airflow in the appliance and preventing cold air from circulating well in the machine.

An overloaded freezer and hot weather are a recipe for failure. If the freezer is already struggling to keep food cool with the hot temperature outside, limiting the airflow means doubling the burden for the freezer to maintain cool temperatures inside. This may eventually cause the freezer to break down completely.

Read: Why Chest Freezer Not Freezing? How To Troubleshoot?

How To Fix?

You can stop overburdening the freezer when you do the following:

• Keep the freezer door closed. Remember to close the door immediately after getting what you need out of the freezer to prevent the hot external air from entering the appliance and interfering with its cool temperature.
• Refrain from overloading your freezer. Keep it about two-thirds full so the freezer isn’t too empty or too overstocked. That way, you don’t risk blocking the vents and restricting the airflow necessary to keep the freezer working properly during hot weather.
• Keep up with the freezer’s maintenance. Replace worn-out parts and regularly clean the freezer to prevent dirt and debris buildup. Good maintenance ensures the freezer remains in excellent condition to keep food fresh even during summer.

Summary

During hot weather, your freezer may develop problems like:

• Constant cycle or running 
• High energy consumption
• Condensation buildup
• It may stop working entirely. 

Determine what could jeopardize your freezer’s regular functions during summer to avoid putting extra strain on the appliance, as it already works hard enough to keep food fresh at this time of the year. You can prevent freezer problems in hot weather by implementing the tips mentioned in this article.