The answer is not so simple, as there are different reasons why your freezer may be hot on the outside. Some of them are normal and harmless, while others may indicate a problem that needs attention. In this post, we’ll explain why your freezer is hot on the outside, and what you can do about it.
**The main reasons why your freezer is hot on the outside are:
The compressor is the part of your freezer that pumps the refrigerant through the coils, which helps regulate the temperature inside the freezer. The compressor generates heat as it runs, and this heat dissipates to the sides of the freezer, making them feel warm or hot to the touch.
This is normal and necessary, as it prevents moisture from forming on the outside of the freezer. However, if the compressor runs for a long time without stopping, it can make the freezer exterior excessively or continuously hot.
The compressor may run for a long time if:
These situations are usually temporary and not a cause for concern. Once the temperature inside the freezer stabilizes, the compressor will cycle on and off normally, and the outside of the freezer will cool down.
However, if your freezer is always hot on the outside, even when it’s not in use or full of food, it may indicate a problem with the thermostat, which controls the temperature inside the freezer. If the thermostat is faulty or set too low, it may cause the compressor to run constantly and overheat.
To check the thermostat, use an analog thermometer and place it inside your freezer for 30 minutes. Then compare the reading with the setting on your thermostat. If there is a big difference, you may need to adjust or replace your thermostat.
The condenser coils are metal tubes that run along the back or bottom of your freezer. They transfer heat from inside your freezer to outside. If the condenser coils are dirty or damaged, they can reduce the efficiency and performance of your freezer.
Dirty condenser coils can accumulate dust, lint, pet hair, or other debris that can block proper airflow and prevent heat transfer. This can cause your freezer to work harder to cool down and make the outside hotter than usual.
Damaged condenser coils can leak refrigerant, which is a liquid that changes into a gas as it absorbs heat from inside your freezer and releases it outside. This can cause your freezer to lose its cooling ability and make the outside hotter than usual.
To check and clean the condenser coils, you will need to unplug your freezer and access them from behind or below your freezer. Remove the back panel or kick plate and locate the coils. Use a coil brush or a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any dust, dirt, or debris from the coils. Be careful not to bend or damage the coils.
To check for refrigerant leaks, look for signs of oil stains or frost on or around the coils. If you see any leaks, you will need to call a professional technician to repair them.
The condenser fan is a fan that circulates air across the condenser coils and compressor, helping cool them down. If the condenser fan is faulty or blocked by ice or debris, it can cause your freezer to not cool properly or make loud noises.
A faulty condenser fan may fail to run when activated, run too slowly, or run too loudly. This can cause your compressor to overheat and make your freezer exterior extremely hot to touch.
A blocked condenser fan may be obstructed by ice buildup or foreign objects that prevent it from spinning freely. This can also cause your compressor to overheat and make your freezer exterior extremely hot to touch.
To check and fix the condenser fan, you will need to unplug your freezer and access it from behind or below your freezer. Remove the back panel or kick plate and locate the fan near the condenser coils and compressor. Spin the fan blades by hand and see if they move freely. If they are stuck or noisy, you may need to clean them with a soft brush or replace them.
The door gasket is the rubber seal that runs along the edge of your freezer door. It creates an airtight seal that prevents cold air from escaping and warm air from entering your freezer. If the door gasket is worn or torn, it can cause your freezer to lose its cooling ability and frost up.
A worn or torn door gasket can create gaps or cracks that allow warm air to seep into your freezer, raising the temperature inside and requiring more cooling. This can cause your compressor to work harder and make your freezer exterior hotter than usual.
To check and replace the door gasket, inspect it for any cracks, tears, or gaps. You can also wet your hand and run it along the gasket to feel for any cold air leaks. If you find any damage or leaks, you will need to replace your door gasket.
To replace your door gasket, you will need to unplug your freezer, remove the old gasket from the door frame, and install a new one. You can find a compatible door gasket online or at a hardware store.
Q: How hot is too hot for a freezer exterior?
A: A freezer exterior may feel warm or hot to touch when the compressor is running, which is normal and necessary. However, if the freezer exterior feels too hot to touch for a long time, it may indicate a problem that needs attention. A general rule of thumb is that if the freezer exterior feels hotter than 110°F, it is too hot and may need repair.
Q: How can I prevent my freezer from getting too hot on the outside?
A: There are some preventive measures that you can take to keep your freezer from getting too hot on the outside, such as:
Q: How do I know if my freezer needs professional repair?
A: If you have tried all the troubleshooting tips above and your freezer is still too hot on the outside, you may need professional repair. Some signs that your freezer needs professional repair are:
If you notice any of these signs, you should contact a qualified technician to inspect and repair your freezer.
A freezer that is hot on the outside can be a normal and harmless occurrence, or a sign of a problem that needs attention. By understanding why your freezer is hot on the outside, and what you can do about it, you can keep your freezer in good working condition and avoid wasting food, money, and energy.
We hope this post has helped you learn why your freezer is hot on the outside, and what you can do about it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And if you’re looking for more tips on how to use kitchen appliances and food safety, don’t forget to check out our blog at PressToCook.com!
