If you have a GE freezer, you may have noticed a red or orange glow in the back of your freezer compartment. You may have also heard a sizzling or crackling noise coming from the same area. What is causing this phenomenon and should you be worried? In this post, we will explain what the glowing red defrost indicator is and how it works.
The glowing red defrost indicator is a normal part of the defrost cycle of your GE freezer. It is caused by the defrost heater, which is a metal rod that heats up and melts any frost or ice on the evaporator coils. The evaporator coils are located behind the rear panel of your freezer and they are responsible for cooling the air inside your freezer. The defrost heater prevents the coils from freezing up and affecting your freezer’s performance and efficiency.
How the Defrost Cycle Works
- The defrost cycle works by using a main control board that activates the defrost heater at regular intervals. The main control board monitors the usage and conditions of your freezer and adjusts the defrost cycle accordingly. The defrost cycle consists of four phases:
- Cooling Operation: During this phase, the main control board monitors the door openings and the compressor run times. The more the door is opened or the longer the compressor runs, the sooner the defrost cycle will start.
- Defrost Heater Operation: The main control board turns off the compressor, condenser fan, and evaporator fan. It then turns on the defrost heater, which glows red or orange as it heats up. The defrost heater melts any frost or ice on the coils and then turns off. The main control board monitors the evaporator temperature using a thermistor and terminates the defrost heater operation when it reaches a certain level. A typical defrost cycle lasts 20 to 30 minutes.
- Dwell Period: After the main control board terminates the defrost heater operation, it initiates a five-minute dwell period. During this period, the compressor, condenser fan, and evaporator fan remain off. This allows any remaining frost or water to drip and drain from the coils.
- Post Dwell Period: The post dwell period is designed to cool the evaporator before circulating air within the freezer. The main control board turns on the condenser fan and waits for two minutes before turning on the compressor and evaporator fan.
What to Do When You See the Glow
- When you see the glowing red defrost indicator in your GE freezer, you don’t need to do anything. It is a normal part of the defrost cycle and it does not pose any danger or harm to your freezer or your food. However, you should keep in mind some tips to ensure your freezer’s optimal performance and safety:
- Do not touch or poke the glowing red defrost heater or the rear panel of your freezer. They are very hot and can cause burns or damage.
- Do not open or close your freezer door too often or too quickly during the defrost cycle. This can affect the air pressure and temperature inside your freezer and cause condensation or frost buildup.
- Do not put any flammable or combustible materials near your freezer or its vents. This can cause a fire hazard or an explosion.
- Do not use any sharp objects or tools to remove any frost or ice from your freezer. This can damage your freezer or its components.
- Do not attempt to repair or replace your defrost heater or any other part of your freezer by yourself. This can void your warranty or cause injury or damage. Contact GE Appliances customer service for assistance.
FAQs
Q: How do I know if my GE freezer is working properly?
A: You can tell if your GE freezer is working properly by checking its temperature, noise level, and power consumption. Your freezer should maintain a temperature of 0°F or lower, run quietly without any unusual sounds, and use energy efficiently.
Q: How often does my GE freezer with Frost Guard technology defrost?
A: The frequency of defrosting depends on how you use your freezer. Generally, your GE freezer with Frost Guard technology will defrost every 12 to 48 hours.
Q: How can I maintain my GE freezer with Frost Guard technology?
A: You can maintain your GE freezer with Frost Guard technology by keeping it clean, level, and well-stocked. You should also avoid opening and closing the door too often or too quickly.
