Is your freezer working optimally? When thinking of refrigerators and freezers, many Filipinos think of looking for the lowest prices in the Philippines and then just “set it and forget it.” However, you can’t just set the thermostat and hope that your fridge or freezer will work optimally. You have to maintain it to ensure efficiency at all times.
Whether you use your freezer for your home-cooked meals or you have one for your personal negosyo, you must ensure that it is well-maintained. However, you don’t have to worry about complex maintenance routines. You can follow these five maintenance tips to ensure that your freezer is always in good shape.
1. Clean the freezer regularly
To proceed with cleaning the interior of the freezer, ensure that there is no frost buildup.
Use a clean damp rag and some dishwashing liquid. Make sure you clean the interior, exterior, and all the seals. If there are tough spills and stains, you can use a spray cleaner before using a deodorizer to remove any remaining odors.
If you have a chest freezer, you may have to neutralize decaying smells. This is because some residue may have pooled at the bottom or at the corners. After cleaning with a damp rag and dishwashing liquid, place a bowl of baking soda inside and close the chest freezer. Let the baking soda sit for several hours. To eliminate even tougher smells, place a small bowl of activated charcoal. Close the lid and allow the chest freezer to run for a couple of hours.
Aside from the interior, remember to clean the condenser coils at least once a year. If there is dust or other forms of residue on the coils, the engine will not run smoothly. A buildup of dust and residue means that the unit will have to work harder and use up more electricity.
Before cleaning, make sure that you unplug the unit. Move the freezer so you may reach the coils in the back. If the coils are located at the front, snap off the lower grill. You can clean the coils using a dry piece of cloth, or you may also use a vacuum. For tougher buildup, you may use a soft brush to remove dust, dirt, and even animal hair. Don’t use condensed air to blow away dust, because this can result in dust being crammed further into the coils, causing more blockage.
2. Defrost regularly
Some freezers have an automatic defrost system. For manual or semi-automatic freezers, a manual defrost is needed to take care of frost build-up. To do this, take out all the food inside the freezer. Turn off the thermostat and unplug the unit. If your freezer has a drain, unplug the drain. Wait for all the ice to melt. You can use an electric fan to speed up this process, but make sure to never scrape away the ice. Once the frost has melted, you can wipe the freezer with a piece of cloth. Plug the unit once it’s dry.
If you want to save time in doing this regular freezer check, consider having Condura Ultima No Frost Inverter Bottom Freezer.
3. Check your freezer’s location
Place your freezer only in an area with a stable temperature. Extreme changes in temperature will make your freezer work harder. Keep your unit away from appliances that emit heat, such as stoves and dryers. Also make sure that the freezer is away from direct sunlight. However, this doesn’t mean that freezers should be placed in areas with extremely low temperatures, either. Condenser coils emit heat, and they may not function well when placed in extremely cold places.
Make sure that there is enough space for air to flow between the freezer and the wall. The coils may get damaged due to heat build-up when the warm air cannot flow out. A good rule is to place a freezer or refrigerator at least three inches away from the wall.
4. Check the thermostat and gasket regularly
Most freezers have a built-in thermostat. However, you can also use a thermometer to manually check the temperature inside. Set the controls and check for any fluctuations. If there are sudden changes in temperature, you should get your freezer checked.
Aside from the thermostat, also check the gasket or seal. Your freezer ensures that cold air stays inside while keeping warm air out. If the seal is broken, the air will leak and the temperature will fluctuate. This also means that the freezer will use up more electricity to maintain its temperature. If you notice any leaks, get the gasket replaced immediately.
5. Keep the freezer at least half-full
This may seem counter-intuitive but having food inside the freezer helps stabilize the temperature and lowers energy consumption. It’s recommended to always keep your freezer at least half-full. When there is food inside, the freezer maintains its temperature more efficiently than with only air and frost.
Go past the “set it and forget it” mentality. Be proactive about freezer maintenance and ensure your unit’s longevity while reducing your energy bills. You also have to make sure to only partner with the best so that your freezer will be of top quality. However, with the many different types of freezers and refrigerators in the market, you have to ensure to get the best one for your home or negosyo. Whether you’re looking for chest freezers for negosyo or refrigerator for your home, check Pinoy’s trusted brand – Condura. A Condura refrigerator will be your partner in making your dream home life or negosyo come true. Condura aims to provide the best products to fulfill the needs of Filipinos. You can be sure that there is great attention to detail, and that Condura continues to deliver the best quality and cost-effectivity in the market.
A Condura refrigerator is your best choice not only because Condura offers top-of-the-line products, but also service with malasakit. What better way for a Filipino to be proudly Pinoy than to partner with a company that keeps the Filipino first, and does so with excellence and passion? Iba ang Pinoy, and Condura knows how to take care of the Filipino’s unique needs!
