Avoid These 6 Freezer Mistakes

Most appliances don’t require a ton of maintenance or work from us to do their job. However, it’s important to follow certain guidelines to ensure your refrigerator, freezer, dishwasher, and other major appliances last a long time and function correctly. For your freezer, it’s also important to take certain steps to ensure your food is stored properly so you can enjoy it for as long as possible.

Here at Comfort Appliance, we offer expert freezer repair, refrigerator repair, and more for appliance owners in Conyers, Covington, Atlanta, and beyond. We know a thing or two about freezer maintenance, so read on for common mistakes you might be making with your freezer and what to do about them.

Mistake #1: Setting the Temperature Too High

Guidance from the federal Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that refrigerators should be kept at a temperature at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while freezers should be kept at 0 degrees. If the freezer temperature is set too high, it can cause a myriad of issues. First and foremost, it can lead to food spoiling well before its expiration date, as well as leaking spoiled and contaminated liquids throughout the interior of the appliance.

A freezer that is set too high will also prevent the appliance’s mechanical parts from operating correctly, ultimately leading to mechanical failure and the need for an appliance repair technician. If the liquid refrigerant that passes through the evaporator coils inside the freezer cannot be adequately cooled and evaporates, it will cause undue stress on the compressor motor that is responsible for keeping the refrigeration process running smoothly. These compressor motors can be costly to repair, and you may even need to replace the entire appliance if they break.

Mistake #2: Blocking Air Vents

The air vents on a freezer are what help to regulate the air flow within the interior compartment.  They also help distribute cold air from the freezer compartment to the fridge. When these vents are blocked by food or other items such as ice packs, it can lead to significant moisture buildup, eventually causing ice blocks to form.

Air vents are usually located in the upper back area of the freezer. They should be checked on a regular basis to ensure there is nothing large or bulky blocking the air flow from the vents or the vents themselves.

Mistake #3: Overfilling the Freezer

Overstuffing your freezer can cause a wide variety of issues that, if not addressed quickly, could lead to appliance failure. An overstuffed freezer can block the air vents, which as mentioned above will lead to moisture and ice accumulation.

Overfilled freezers also experience restricted air circulation and place undue pressure on the condenser system of the appliance. If the refrigerant that circulates through the appliance cannot condense properly back into a liquid, it will eventually lead to burning out of a variety of mechanical components.

Homeowners should adopt this rule of thumb when stocking their freezer: Only fill the freezer about 75 percent full. This should ensure that everything inside stays frozen and all mechanical parts are kept in good working order.

Mistake #4: Incorrectly Storing Meat

When meat is stored incorrectly, it becomes susceptible to both freezer burn and spoiling.  Properly preparing and storing meat in the freezer preserves freshness while also preventing leaking and cross-contamination.

Best practice when storing meat in the freezer is to wrap it in an airtight package that will prevent air exposure. Go with plastic wrap or freezer paper, then seal it in aluminum foil or a freezer bag.  This will allow the meat to retain its flavor and texture, while also (and most importantly) preserving freshness.

Mistake #5: Improperly Sealing Foods

Many households freeze leftovers with the understanding they will keep for months, but improperly sealing storage containers can lead to quick spoiling even at low temperatures. The main objective when storing food in the freezer is to prevent air exposure, which can lead to freezer burn.

Overfilling storage containers can also lead to headaches, as some foods will expand when freezing. This can lead to breakage or disruptions in the packaging and ultimately freezer burn and spoilage. Freezer-friendly wraps, bags, and containers can limit the harmful effects of freezer burn and should be used whenever available.

Mistake #6: Freezing Food for Too Long

Although freezers can prolong the lifespan of food, there is a limit to how long anything can be stored. Most freshly frozen foods can lose flavor and texture within a year, even when stored properly. Make a point to label and date anything you store in the freezer for easy tracking and maintenance.

Are you in need of expert freezer repair, dishwasher repair, or washer repair in Conyers, Atlanta, or a nearby community? Comfort Appliance can help. We repair all major brands and are happy to assist you with whatever you need. Need appliance repair in Atlanta? Contact us today with questions and to learn more about our services.