From refrigerator and freezer combos to deep freeze units, a good freezer helps you stock up on the food your family loves. You can keep ice cream and other sweet treats on hand along with frozen veggies for quick meals. Freezers also let you prep meals on weekends and enjoy them later. If your freezer dies in the middle of the night, you’ll lose a lot of money on the food that spoils. Learn about five warning signs that your freezer needs repair.

1. Frost

You expect to see some frost and ice inside the freezer, especially around the top. The problem is that this ice can build up and cause the freezer to overheat. A buildup of ice or frost is usually a sign of a bad defrost sensor, which keeps it from knowing when it should enter a defrost cycle. Ice also accumulates when the heater, timer, or control board goes out.

2. Warm Inside

Freezers should stay cold enough to keep any food inside frozen. When you open the door and notice that it feels warm or not as cold as it did before, it’s likely a problem with the thermostat. Even if you don’t notice a temperature change, you might see food that is thawed or partially thawed. You might find some spoiled food inside, too. Ice crystals and freezer burn also affect food as the temperature fluctuates.

3. Condensation

A working freezer will not produce any type of condensation. Any moisture inside will freeze. If you see any water or moisture inside, you’ll know that it isn’t working properly. Make sure you look for pools of water around the outside as they appear when the freezer leaks. Keep in mind that leaks may come from the refrigerator or the ice machine rather than the freezer itself.

4. Unusual Noises

Squealing and thumping noises are two sounds that indicate a freezer problem. A squealing sound usually goes along with a dying fan. Think about these sounds as the last ones the fan will make. Your compressor produces a thumping noise when it’s on its way out. If you hear new noises, ask a professional to check out your freezer.

5. Running Motor

The motor inside the freezer kicks on and off to regulate the temperature inside. You might hear it kick on a few times a day. It should not run all of the time, though. If it does, this tells you that the freezer needs to work harder to maintain a consistent temperature. It might happen because of a damaged door seal or a buildup of ice.

Paying for a new freezer can mess with your budget. If you notice one or more of the problems above, help is just a minute away. Call us at Col-Tech Appliance Repair in Oklahoma City, OK for any freezer repairs you need.