Even before germ theory became widely known, people knew that freezing kept their food safe to eat for a longer time than if it was kept at room temperature. We now know that the cold temperatures put many pathogens into a dormant state, which keeps food from spoiling. This saves both time and money, as cooks don’t need to go to the grocery store every other day to buy that day’s meal. It’s also made delicious treats such as ice cream and popsicles readily available. Here are some ways to keep your freezer working efficiently.
Take Care of the Refrigerator
One of the best ways to take care of your freezer is to take care of your fridge. This is especially important if the appliance only has one door, so when you open it, both the refrigerator and freezer sections are exposed. Ways to take care of the fridge include:
- Keep it out of direct sunlight, and make sure air can circulate around it.
- Make sure the gaskets or seals around the door are sound. These gaskets keep chilled air inside.
- Clean the refrigerator coils at least once a year, either with a special brush or the brush attachment of your vacuum.
- Watch the temperature. Make sure the fridge stays between 36 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit, and the freezer stays between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit. You might be tempted to lower the temperature, but that can raise your energy bill by a surprising amount. If you’re not sure about the temperature of your fridge or freezer, invest in a refrigerator thermometer.
Defrost the Freezer
Even freezers that have an auto-defrost mechanism need to be defrosted. When frost builds up in your freezer it doesn’t augment its freezing ability but makes it work harder. Defrosting your freezer may be a time-consuming job, but it only needs to be done once a year, and you can call in a professional to handle it.
Keep the Freezer Full
Keeping the freezer full helps maintain its temperature. On the other hand, it shouldn’t be so full that the cold air can’t circulate. If your freezer is empty, add bags of ice or ice packs. Another benefit of a full freezer is that it will keep items frozen for longer in the event of a power outage.
Call Us for More Tips on Freezer Maintenance
Like the refrigerator, the freezer makes modern life possible. It lets you store foods and meals for extended periods of time and makes both meal planning and prep so much easier. If you want to learn more about maintaining refrigerators and freezers, don’t hesitate to call our appliance experts at Hotshot Appliance in Olathe, KS.