Periodic defrosting of the freezer is an important operation to maintain the efficiency of the appliance and to save on the electricity bill. The layer of ice that forms inside can have various consequences on the efficiency, duration and above all on consumption of the appliance. Find out why defrosting the freezer saves energy and how to do it quickly without having to unplug it.
Why is it necessary to defrost the freezer regularly?
Periodic defrosting of the freezer is an important operation to maintain the efficiency of the appliance and avoid consuming a lot of energy. This operation, if done correctly, would save 30% of its consumption for every half centimeter of frost removed. Here are the reasons.
- Reduce energy consumption
The layer of ice that forms inside the freezer is several centimeters thick and can reduce the efficiency of the motor, making it work harder and therefore consume more energy. This happens because the layer of ice acts as a barrier to the flow of heat from the external environment to the engine, causing it to increase speed to maintain the desired temperature inside the freezer. Furthermore, the thermal resistance of the freezer walls increases, which makes it more difficult for heat to transfer from the external environment to the inside of the appliance. Therefore, removing excess ice allows the engine to run more efficiently, consuming less electricity.
- Avoid overheating
By preventing correct heat exchange with the external environment, the layer of ice inside the freezer can cause the motor to overheat. When the engine overheats, its efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases. Additionally, overheating can damage the motor and shorten the life of the device. Therefore, by defrosting the freezer, you prevent the motor from overheating and protect the appliance from damage that can be caused by excessive heat.
- Improve storage efficiency
The layer of ice inside the freezer can hinder the circulation of cold air, reducing its ability to hold food. When cold air doesn’t circulate properly, some areas of the freezer can become warmer than others, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and food to spoil. Removing the accumulated ice guarantees better circulation of cold air and therefore better preservation of food, thus avoiding waste.
How often should you defrost the freezer?
The ideal time to defrost the freezer depends on the layer of ice that has formed inside the appliance. Generally it is advisable to carry out this operation when the ice layer has reached a thickness of around 3-4 millimetres, because at this stage its energy consumption can increase by up to 30%. If the appliance is used frequently and the ice layer forms quickly, it will be necessary to defrost it more often. On the contrary, if it is used less often, the ice layer will form more slowly and the defrosting frequency may be reduced.
How to quickly defrost the freezer without unplugging it?
Obviously unplugging it is the easiest way to defrost a freezer , but how do you do it even when it’s plugged in? By unplugging the appliance you run the risk of compromising the conservation of both the food in the freezer and that stored in the refrigerator. Here are the steps to follow to defrost it even when it is connected:
- Remove all food from the freezer and store in a cool place
- Place a pan of boiling water inside to raise the temperature and collect the water that will form during defrosting
- Close the freezer and wait for the ice to melt. This way the heat from the boiling water will help melt the ice faster.
- Open the freezer occasionally to let in warm air, which will also help melt the ice faster
- Use a damp cloth, towel or sharp object to remove remaining ice. Avoid using sharp or pointed objects, as they may damage the finish of the freezer and injure you.
- Dry the freezer thoroughly.
- Close the freezer and wait for the temperature inside the appliance to return to normal values before putting the food back in its place.