How to Fix a Freezer not Working After a Power Outage: Info Guide

What should you do if you need to fix a freezer not working after a power outage? First, check the power outlet. The freezer may have stopped functioning and been unable to cool down or turn on. What should you do to get your freezer working again after a power cut? Check the main breaker if the plug is plugged in, but there is no electricity. You will need to verify that both of these are working. Even if your freezer has power, it might take some time before it starts working again. After a power outage, the compressor may take around 15 minutes to start working again. It may take up to a day to bring the contents up to temperature. Before calling a technician, ensure your refrigerator or freezer is working again after the power cut.

How to fix a freezer not working after a power outage

On off  switch

The power outage may have triggered the ON/OFF switch on the freezer. If the freezer has a switch, make sure it is ON. After the power outage, turn the switch ON again, and the freezer should start working again. It will take some time to start after you restart it. It might take up to 15 minutes for the compressor to start.

The main breaker flipped

If the GFCI outlet does not cause the problem, you should check the main circuit breaker box in your apartment or home. Locate the correct breaker for your freezer or freezer area, and turn the circuit breaker ON. Sometimes, a power outage can cause overloading and cause the main breakers to go OFF. Flipping the main breaker from your freezer to ON will fix the problem. Your freezer should now run normally after the power goes out. After a power outage, the compressor may take up to 15 minutes to start working again.

Frozen coils

Check The evaporator coils and make sure everything is fine. The freezer will not work if the coils freeze over because they prevent airflow. If you find that the coils have frozen, remove them immediately. You need to call a professional if your freezer doesn’t work after these steps.

Blown fuse

Some homes and apartments may have fuses as an alternative to circuit breakers. The fuse that provides power to the freezer should be checked. Replace the fuse if it is blown. The freezer will start cooling again after the power goes out.

Door seal  issue

It would help if you inspected the freezer door. You may need to inspect the seal on your freezer door for gaps and tightness. If you find any problem then fix it. If the seal is not tightened or has gaps, air could enter the freezer and cause it to stop working correctly.

GFCI reset

Make sure you check the power outlet where the freezer you plug in. It may have tripped if it is a GFCI outlet. To allow electricity to flow to the outlet, press the RESET button at the GFCI outlet. The GFCI is a safety feature built into the outlet to prevent overload and other safety issues. The freezer should now start if the GFCI is the problem.

Temperature switch

Check it regularly to ensure that the temperature gauge is at the correct temperature. Turn it around to ensure you set it correctly. Wait a few hours before the freezer begins to work again.

How to fix a freezer not working after a power outage: Reasons

It can be very frustrating to suddenly have your chest freezer stop working after a power cut. What can you do if this happens to you?

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A fan motor component has burned out

The fan motor is essential as it controls the air temperature in the freezer. The evaporating coils are the first step in this process. The coils are cooled by the refrigerant, which cools the air around them. The fan motor draws in cold air and removes heat. Some fan motors specifically designed to circulate cool air through the freezer. The temperature rises when the fan motor fails, regardless of the coils’ efficiency. A power surge can produce excessive heat. To resist heat and voltage, there were motor components and wires which protect with insulation materials.

But, a voltage of thousands can cause damage to the motor’s insulation. Undervoltage can be a problem. If your electric company cannot deliver stable voltage following a power outage, it can cause the motor’s draw to compensate. This heat can also cause heat to your motor and could lead to similar damage.

How to fix it?

Checking if the fan motor blades block is difficult because the fan motor parts hide in several models. To access the motor:

• Unplug the freezer.
• Refer to your manual for the parts you need to remove from the freezer.
• Check for dust or ice on the blades once you have seen them. If it doesn’t spin or there is no continuity, you can use a multimeter to check the electrical continuity.

If the motor shows no continuity, you will need to replace it.

A power surge has blown the fuse

The power cut is not damaging your appliances. It’s the electricity returning. Chest freezers are equipped with fuses in case of power outages. A standard fuse is made of a material that melts quickly when heated. Because electricity is heat, the fuse can melt and prevent electricity from passing through. This will make it impossible for your freezer to operate. Some freezers also have a time delay fuse which can be more resilient to surges. Although it can withstand occasional surges, it will melt if there is a strong surge.

On the other hand, thermal fuses will not work if the surrounding temperature exceeds a certain point. The user manual will show you the maximum voltage load that your freezer can withstand. You should be familiar with the requirements for power, the standard running amps, and the starting amps. Because appliances are more powerful when they start to run, the current is usually higher. General Electric chest freezers have a running amp of around two amps and a starting amp of 4 to 6. The running amp for Whirlpool freezers is around 3.5 amps, while the starting amp can be as high as 10.5 amps.

How to Fix It?

Check your chest freezer for any signs that the fuse may have blown. You’ll find the fuse in the back of your freezer. Each brand is different, so you must refer to your manual. It is essential to replace a blown fuse. These parts are readily available and affordable, thankfully.

The thermostat wires are damaged

The thermostat is responsible for maintaining regular and consistent temperatures in the freezer. If the temperature drops too low, the thermostat will stop signaling the freezer components that cold air is being created.

Connect the metal membrane of thermostats to a wire. Connect the other end of the wire directly to the freezer. The wires normally make from copper, which is a good temperature conductor. The temperature will determine the pressure that travels through the wires if it is low. The metal membrane detects high pressure and temperature. This triggers the switch, which allows the thermostat to conduct electric current throughout the freezer. The thermostat can signal cold air production by using the wire.

Power surges can cause damage to wire insulation. If these are damaged anyway, the thermostat wire will not able to communicate temperature and pressure to the thermostat. If it detects no pressure on the wires, it can’t signal the production of cold air. This will stop the freezing process.

How to fix it?

Access to the freezer’s internal components requires determining if the thermostat wires damage anyway. Refer to the user manual to find out the location. You can replace the wires if you find damage. This is an easy and affordable task.