Easy fixes when your outdoor freezer acts up in the cold

If your outdoor freezer is acting up during the chilly winter months, you’re not alone. Keeping extra food in freezers out in the garage or on the porch is convenient, but when it gets really cold, these units can have problems. Here are some quick fixes to help your freezer cope with the winter chill.

Heads up: This info might not fit your exact appliance model. We do our best to offer handy tips for DIY fixes, but different models can have their own quirks, troubleshooting steps, error codes, parts, you name it. For spot-on guidance, check your appliance’s manual or give us a shout if you have questions.

Why outdoor freezers struggle in winter

Your outdoor freezer has a tough time when temperatures swing wildly. When it gets colder than what the freezer’s designed for, things can go haywire. Here’s the lowdown:

The temperature sweet spot

Freezers are built to keep the inside at a certain temp, but when it’s freezing outside, the thermostat gets tricked. If the air around the freezer is as cold as the freezer is set to be, the compressor might take a break, and your food could start to thaw.

The perils of the porch

Places like garages and porches aren’t exactly cozy, and they can throw all sorts of nasty conditions at your freezer, bitter cold, dampness, you name it. These can affect how well it works and might even make it break down.

Quick fixes to keep your freezer humming

Wrap a heating coil around the thermostat

One trick is to pop a heating coil or a small heater near your freezer’s thermostat. This extra warmth helps the thermostat get an accurate read, so the compressor kicks in when it’s supposed to, even when it’s freezing outside.

How to install a heating coil:

1. First off, unplug your freezer, safety first!
2. Find the thermostat, usually, it’s inside the freezer or maybe behind a panel.
3. Wrap the heating coil around the thermostat. Be sure you’re using one meant for this, so you don’t cause any issues.
4. Secure the coil as per the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Plug the freezer back in and see how it’s doing.

Note: Don’t skip checking your freezer’s manual before you start repairs. Need a hand finding your model number? Check out our guide on where to look.

Build a cozy spot for your freezer

Another idea is to enclose your freezer in a small, insulated area to protect it from the harsh temps.

Here’s how to do it:

1. Grab a tape measure and jot down your freezer’s size, you’ll need this for the enclosure.
2. Pick up some insulation materials: foam panels, insulating blankets, whatever works.
3. Set up a basic frame around the freezer, but don’t forget to leave some room for air to circulate.
4. Add the insulation to your frame.
5. Double-check there’s enough airflow so your freezer doesn’t overheat.

This way, your freezer’s got its own little climate, helping it run smoothly despite the chill.

Pick a freezer that’s up for the challenge

Not every freezer is cut out for outdoor life. If you’re in the market for a new one or thinking about an upgrade, look for models built to handle unconditioned spaces.

What to keep an eye out for:

• Temperature tolerance: Some freezers work even when it’s 0°F (-18°C) outside.
• Garage-friendly design: Certain freezers are made to deal with humidity and temp swings you’d find in a garage.
• Heavy-duty options: If you need something tough, commercial outdoor freezers are built like tanks and can handle the elements.

Getting a freezer that’s up to the task can save you a ton of trouble later on.

Don’t skip the maintenance

1. Look over the door seals: If the seals are damaged, warm air sneaks in, and cold air escapes. Give them a clean, and replace them out if they’re worn.
2. Test the thermostat: If the thermostat’s off, the freezer might shut off or run continuously without cooling. Grab a multimeter and check the resistance.

Here’s how to do a thermostat test:

1. Unplug the freezer.
2. Find the thermostat, your manual can help you locate it.
3. Disconnect the wires hooked up to the thermostat.
4. Set your multimeter to measure resistance (ohms).
5. Touch the multimeter probes to the thermostat’s terminals.
6. Check the resistance reading against what the manufacturer says it should be. If it doesn’t match up, the thermostat’s bad and needs replacing.

Need to swap out some parts? You can grab genuine OEM components over at AppliancePartsPros.com.

Common problems with outdoor freezers

Fussy thermostats

When it’s super cold, the thermostat might think everything’s fine and dandy and won’t run the compressor. That means the inside warms up, and your food starts to thaw out.

Worrying about power bills

If you’re off-grid or your electricity costs a bundle, you might try to cut back on power use. But it’s important to keep your freezer running properly in cold weather, even if it bumps up your bill a bit.

Getting the most out of your freezer when it’s cold

Keep an eye on the humidity

Too much humidity can cause frost to pile up inside the freezer, which isn’t good. Maybe use a dehumidifier in your garage or the space you built to keep things dry.

Stock it up

A packed freezer holds the cold better than an empty one. If you don’t have enough food, fill up some containers with water. The extra mass helps keep the temperature steady.

Limit opening the door

Try not to open the freezer too often when it’s cold out. Every time you do, warm air gets in, which can lead to condensation and frost buildup.

What to do if your freezer’s acting up

Make sure it’s getting power

First things first, make sure the freezer’s plugged in and the outlet works. Test it with something else to be sure.

Look for frost build-up

Too much frost can affect the thermostat and cooling coils. If needed, do a manual defrost.

Listen up

Weird noises could mean trouble with the compressor or fans. If you hear clicks, buzzes, or hums, you’ll want to check it out.

How to figure out those sounds:

1. Unplug the freezer.
2. Take off any panels so you can get to the compressor and fans.
3. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear.
4. Give the fans a spin by hand to see if anything’s blocking them.
5. Plug the freezer back in for a bit to pinpoint where the noise is coming from.

If you find a bad part, don’t forget, you can order replacements from AppliancePartsPros.com.

Beat the winter woes

Don’t let a frosty freezer derail your plans. With a bit of elbow grease and know-how, you can keep your food safely stored, no matter how low the mercury drops.

For more help and resources, swing by our repair help page. We’re here to back you up with expert advice and quality parts.

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Got questions or need a hand? Don’t hesitate to reach out. Together, we can keep your appliances running smoothly all year round.