How often should I check for frost building anywhere other than the evaporator (the cooling coils behind the back panel)?

Every few months. Check for frost building anywhere other than the evaporator (the cooling coils behind the back panel). Frost on the walls or ceiling usually means a seal is leaking or the defrost cycle isn't running.

How often should I pull it out and clean the coils?

Twice a year. Pull it out and clean the coils. A garage freezer in an Arizona summer is working harder than anything else in the house.

How often should I test the thermostat by leaving a thermometer in a glass of water overnight?

Yearly. Test the thermostat by leaving a thermometer in a glass of water overnight. It should read zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Freezer Maintenance & Repair Tips | My Appliance Repair Pro

What usually fails on a freezer here

Frost building up in a freezer is almost always the defrost system, usually the heater or the bimetal thermostat (a small heat switch clipped to the cooling coils). It's rarely the sealed refrigerant system. A freezer that can't hold temperature in an Arizona garage in July is often doing nothing wrong. It's rated for room temperatures it never sees out here.

Check this first — about two minutes

Do this before you pay anyone to come out. Sometimes it's all it takes, and we'd rather tell you that than charge you a visit to say it.

1Check the door seal with a dollar bill.
2Close it in the door and pull.
3If it slides out with no drag, the gasket (the rubber seal) is done, and that's a cheap part.

Still not fixed?

The longer version, written for a freezer that has already failed the quick check above.

Keeping a freezer out of trouble

Most of the calls we get could have been prevented. These are the few jobs that make a real difference.

Every few months Check for frost building anywhere other than the evaporator (the cooling coils behind the back panel). Frost on the walls or ceiling usually means a seal is leaking or the defrost cycle isn't running.
Twice a year Pull it out and clean the coils. A garage freezer in an Arizona summer is working harder than anything else in the house.
Yearly Test the thermostat by leaving a thermometer in a glass of water overnight. It should read zero degrees Fahrenheit.

When to stop and call someone

Stop here Don't push past this Stop and call if the food is thawing while the unit still sounds like it's running. That's usually the sealed refrigerant system, which has to be opened with special tools and training, and it's not a homeowner job. Schedule Service

Other appliances

Past the point of a home fix?

Call and we'll give you a flat rate before anyone starts, and tell you straight if it's not worth fixing.

Call (480) 791-8858

(520) 788-4004 for Pinal County · (480) 791-8858 for Maricopa County

Freezer Maintenance & Repair Tips