My freezer has condensation on the outside: what should I do?
Why is your freezer ‘crying’? If water or condensation appears on the outside of the appliance, you might think the freezer is ‘sweating’. In reality, these droplets are usually caused by condensation. Let’s look at the possible causes and how to fix the problem.
THE POTENTIAL CAUSES FOR THIS FAULT:
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Incorrect temperature setting
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Door not closed properly or misaligned
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Ambient humidity too high
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Worn or damaged door seal
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Faulty internal fan
WARNING
Before you do anything to your appliance, make sure you disconnect it from the power supply.
There is a risk of electric shock.
Wear suitable protective gloves if you need to dismantle anything.
There is a risk of getting cut or injured.
The temperature setting is incorrect
The ideal temperature for a freezer is around -18°C. The thermostat regulates the temperature by controlling the compressor’s operating cycles according to the selected setting. Setting the thermostat too low increases the temperature difference with the outside air and encourages condensation to form on external walls.
During a heatwave, do not turn the thermostat down any further as this may increase condensation on the outside. Also, avoid leaving the door open for long periods and ensure there is sufficient space around the appliance to allow air to circulate properly.
A thermostat may be faulty without showing any visible signs. If the freezer remains too cold or not cold enough despite adjusting the setting, check its temperature with a thermometer after several hours. If it does not behave as expected, the thermostat may no longer be regulating the cold properly and may need replacing.
Find a thermostat for your freezer
The door is not closing properly or is misaligned
A door that is not properly closed allows warm, humid air to enter continuously. Even a slight gap is enough to cause condensation on the outside.
Check that nothing is preventing the door from closing and that the appliance is stable. A worn hinge or a faulty handle may be the cause.
The ambient humidity is too high
When the air in a room is saturated with moisture, it naturally condenses on contact with cold surfaces.
In a kitchen or utility room, the humidity level can exceed 60 per cent, particularly after cooking. It is advisable to ventilate the room and to leave a gap of 5 to 10 cm around your freezer.
The door seal is worn or damaged
The door seal ensures thatthe freezer remains airtight.If it is damaged, damp air will constantly enter and cause condensation.
A seal must be flexible and fit snugly against the entire door. If it is warped or cracked, it will need to be replaced.
To help you position the seal, you can warm it slightly with a hairdryer to restore its shape and improve the seal.
The freezer’s internal fan is faulty
On some models, a fan helps to distribute the cold air. If it stops working, the temperature becomes uneven and encourages condensation.
A lack of fan noise or the presence of frost may indicate a fault.