If your freezer is not working after a power outage what do you check first? The first thing you should check is the power outlet. The freezer stopped working and may not cool or even turn on. After a power outage what is the first item to check to get the freezer running again?
Freezer Not Working After Power Outage
Quick check: Make sure that the freezer power cord or plug is plugged into the power outlet and that there is electricity running to it.
If it is plugged in and there is no electricity, you’ll need to check the main breaker or reset the outlet if it is GFCI. If those are both working, you will have to check a few more things.
Remember that even if the freezer does have power, if the power outage lasted many days, it may take some time for the freezer to begin working properly again. It may take 15 minutes or so for you to hear the compressor kick on after a power outage. Give it a day or longer to get the contents to the proper temperature.
If your freezer or refrigerator is still not working after a power outage, there are a few things you can check yourself before calling a repairman.
ON OFF SWITCH
The power outage may have tripped the ON/OFF switch of the freezer. Check that the freezer switch is turned ON if it has one. Turn the switch back to ON and the freezer will now work after the power outage. Give it some time to run after you get power to it. It may take 15 minutes to hear the compressor start up.
GFCI RESET
Check out the power outlet that the freezer is plugged into. If it is a GFCI-type outlet, it may have tripped. Press the RESET button on the GFCI outlet to allow electricity to flow to that outlet.
The GFCI is a safety mechanism incorporated in the outlet to protect from overload and other such safety aspects. If the GFCI was the issue, the freezer will now run and you should have no more issues.
MAIN BREAKER FLIPPED
If the GFCI outlet is not the cause of the issue, go to the main circuit breaker box for your home or apartment. Find the correct breaker for the freezer or the freezer area and flip the circuit breaker back ON.
A power outage can sometimes overload circuits and flip the main breakers OFF. If the breaker to the freezer was tripped, flipping it back to ON has now fixed the issue and your freezer should run as normal after the power was out. It may take 15 minutes or so for you to hear the compressor kick on after a power outage.
BLOWN FUSE
In some homes or apartments, there may be fuses instead of circuit breakers. Check the fuse that supplies power to the freezer area. If the fuse is blown, replace it with a new one and the freezer will begin cooling again after the power failure.
TEMPERATURE SWITCH
Check the temperature gauge to be sure it is set at the right temperature. If it’s turned the wrong way, turn it back to the proper temperature settings and wait a few hours to see if the freezer starts working.
DOOR SEAL ISSUE
Check the freezer door. If your freezer still isn’t working, you’ll possibly need to check the door seal for tightness and gaps. If the seal is loose or there are gaps, air can enter and stop the freezer from working correctly.
FROZEN COILS
The evaporator coils may need to be checked. If these coils frost over, the freezer won’t work because iced coils prevent proper airflow. So, if you see that the coils are indeed frozen over, defrost them right away.
If your freezer is still not working after following these steps, then you’ll need to call a repairman.
All the above methods to get your freezer working after a power outage will work with Bosch, KitchenAid, GE, Profile, Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, Haier, Hotpoint, Emerson, Maytag, Sharp, Kenmore, Frigidaire, Toshiba, and Panasonic freezers.
Leave a Reply