The ingenious tip for defrosting a freezer: the ice disappears without unplugging the mains plug
Regularly defrosting the freezer is an important process to maintain the efficiency of the appliance and reduce the electricity bill. The layer of ice that forms inside can have various effects on the efficiency, lifespan and, above all, on the consumption of the device. Find out why defrosting the freezer saves energy and how you can do it quickly without having to unplug it.
Why should the freezer be defrosted regularly?
Regular defrosting of the freezer is an important operation to maintain the efficiency of the appliance and avoid high energy consumption. This operation, if carried out correctly, would save 30% in consumption for each half centimeter of frost removed. Here are the reasons.
Reduce energy consumption
The layer of ice that forms inside the freezer is several centimeters thick and can reduce the efficiency of the motor, making it work harder and therefore use more energy. This is because the ice layer acts as a barrier to the flow of heat from the outside environment to the motor, causing it to increase speed to maintain the desired temperature in the freezer. Additionally, the thermal resistance of the freezer walls increases, making it more difficult to transfer heat from the external environment to the interior of the appliance. By removing excess ice, the motor runs more efficiently and uses less electricity.
Avoid overheating
Since the layer of ice inside the freezer prevents proper heat exchange with the outside environment, the motor may overheat. If the motor overheats, its efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases. Additionally, overheating can damage the motor and shorten the life of the device. Therefore, by defrosting the freezer, you prevent the motor from overheating and protect the appliance from damage that can occur due to excessive heat.
The ingenious tip for defrosting a freezer: the ice disappears without unplugging the mains plug
Improve storage efficiency
The layer of ice inside the freezer can hinder the circulation of cold air, reducing the absorption capacity of food. If cold air isn’t circulated properly, some areas of the freezer can become warmer than others, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and food to spoil. The elimination of accumulated ice ensures better circulation of cold air and therefore better preservation of food, thus avoiding waste.
The ideal time to defrost the freezer depends on the layer of ice that has formed inside the appliance. In general, it is recommended to carry out this process when the ice layer has reached a thickness of around 3 to 4 millimeters, as energy consumption can increase by up to 30% at this point. If the appliance is used frequently and a layer of ice forms quickly, it will need to be defrosted more often. On the contrary, with less frequent use, the ice layer forms more slowly and the frequency of defrosting can be reduced.
How to quickly defrost the freezer without unplugging it?
Of course, the easiest way to defrost a freezer is to unplug it, but how do you do that even when it’s plugged in? If you unplug the appliance, there is a risk that the shelf life of food stored in the freezer and refrigerator will be compromised. Here are the steps to follow to defrost the appliance, even if it is plugged in:
Take all food out of the freezer and store it in a cool place
Place a pan of boiling water there to increase the temperature and recover the water produced during defrosting
Close the freezer and wait for the ice cream to melt. This way, the heat from the boiling water will help melt the ice faster.
Open the freezer occasionally to let warm air in, which will also help the ice melt faster
Remove any remaining ice with a damp cloth, towel or sharp object. Avoid using sharp or sharp objects, as they may damage the freezer surface and cause injury.
Dry the freezer thoroughly.
Close the freezer and wait for the temperature inside the appliance to return to normal before putting the food back in place.
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