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Defrosting the freezer regularly 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% of consumption for every 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 consume more energy. This is because the layer of ice acts as a barrier to the flow of heat from the outside environment to the motor, causing it to increase the speed to maintain the desired temperature in the freezer. In addition, the thermal resistance of the freezer walls increases, making it more difficult for heat to be transferred from the outside environment to the inside of the appliance. By removing excess ice, the motor runs more efficiently and consumes less electricity.
Avoid overheating
Since the layer of ice inside the freezer prevents proper heat exchange with the outside environment, the motor can overheat. When the motor overheats, its efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases. In addition, overheating can damage the motor and shorten the life of the appliance. Therefore, by defrosting the freezer, you prevent the motor from overheating and protect the appliance from damage that can occur due to excessive heat.
Improve storage efficiency
The layer of ice inside the freezer can hinder the circulation of cold air, thus reducing its ability to hold food. If the cold air does not circulate properly, some areas of the freezer can become warmer than others, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and food to spoil. Removing the accumulated ice ensures better circulation of cold air and therefore better preservation of food, preventing waste.
How often should you defrost the freezer?
The ideal time to defrost the freezer depends on the layer of ice that has formed inside the appliance. In general, it is advisable to carry out this operation when the layer of ice has reached a thickness of about 3-4 millimeters, as energy consumption can increase by up to 30% at this stage. If the appliance is used frequently and a layer of ice forms quickly, it must be defrosted more frequently. On the contrary, if it is used less frequently, the layer of ice forms more slowly and the frequency of defrosting can be reduced.
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