What To Do When Your Frigidaire Freezer Loses Power

If you have a Frigidaire freezer, you may have experienced a power loss at some point. This can happen due to a power outage, a tripped circuit breaker, or a faulty outlet. When this happens, your freezer will display a red power loss light and show the duration and temperature of the power loss. This is to alert you that your freezer may have been compromised and your food may be at risk of spoiling. In this blog post, we will explain what to do when your Frigidaire freezer loses power, how to reset it, and how to prevent food spoilage.

When your Frigidaire freezer loses power, you need to check the temperature and condition of your food, discard any spoiled or unsafe items, and reset your freezer by unplugging it and plugging it back in. You also need to press and hold the alarm reset button for 3 seconds and adjust the temperature setting as needed.

To prevent food spoilage, you should keep the freezer door closed as much as possible, use a backup generator or dry ice if available, and follow the USDA guidelines for food safety.

How to Check Your Food After a Power Loss

The first thing you need to do when your Frigidaire freezer loses power is to check the temperature and condition of your food. The power loss light will show you how long and how cold the freezer was during the power loss. If the power loss was less than 4 hours and the freezer temperature was below 40°F, your food should be safe to refreeze or use. However, if the power loss was longer than 4 hours or the freezer temperature was above 40°F, some of your food may be spoiled or unsafe to eat.

To check your food, use a food thermometer to measure the temperature of each item. If the item is still frozen solid or below 40°F, you can refreeze it or use it within 2 days. If the item is above 40°F or has signs of spoilage such as an off odor, color, or texture, you should discard it. Do not taste or cook spoiled food as it may contain harmful bacteria that can cause food poisoning.

Some foods are more prone to spoilage than others. According to the USDA, these are some examples of foods that you should discard if they have been above 40°F for more than 2 hours:

• Meat, poultry, seafood, eggs, and egg products
• Milk, cream, yogurt, sour cream, and soft cheeses
• Cooked casseroles, soups, stews, and leftovers
• Gravy, stuffing, and sauces
• Cookie dough and pie crusts
• Frozen meals and pizza
• Ice cream and frozen yogurt

On the other hand, these are some examples of foods that you can keep if they have been above 40°F for more than 2 hours:

• Hard cheeses such as cheddar, Swiss, Parmesan, and Romano
• Butter and margarine
• Fruit juices and canned fruits
• Breads, rolls, cakes, muffins, and tortillas
• Nuts and peanut butter
• Jelly, jam, ketchup, mustard, relish, barbecue sauce, vinegar-based dressings, and soy sauce

For a complete list of foods and their safety after a power loss, visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/food-safety-charts/food-safety-during-power-outage

How to Reset Your Frigidaire Freezer After a Power Loss

After checking and discarding any spoiled or unsafe food, you need to reset your Frigidaire freezer after a power loss. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Unplug your freezer for at least 20 minutes.
2. Plug your freezer back in.
3. Press and hold the alarm reset button for 3 seconds.
4. Quickly press the DOWN ARROW 3 times.
5. Press the UP ARROW one time.
6. Choose the temperature you want for your freezer.

This should clear the power loss light and restore your freezer to normal operation. If the light is still on or flashing, it may indicate that your freezer is in defrost mode or that there is another problem with your freezer. If this is the case, you should contact Frigidaire customer service for further assistance.

How to Prevent Food Spoilage When Your Frigidaire Freezer Loses Power

To prevent food spoilage when your Frigidaire freezer loses power, you should follow these tips:

• Keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. This will help keep the cold air inside and prevent warm air from entering. A full freezer can keep food frozen for about 48 hours if the door is kept closed. A half-full freezer can keep food frozen for about 24 hours if the door is kept closed.
• Use a backup generator or dry ice if available. If you have a backup generator, you can use it to power your freezer until the power is restored. If you have dry ice, you can use it to keep your food frozen for longer. According to the USDA, 25 pounds of dry ice can keep a 10-cubic-foot freezer cold for 3 to 4 days. However, be careful when handling dry ice as it can cause burns and suffocation. Wear gloves and avoid touching it with bare skin. Do not put it in an airtight container or a sealed freezer as it can cause an explosion. Keep it in a well-ventilated area and away from children and pets.
• Follow the USDA guidelines for food safety. The USDA has a website and a hotline that provide information and advice on food safety during a power outage. You can visit https://www.foodsafety.gov/keep-food-safe/food-safety-in-disaster-or-emergency or call 1-888-MPHotline (1-888-674-6854) for more information.

Conclusion

Losing power can be a frustrating and worrisome situation for any freezer owner. However, by following the steps above, you can check your food, reset your freezer, and prevent food spoilage when your Frigidaire freezer loses power. If you need professional help, contact Frigidaire customer service for fast and reliable repairs.