If you have a GE freezer, you may have noticed a burning oil smell coming from it. This can be alarming and unpleasant, as it can affect the quality of your food and the safety of your appliance. What causes this smell and how can you get rid of it? In this post, we will answer these questions and give you some tips on how to prevent and fix this issue.
The GE freezer burning oil smell is usually caused by a faulty defrost heater, a damaged power cord, or a problem with the compressor, condenser fan, or coils. To fix it, you need to identify the source of the smell and replace or repair the faulty part.
How to Identify the Source of the GE Freezer Burning Oil Smell
The first step to fix the GE freezer burning oil smell is to identify where it is coming from. This will help you determine what part is malfunctioning and what action you need to take. Here are some possible sources of the smell and how to check them:
- Defrost heater: The defrost heater is a component that melts the frost on the evaporator coils during the defrost cycle. If it is defective, it can overheat and produce a burning oil smell. To check the defrost heater, you need to unplug your freezer and locate it behind the back panel of the freezer compartment. You can use a multimeter to test its continuity. If it does not have continuity, you need to replace it.
- Power cord: The power cord is the cable that connects your freezer to the electrical outlet. If it is damaged, frayed, or pinched, it can cause a short circuit and create a burning oil smell. To check the power cord, you need to unplug your freezer and inspect it for any signs of damage or wear. If you find any, you need to replace it with a new one.
- Compressor: The compressor is the part that pumps refrigerant through the system and maintains the cooling cycle. If it is faulty, overheating, or leaking oil, it can emit a burning oil smell. To check the compressor, you need to unplug your freezer and locate it at the bottom rear of your appliance. You can listen for any unusual noises or look for any oil stains around it. If you suspect that your compressor is faulty, you need to call a professional technician to repair or replace it.
- Condenser fan: The condenser fan is the fan that cools down the condenser coils and helps dissipate the heat from the refrigerant. If it is broken, blocked, or dirty, it can cause your freezer to overheat and produce a burning oil smell. To check the condenser fan, you need to unplug your freezer and locate it next to the compressor at the bottom rear of your appliance. You can spin it by hand to see if it moves freely or look for any debris or dust on its blades. If you find that your condenser fan is not working properly, you need to clean or replace it.
- Coils: The coils are the tubes that carry refrigerant through your freezer and help transfer heat from inside to outside. If they are dirty, clogged, or bent, they can reduce the efficiency of your freezer and cause it to overheat and produce a burning oil smell. To check the coils, you need to unplug your freezer and locate them at the back or bottom of your appliance. You can use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any dust or dirt from them or straighten them if they are bent. If you find that your coils are damaged or corroded, you need to call a professional technician to repair or replace them.
How to Get Rid of the GE Freezer Burning Oil Smell
Once you have identified and fixed the source of the GE freezer burning oil smell, you need to get rid of the odor from your appliance and your food. Here are some steps you can follow:
- Empty your freezer and discard any spoiled or contaminated food.
- Clean your freezer with a solution of baking soda and warm water or vinegar and water. Wipe down all surfaces with a cloth or sponge and rinse well.
- Deodorize your freezer with baking soda or activated charcoal. Place an open box of baking soda or a small pan of activated charcoal in your freezer and let it sit for several hours or overnight.
- Plug in your freezer and let it run normally.
FAQs
- How can I prevent the GE freezer burning oil smell?
You can prevent the GE freezer burning oil smell by performing regular maintenance on your appliance, such as:
- Cleaning the coils every six months or as needed.
- Replacing the water filter every six months or as recommended by the manufacturer.
- Checking the power cord for any damage or wear every year or as needed.
- Defrosting the freezer manually if it does not have a self-defrost feature.
- Is the GE freezer burning oil smell dangerous?
The GE freezer burning oil smell can be dangerous if it is caused by a serious electrical or mechanical problem, such as a short circuit, a fire, or a refrigerant leak. These issues can pose a risk of electrocution, explosion, or poisoning. If you notice any sparks, flames, smoke, or hissing sounds coming from your freezer, you should unplug it immediately and call a professional technician.
- What are some other causes of the GE freezer burning oil smell?
Some other possible causes of the GE freezer burning oil smell are:
- Food spills or leaks that have burned on the heating elements or the bottom of the freezer.
- Plastic or rubber items that have melted or burned on the heating elements or the bottom of the freezer.
- Mold or mildew growth that has produced a musty or rotten odor in the freezer.
The GE freezer burning oil smell can be a frustrating and worrisome issue, but it can be solved with some troubleshooting and cleaning. By following the steps and tips in this post, you can identify the source of the smell, fix it, and get rid of it. You can also prevent it from happening again by keeping your freezer in good condition and using it properly.
