Troubleshooting GE Freezer High Temp Alert: Causes and Solutions

If you have a GE freezer with a high temperature alarm, you may have experienced the annoying sound and flashing light that indicate your freezer is too warm. This can be a serious problem, as it can affect the quality and safety of your frozen food. But don’t worry, there are some possible causes and solutions for this issue that you can try before calling for service. In this post, we’ll explain what the high temp alert means, how to reset it, and how to prevent it from happening again.

A GE freezer high temp alert means that the freezer temperature is above 20 degrees F, which is unsafe for frozen food storage. To reset the alarm, press the Alarm Reset pad on the control panel or switch the alarm to OFF on older models. To prevent the alarm from going off again, check the power source, the door seal, the condenser coils, and the food arrangement.

What is the High Temp Alert?

The high temp alert is a feature found on some GE freezers that warns you when the freezer temperature is above 20 degrees F. This is the recommended maximum temperature for frozen food storage, according to the USDA. If the temperature goes higher than this, your food may start to thaw and spoil.

The high temp alert consists of an audible alarm and a visual indicator. Depending on your model, you may see High Temp on the display or a red light on the back of the freezer. The alarm will sound every six hours until the temperature is restored or until you silence it.

How to Reset the Alarm?

To reset the alarm, you need to press the Alarm Reset pad on the control panel of your freezer. This will silence the alarm but not turn off the indicator. The High Temp or red light will continue to be displayed until the freezer temperature goes back to normal.

If you have an older model with a rocker switch behind the front grille, you need to switch the alarm to OFF to silence it. After the freezer cools down, you can switch it back to ON.

How to Prevent the Alarm from Going Off Again?

To prevent the alarm from going off again, you need to find out what caused the temperature rise in the first place and fix it. Here are some possible causes and solutions:

• Power issue: If your freezer is not running at all, you may have a power issue. Check if your freezer is plugged in securely and if the outlet is working properly. You can test the outlet by plugging in another appliance or using a multimeter. If the outlet is faulty, you may need to reset the GFCI switch or replace the outlet. If the outlet is fine, but your freezer is still not running, you may have a problem with the control board. Try unplugging your freezer for 10 minutes and plugging it back in to reset it. If this does not work, you may need to replace the control board.
• Door seal: If your freezer door seal is cracked or damaged, it may allow warm air to enter your freezer and raise the temperature. Check your door seal for cracks by moving your hand around the outside perimeter of the closed door. If you feel cold air leaking out, you need to replace your door seal.
• Condenser coils: If your condenser coils are dirty or dusty, they may restrict airflow and reduce cooling efficiency. The condenser coils are located at the back or bottom of your freezer and look like black tubes or fins. To clean them, unplug your freezer and use a brush or vacuum to remove any dirt or dust. Be careful not to damage or bend them.
• Food arrangement: If your freezer is too full or too empty, it may affect its performance. A freezer that is too full may block the evaporator fan and prevent proper air circulation. A freezer that is too empty may not have enough thermal mass to maintain a stable temperature. To fix this issue, rearrange your food items in your freezer and leave some space between them for airflow. You should also avoid placing hot food in your freezer as this can introduce humidity and cause frost buildup. Ideally, your freezer should be about 70% full for optimal performance.

FAQs

Q: How do I know if my food is still safe after a high temp alert?

A: The best way to know if your food is still safe after a high temp alert is to check its appearance, smell, and texture. If your food looks discolored, smells bad, or feels slimy or mushy, it may be spoiled and should be discarded. You can also use a food thermometer to check if your food has reached an unsafe temperature of 40 degrees F or higher.

Q: How often should I test my high temp alarm?

A: You should test your high temp alarm at least once a month to make sure it is working properly. To test it, you can either switch it to TEST on older models or press and hold the Alarm Reset pad on newer models. You should hear a beep and see the indicator light up. If you don’t, you may need to replace the alarm.

Q: How can I reduce the energy consumption of my freezer?

A: You can reduce the energy consumption of your freezer by following these tips:

• Set your freezer temperature to 0 degrees F or lower, but not too low as this can waste energy and cause freezer burn.
• Keep your freezer away from heat sources such as ovens, dishwashers, or direct sunlight.
• Defrost your freezer regularly if it does not have a self-defrost feature.
• Clean your condenser coils at least once a year.
• Replace your door seal if it is worn or damaged.
• Don’t open and close your freezer door too often or for too long.

Conclusion

A GE freezer high temp alert is a useful feature that can help you protect your frozen food from spoilage. However, it can also be annoying and stressful if you don’t know how to deal with it. By following the steps above, you can troubleshoot and prevent this issue and enjoy your freezer for years to come.