Non-Stop Cooling: Addressing GE Freezer That Runs Continuously

If you have a GE freezer that runs all the time but never seems to get cold enough, you may be wondering what’s causing the problem and how to fix it. In this blog post, we’ll explain some of the possible reasons why your freezer is running non-stop and what you can do to troubleshoot and repair it. The most common causes of a GE freezer that runs continuously are a faulty temperature control thermostat, a defective defrost timer, a bad defrost thermostat, or a damaged door gasket.

How to Check the Temperature Control Thermostat

The temperature control thermostat is the part that regulates the power supply to the compressor, evaporator fan motor, and condenser fan motor. If the thermostat is not working properly, it can cause the freezer to run continuously. To determine if the thermostat is defective, rotate it from the lowest setting to the highest setting and listen for a click. If you hear a click, the thermostat is not likely defective. If you do not hear a click, use a multimeter to test the thermostat for continuity. If the thermostat does not have continuity, replace it.

How to Check the Defrost Timer

The defrost timer is the part that controls the defrost cycle of the freezer. The defrost cycle is necessary to prevent frost buildup on the evaporator coils, which can reduce the cooling efficiency of the freezer. If the defrost timer fails, it may not turn on the defrost heater at regular intervals, causing ice to accumulate on the coils. This will make the freezer run longer to try and maintain the set temperature. You can manually advance the defrost timer to start the defrost cycle and see if the heater melts the ice from the coils. If the defrost cycle works normally, then you need to replace the timer.

How to Check the Defrost Thermostat

The defrost thermostat is the part that monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils and terminates the defrost cycle when the coils are frost-free. If the defrost thermostat is defective, it may not sense when the coils are clear of ice and keep the heater on longer than necessary. This can cause excessive heat in the freezer and make it run longer to cool down. The defrost thermostat should have continuity when it is at freezing temperatures and should change to open circuit when it rises above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. You can use a multimeter to test the defrost thermostat for continuity at different temperatures. If it does not have continuity at freezing temperatures or if it has continuity at higher temperatures, replace it.

How to Check the Door Gasket

The door gasket is the rubber seal that creates an air-tight barrier between the freezer and the outside environment. If the door gasket is damaged or worn out, it can leak cold air from the freezer and allow warm air to enter. This will make the freezer work harder to keep its contents frozen and run longer than normal. You can inspect the door gasket for any cracks, tears, or gaps and feel for any cold air escaping around it. You can also use a dollar bill to test how well it seals. Close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If it slides out easily, then you need to replace the gasket.

FAQs

• How often should I defrost my GE freezer?
  • It depends on your model of freezer and how often you open and close it. Generally, you should defrost your freezer when there is more than 1/4 inch of frost on any part of it.
• How do I manually defrost my GE freezer?
  • To manually defrost your GE freezer, you need to unplug it from the power source and empty its contents into a cooler or another freezer. Then, place towels or pans on the floor around it to catch any water that drips from it. You can either let it thaw naturally or use a hair dryer or fan to speed up the process. Do not use any sharp objects or hot water to scrape off ice as this can damage your freezer. Once all ice is melted, wipe down your freezer with a damp cloth and plug it back in.
• How long does it take for a GE freezer to get cold after plugging it in?
  • It can take up to 24 hours for a GE freezer to reach its optimal temperature after plugging it in or after adding new food items. You can use a thermometer to check if your freezer is cold enough (0°-5° F) before storing food in it.

We hope this blog post has helped you understand why your GE freezer runs continuously and how to fix it. If you need more tips on kitchen appliances and food safety, visit PressToCook.com and subscribe to our newsletter for the latest updates and offers.