The Virtual Repairman's Appliance Help

[mmpbjs]

Kenmore freezer Mod # 253.29111990
Compressor runs constantly, but temp only goes down to about 10 degrees on ANY setting of the temp control (1-7) !
The 253 # suggests that the unit is a Gibson (Frigidaire). Unit MFD 2/1999. This unit IS a manual defrost type. Door gasket is intact, light works with it's switch. We also found the drain & hose plugged & had cleaned it-out, just after noting constant running of comp. We live in Chicagoland area, & the many storms had knocked the power BOTH on & off several times.
Any help in direction of fixing is greatly appreciated !!
Electric bill is twice the normal.
Thank-You ! RON
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weedwagon1

[Virtual Repairman]

What you have there is called an "inefficient compressor". Even though it is running, it is struggling to cool the unit down properly. A normal compressor would have the system down to -15 degrees and keep it there with no excess run time. Normally a fridge or freezer will still run 40 minutes out of an hour's time, but they all shut off when they reach temperature. Replacing a compressor on a freezer is usually not a worthwhile investment since the cost of a new freezer is still relatively low.

Storms and associated electrical outages will definitely affect refrigeration product, even air conditioning, in a similar manner. When a compressor is running at full pressure and the power goes off, then back on suddenly, the reed valves in the compressor can be irreversibly damaged when the unit struggles to start back up while still under pressure. This is one reason that many A/C units have time-delay relays built into them in the event of power loss. They prevent the compressor from firing up until 5 minutes after the power is restored. This allows pressures in the system to equalize and not cause damage to the compressor. I have seen some new devices at Lowe's which plug in behind the fridge and will also create a 3-5 minute delay when the power goes off. You might look for one if this occurs in your area a lot.
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