What Causes Condensation in a New Freezer?

Hot Food

• Placing hot food in a freezer can cause condensation to form. You may experience this if you prepare your meals in advance and transfer recently cooked food into the freezer without allowing it to cool. The heat that radiates from the hot food can cause the outside of the food’s container to sweat and form a pool of water in your freezer. To safely cool food you just cooked and prevent condensation in your freezer, allow the food to cool before placing it in the freezer. Once the food has cooled, transfer it to the freezer.

Gasket Fails to Seal

• When a freezer door does not close properly, condensation can form and cause a buildup of frost in a new freezer. When you close the door to your new freezer, verify the gasket seals properly around the opening of the cabinet or chest. If your freezer is full of food, an item that is slightly out of place and pushing on the door can cause the freezer door to open slightly and allow warm air to enter. Closing a freezer door in haste you may not notice it bounce open or fail to form a seal around the gasket. If you are certain that you closed the freezer door properly, the gasket may be faulty. If the warranty on your new freezer has not expired, the manufacturer may send an individual to repair or replace the gasket.

Humidity

• If you keep the new freezer in the garage or you do not have air-conditioning in your home, humidity may be to blame for the condensation in your new freezer. High humidity or extended periods of hot, humid weather can cause condensation in a new freezer, which can lead to a frost buildup. You may also notice condensation forming on the outside of the cabinet when it is humid. Dry the surfaces of the freezer and apply an appliance polish to protect its finish. Then, ensure there is enough surface clearance on all the sides of the freezer.

The Power-Saver Switch

• Newer refrigerators and freezers have a heater built into their walls to prevent condensation on the outside of the appliance. Some energy-efficient models give you the option to turn the heater off or on with the flip of a switch. If you have noticed condensation on the inside and outside of your new freezer, the heater may be off or on a low setting. Switch the heater on or to a higher setting.