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The ingenious trick to defrost a freezer: the ice disappears without having to unplug it

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    Periodic defrosting of the freezer is an important operation to maintain the efficiency of the appliance and save on the electricity bill. The layer of ice that forms inside can have several consequences on the efficiency, durability and especially the consumption of the appliance. Find out why defrosting your freezer saves energy and how to do it quickly without having to unplug it.

    Why is it necessary to defrost the freezer regularly?
    Regular defrosting of the freezer is an important operation to maintain the efficiency of the appliance and avoid consuming a lot of energy. This operation, if carried out correctly, allows you to save 30% of its consumption for every half centimeter of frost removed. Here are the reasons.

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    Reduce energy consumption
    The layer of ice that forms inside the freezer is several centimeters thick and can reduce the efficiency of the motor, making it work harder and therefore consuming more energy. In fact, the layer of ice hinders the flow of heat from the outside environment to the motor, forcing it to increase its speed to maintain the desired temperature inside the freezer. It also increases the thermal resistance of the freezer walls, making it more difficult to transfer heat from the outside environment to the inside of the appliance. Therefore, removing excess ice allows the motor to operate more efficiently and consume less electricity.

    Prevent overheating
    By preventing proper heat exchange with the outside environment, the layer of ice inside the freezer can cause the motor to overheat. When the motor overheats, its efficiency decreases and energy consumption increases. In addition, overheating can damage the motor and reduce the life of the appliance. Therefore, defrosting the freezer prevents the motor from overheating and protects the appliance from damage that can be caused by excessive heat.

    Improves storage efficiency
    The layer of ice inside the freezer can hinder the circulation of cold air, reducing its ability to preserve food. When cold air does not circulate properly, some areas of the freezer can become warmer than others, creating ideal conditions for bacteria to grow and food to spoil. Removing the accumulated ice ensures better circulation of cold air and therefore better preservation of food, thus avoiding food waste.

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    How often should you defrost your freezer?
    The ideal time to defrost your freezer depends on the layer of ice that has formed inside the appliance. In general, it is advisable to do this when the layer of ice has reached a thickness of about 3-4 millimetres, as at this point energy consumption can increase by up to 30%. If the appliance is used frequently and the layer of ice forms quickly, it will need to be defrosted more often. Conversely, if it is used less often, the layer of ice will form more slowly and the frequency of defrosting can be reduced.

    Defrosting a freezer

    How to quickly defrost your freezer without unplugging it?
    Unplugging the appliance is obviously the easiest way to defrost a freezer, but what can you do when it’s plugged in? Unplugging the appliance can compromise the preservation of food in the freezer and in the refrigerator. Here are the steps to follow to defrost it even when it’s plugged in:

    Remove all food from the freezer and store it in a cool place.
    Place a pan of boiling water inside to raise the temperature and collect any water that forms during defrosting.
    Close the freezer and wait for the ice to melt. The heat from the boiling water will melt the ice more quickly.
    Open the freezer occasionally to let in warm air, which will also help melt the ice more quickly.
    Use a damp cloth, towel, or blunt object to remove any remaining ice. Avoid using sharp or pointed objects, as they could damage the finish of the freezer and cause injury.
    Dry the freezer thoroughly.
    Close the freezer and wait for the temperature inside the appliance to return to normal before putting the food back in.

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