L’astuce ingénieuse pour dégivrer un congélateur : la glace disparaît sans débrancher la prise électrique

 

Regularly defrosting your   freezer  is essential to maintain its efficiency and reduce your electricity bill. The layer of ice that forms inside can affect the efficiency, lifespan, and, most importantly, the energy consumption of your appliance. Find out why defrosting your freezer saves energy and how to do it quickly without having to unplug it.

Why does the freezer need to be defrosted regularly?

Regularly defrosting your freezer is an important step in maintaining its efficiency and avoiding excessive energy consumption. Done correctly, this process can save 30% of energy consumption for every half centimeter of frost removed. Here's why.

• Reduce energy consumption

The layer of ice that forms inside the freezer , several centimeters thick, can reduce the efficiency of the motor, forcing it to work harder and therefore consume more energy. This is because the layer of ice prevents the flow of heat from the outside to the motor, forcing it to increase its speed to maintain the desired temperature in the freezer. In addition, the thermal resistance of the freezer walls increases, making it more difficult to transfer heat from the outside to the inside of the appliance. By eliminating excess ice, the motor works more efficiently and consumes less electricity.  

• Avoid overheating
  Continued on the next page: The layer of ice inside the freezer prevents optimal heat exchange with the outside, causing the motor to overheat. Overheating reduces its efficiency and increases energy consumption. In addition, overheating can damage the motor and reduce the appliance's lifespan. Therefore, defrosting the freezer prevents the motor from overheating and protects the appliance from damage caused by excessive heat.

  • Improve storage efficiency

  The layer of ice inside the freezer can hinder the circulation of cold air, reducing the absorption capacity of food. If cold air doesn't 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 waste.

• How often should you defrost your freezer?

  The ideal time to defrost the freezer depends on the layer of ice that has formed inside the appliance. Generally, it is recommended to carry out this process when the layer of ice reaches a thickness of approximately 3 to 4 millimeters, as energy consumption can then increase by up to 30%. If the appliance is used frequently and a layer of ice forms quickly, it will need to be defrosted more often. Conversely, with less frequent use, the layer of ice forms more slowly and the defrosting frequency can be reduced.   

  

  How to quickly defrost the freezer without unplugging it?

   

  Of course, the easiest way to defrost a freezer is to unplug it, but how can you do this even when it's plugged in? Unplugging the appliance risks compromising the shelf life of food stored in the freezer and refrigerator . Here are the steps to follow to defrost the appliance, even when it's plugged in:  

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  • Remove all food from the freezer and store it in a cool place   
  • Place a pan of boiling water in it to increase the temperature and collect the water produced during defrosting.
  • Close the freezer and wait for the ice to melt. The heat from the boiling water will accelerate the melting of the ice.
  • Open the freezer occasionally to let warm air in, which will also help the ice melt faster.
  • Remove any remaining ice with a cloth, towel, or sharp object. Avoid using sharp or pointed objects, as they could damage the freezer surface 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 inside.