Yes, we can see the freezer as a kind of time capsule, in which we put food that would otherwise spoil in a few days, and return for it after a few months, without their quality suffering too much. But we also have to realize that nothing is forever – not even in this case.
It has probably also happened to you that you discovered forgotten meat, vegetables, or sauce with a side dish in the back of the drawer? There is a high probability that this portion has been waiting for its opportunity there for more than half a year. Although it may seem like these old stocks are just taking up space, the reality is much worse. An overcrowded freezer full of “historical artefacts” is not only a hygienic risk, it can even become one causing serious damage to the appliance itselfnot to mention the increase in electricity costs.
The YouTube video from Zachraň jídlo also reveals how it is with food storage:
Air must flow
That’s why home appliance experts are pointing out a problem that many people overlook. Freezer to its proper function it needs proper cold air flow between individual food packages. But as soon as the internal space is literally saturated with supplies, the air cannot flow freely and at the temperature. What happens at such a moment? The compressor has to work much more intensively and longer, but its design does not correspond to this. Long-term operation without adequate breaks to cool down then causes it excessive wear and, in the worst case, even complete burning. Repairing such damage, especially for older models, is often not even financially worthwhile.
The compressor is suffering needlessly
Another technical risk referred to by experts is overload of the so-called starting relay. This is again much more pronounced with older appliances that have already been in operation for a year or so and are much more sensitive to similar situations.
Other components will also be damaged
When the freezer is overcrowded and the internal system tries to push the cold through the impermeable wall of ingredients, high voltage is generated in the electrical circuit. A frequent consequence is then failure of the relay that serves as overload protection. If this component fails, the freezer will either not start at all, or will turn on and off at short intervals, which is fatal to the engine in a short period of time.
Food loses its value and taste
So it is more than certain that you need to go look in the freezer and check the stock. Old forgotten ingredients and ready-made meals that have been in the freezer for more than six months not only damage the freezer itself, but will also have a negative effect on our health and taste buds. Indeed, often suffering from frostbitethereby losing their nutritional value and taste. Who would want to store such food for even worse times (and especially in increasingly poor quality)?
Inventory is beneficial
Regular inventory in the freezer should therefore become a natural part of household maintenance. But let’s also say that, just like overcrowded shelves, completely empty spaces where the air must be cooled much more intensively are not suitable for the operation of this appliance. The ideal condition is to fill the space approximately three-quarters of the waywhich enables an ideal distribution of cold, but on the other hand, the already frozen mass keeps the cold inside the space with great inertia.
Savings will not keep you waiting
If you check the freezer and come across packages with an unreadable date or food that has been demonstrably lying there since last season, it’s high time to get rid of them. Not only will this ease your digestion, but above all you will allow the engine to rest. Freezer you immediately will reward you with quieter operation and, above all, a lower amount on your electricity bill.
