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Integrated freezer issue

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  • 12-04-2021 10:27am
    #1
    rushfan
    Registered Users Posts: 970 ✭✭✭


    We got a kitchen renovation job done 18 months ago. Part of the work involved the installation of an integrated freezer. Recently we noticed a slightly louder than humming noise from same, called the manufacturer, who sent out an engineer. I wasn't there when he called, but he informed herself that the unit required ventilation at the rear as there was nowhere for any gases to escape, hence ice would build up, causing the unit to malfunction. So I contacted the builder, who called around this morning, will try and resolve the issue as best he can, but said that he'd never heard of this before. Anyone else hear of anything similar, or have any relatable issues? Thanks in advance.


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    #2
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users Posts: 5,367 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    rushfan wrote: »
    We got a kitchen renovation job done 18 months ago. Part of the work involved the installation of an integrated freezer. Recently we noticed a slightly louder than humming noise from same, called the manufacturer, who sent out an engineer. I wasn't there when he called, but he informed herself that the unit required ventilation at the rear as there was nowhere for any gases to escape, hence ice would build up, causing the unit to malfunction. So I contacted the builder, who called around this morning, will try and resolve the issue as best he can, but said that he'd never heard of this before. Anyone else hear of anything similar, or have any relatable issues? Thanks in advance.

    Yes fridges require ventilation of the coil at the rear of the fridge. It will impact on the effectiveness of the fridge, it should have a vent in the kicker board, open back on the unit and open or vent at the top.

    If not done right it can cause the compressor to run more, use more energy and reduce the life span. That said it shouldn't cause ice to build up, if anything the fridge won't be as effective.


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    #3
    rushfan
    Registered Users Posts: 970 ✭✭✭rushfan


    DublinDilbert wrote: »
    Yes fridges require ventilation of the coil at the rear of the fridge. It will impact on the effectiveness of the fridge, it should have a vent in the kicker board, open back on the unit and open or vent at the top.

    If not done right it can cause the compressor to run more, use more energy and reduce the life span. That said it shouldn't cause ice to build up, if anything the fridge won't be as effective.
    Thanks for the reply, just to be certain, it's the freezer unit as opposed to the fridge. There is a vent at the bottom, at the kick board, but I've no idea if there is an open back on the cabinet unit or not.


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    #4
    DublinDilbert
    Registered Users Posts: 5,367 ✭✭✭DublinDilbert


    rushfan wrote: »
    Thanks for the reply, just to be certain, it's the freezer unit as opposed to the fridge. There is a vent at the bottom, at the kick board, but I've no idea if there is an open back on the cabinet unit or not.

    You'll need to check out the back, but as there is a vent in the kicker board, it is likely open. What's at the top as you want to have natural convection?

    Service technicians will often blame ventilation of the rear condenser coil, even if it's not the issue


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    #5
    rushfan
    Registered Users Posts: 970 ✭✭✭rushfan


    DublinDilbert wrote: »
    You'll need to check out the back, but as there is a vent in the kicker board, it is likely open. What's at the top as you want to have natural convection?

    Service technicians will often blame ventilation of the rear condenser coil, even if it's not the issue

    There's a shelf type unit on top, doubtful it's open but I'll check when I'm home. And I also understand that engineers will sometimes try to deflect from the issue.


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    #6
    The Red Ace
    Registered Users Posts: 1,376 ✭✭✭The Red Ace


    The engineer that called hadnt a clue about refrigeration if that is what he told her, if gas had leaked from the unit it would be curtains. it highly unlikely that its circulation either, is it frost free or regular with ice build up


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    #7
    rushfan
    Registered Users Posts: 970 ✭✭✭rushfan


    The Red Ace wrote: »
    The engineer that called hadnt a clue about refrigeration if that is what he told her, if gas had leaked from the unit it would be curtains. it highly unlikely that its circulation either, is it frost free or regular with ice build up

    Hi, thanks for the reply, it's frost free. Seems to be behaving itself again. The builder is due to return & reinstate a vent to the outer wall just in case. The unit is still under warranty, so at least if there's any more issues, they have been made aware.


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    #8
    The Red Ace
    Registered Users Posts: 1,376 ✭✭✭The Red Ace


    Being frost free what caused the noise is the circulating fan rubbing off an ice build up. This will happen if the door is left slightly ajar allowing a temp rise, the compressor will run until it achieves the correct temp but in doing so creates a build up of ice in the evaporator and eventually touching the fan, the fact that it sounds ok again indicates it defrosted somewhat, it may need need a manual defrost if it happens again. Check that the integrated outer door isn’t binding on the cabinet as you close it .


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