Upright & Chest Freezer - Exterior Case Warm

It is common for both chest and upright freezers to feel warm (sometimes even hot to the touch) on the sides.

 

Chest freezers have the condenser wrapped around the outside of the case.

  • The outside case surface is actually acting as the condenser to remove heat from the inside of the freezer.

  • If the compressor is not running, the sides may feel cool at times - this is normal.

Upright freezers will also be warm on the outside.

  • Heaters are placed in the case to keep it warm enough not to "sweat" during humid days. This can cause the case to feel warm, even hot, and is considered normal.

  • The exterior case walls can be up to 30 degrees Fahrenheit warmer than the environment in which it is installed.

It is important to allow proper air circulation around freezers: