Most homeowners know it’s important to defrost their refrigerators and freezers on occasion, but not everyone understands why. In fact, the specialists at Ethan's Appliance Service in Kannapolis, North Carolina, say that defrosting used to be a regular practice for older models.

Nowadays, most freezers come equipped with a “defrost” cycle, but that doesn’t eliminate the need for manually defrosting these kitchen appliances, too. These preset cycles only defrost the evaporator coils, leaving the inside of your freezer unattended.

4 Reasons To Defrost Your Freezer and Fridge

It Improves Efficiency

Over time, ice can build up inside your freezer. If that ice grows more than ¼ of an inch thick, it hinders the exchange of heat within the system, reducing the freezer’s efficiency.

It Gives You More Space

By defrosting, you can rid your freezer of a considerable amount of ice that has built up over time. In return, you gain more space for frozen goods by freeing up the affected areas.

It Eliminates Odors

Certain types of bacteria thrive in freezing environments, and they can give off an odor in your freezer or refrigerator. Defrosting allows you to wipe down the inside of your kitchen appliance, removing the bacteria that cause the smell. However, be careful not to use chemicals or disinfectants, as they can be harmful to your food.

It Unclogs Condensation Drains

Condensation will form on refrigerator coils, dripping and flowing out through drainage lines. If these lines freeze, your refrigerator can leak water. By defrosting your freezer, you can unclog drainage lines so leaks don’t occur.

The specialists at Ethan's Appliance Service sell and service a variety of kitchen appliances, including refrigerators, freezers, and dishwashers. If you need help defrosting your freezer, call them at (704) 933-6427 to schedule an appointment today. You can also set up routine maintenance visits to prevent costly repairs in the future.