Freezer Woes

Well we have now invested in a freezer and are starting to fill it up. However it makes lots of noise . This is a cheap freezer that just has four power settings and no automatic temp control .
I was wondering about setting it up with a timer so it only comes on when we have cheap electrics ie midnight to 7 and from 3 to 5 in the afternoon to save money and keep the noise dawn . at the moment it seems to work well on the lowest setting and it is supposed to keep things frozen for 21 hours in the case of a power cut .
So what do folks think

David

I used to successfully run a freezer from a generator that was run for three hours in the evening.

I used to avoid opening it except when it was actually running. Is there any sort of min/max thermometer you could use to check what temperatures were being maintained?

David Livingston : You certainly can put your Freezer on a timer- make sure that the timer is rated to supply sufficient Amps not only for Your Freezers constant draw in Amps but also its start-up draw. AND double check to make sure your timer and the freezers cord is not getting hot !

I understand Your Electrical Supply company offering reduced rates from 12 - 7 am, but not from 3-5 that truly sounds Generous - but then they don't do that here where I am so I have nothing to measure it to !

You did not mention if this was a chest type Freezer, or an up-right model, or one with a lower pull-out drawer -

Irreguardless From an efficiency of operation basis spaces not actually used for food stuffs will serve you best if they are occupied with large plastic jugs (preferable to glass ) of water. after they have been chilled down to Your freezers operating temperature they act as additional mass and decrease the total amount of time the freezer most rum per month !

There are several aftermarket controls to repair and freezer thermostats and even kits to convert Chest type Freezers into chest type refrigerators -
and instruction Videos on how to make the conversion on U-Tube ( Proceed with Caution )

The power supped here in the states and available at my wall outlet is different from All of Europe ( I Think ) so I cant advise how to proceed -
certainly adding a freezer type thermostat is possible !

Good luck-for the crafts ! Big AL

David, Al makes some really good points in relation to your timer and the power (amps or watts) that it can handle, and also with regards to filling the empty spaces with water filled plastic jugs. You need your timer to handle the peak load for when the compressor motor starts up and then run without the wiring getting hot, water filled jugs become solid ice and everything stays colder for far longer when the power is off. Only opening the freezer when it is running is also a very good strategy.

As an alternative to a freezer, instead of freezing have you thought about pressure canning what you want to store instead? Many fruits and vegetables can be water bath canned, but everything is safer if it is pressure canned. I have no idea on the costs of such a setup over there, or the costs in jars, lids and seals for you, so your short term gain is definitely to use the freezer as you've already thought. Longer term I would start gathering all the things I need to do the pressure canning route, if it is possible. I've had many home canned goods when I was in Germany, so I know the items are available there, not too sure about France though.

Either way, good luck, I've had more than a couple of noisy old freezers that did my family well for a long time.

take it apart and see what the noise is coming from? could be something simple?

Thanks for your help Folks
The idea for the water sounds good
Taking apart new stuff ... may invalidate the warrentee me thinks
Yes the 3 to 5 cheap rate seems an odd idea to me too they have just started that as it was 12 to 1:30 before . But hey its very french along with hundereds of neuclear power stations unfortunetly .

Evidently the French didn't do enough work in the afternoon so no one was using power. just kidding (sort of)

With nuclear power, it is VERY important to keep the load about the same all day and night. They run very well at a set point but don't like to change the throttle. Easier to change the usage than adjust the generator. The other option is diesel or natural gas to adjust to the peaks. Changing the user is better for the environment.

I also have run a fridge and freezer from a generator and a timer. Al covered all the big points. Search Australian solar websites for actual part numbers if you want to do the chest fridge conversion, they use compatible power.

That 3-5 cycle will really help, lets you open it during the day and then draw it back down.

if its a chest freezer it probably has a side access panel that wouldn't invalidate anything. unlikely they would make one too loud on purpose, could be a piece of tubing needs some insulation on it or something...

Is it possible that it is defective? Or that you could say it was and return it for an upgrade?

David : Ann makes a good point ! At one time in the '60s Maytag* diagnosed a consumers appliance problems based solely on the (fixable)

Highly diagnostic Sounds emanating from an Early Model Wringer/Washer and then used the satisfied customers Letter as part of an advertising

Campaign that they ran for nearly a decade ! Lots of '' Good will '' sales were Generated off of this Campaign !

The idea here is to record the sounds minus all background noise, explain when in the Freezers Cycle it appears to be coming from, and make

sure that you end up connected to the Manufactories Service Department - not Sales or Advertising - Good luck !


I just want to take a minute to acknowledge the different (and Skilled/Valid ) the multiple answers were, Especially when taken as a whole,

You got some simple running/use information, (on and off grid) probable locations to check for Controls, Rating and Inspection plates,

practical tips on simple upgrades, parts -even canning alternatives !

What a Diverse and Knowledgeable Group of people our Brother/Sisterhood here at Permies are -And available 24 / 7

For the Good of the Craft ! Big AL