Is my freezer trying to tell me something?

[RedLemon]

It’s making a rather loud rumbly buzzing noise. Like the freezy bit is working too hard.
Plus I think some of the food on the top shelf seems a bit less frozen than it should be (still reading under zero with food thermometer though).

The dials are all as they should be but I’m wondering if it’s just telling me I need to do a defrost? Does anyone know if that might possibly sort the noise? Or is there something more sinister afoot?!

In the interests of full disclosure I’ve had said freezer for 4 years and haven’t done a defrost yet owing to my being an absolute slattern. I know I know. Will remedy this forthwith.

A four year old freezer is surely self defrosting? I didn't know they made non self defrosting ones any more.

Oh really? Oh my god I’m such a dunce. I just thought it was one of those crap grown-up jobs like cleaning out the washing machine drawer or booking dental appointments for the kids.

Okay maybe it’s something else then. Technology is amazing. Thanks @BertieBotts!

I dont know but mine has been doing the same for about 2 months now. I suspect it's going to die soon. We dont know how old ours is as we inherited it with the house 5 years ago, we suspect its about 8 years old.

My freezer tends to protest when the weather is very warm. Like its working harder? I have no clue whether this is what's happening but could it be the same for yours

Is it too full? That can cause it to struggle. Or the condenser can get dirty which can cause it to fail.

Hmmm. I did wonder about that @Plump82- it’s shorts and T-shirt weather here for the last few days so could be. It’s just so annoyingly loud now that I’ve tuned into it!

@MissyB1 I realllllly hope it doesn’t die. I don’t have time for a dead freezer right now!

It’s not mad full @Elisheva but I’m going to work my way through it’s contents over the coming days- it’s as good an excuse as any for a clear out!

How full is it though? They like to be quite full. 75% is optimal.

You need to remove the panel on the inside back of the freezer and defrost it. When it starts gettingfull of ice the freezer has to work harder to keep the inside cool, hence the noise. I’ve had this happen with two freezers.

I’d say it’s 85% full. Could cram more in but not too much more.

DH has just vacuumed down the back of it just in case but it’s still making the noise.

I think I’ll assume it’s due to warm ambient temperature making it work harder. The lack of alarm signs or bleeps is reassuring me.

Thanks so much all your input. I’ve learned a lot about freezers today. Every day’s a school day

Oooh @H1978 something new to consider. I did notice an irregular build up of solid ice in a gap/slot on the upper back wall. This might be the issue. Is it a DIY job to remove that panel or do I need to call the A team?

Have you poked the little plastic tool in and out of the drainage hole on the inside (just above the salad drawer) which can get blocked or iced up and is an actual proper grown up job that is hard to remember.

Oh I see you posted that its iced up! I was right. Yes you need to clear that ice and wiggle the tool in the hole until it can drain.

I was about to post the same as GoWalkabout! My freezer has been rumbling away to itself for weeks & I sort of knew it needed looking at, but didn't get round to it.

I unblocked the hole above the salad drawer on Sunday & it seems to have stopped the rather loud humming it was doing attention seeker & there's no longer a block of ice forming at the back of the fridge