Clean condenser coils
Vacuum or brush the condenser coils located on the back or bottom of the freezer to remove dust and pet hair. Dirty coils force the compressor to run longer and hotter, increasing energy consumption by up to 25% and shortening compressor life.
Defrost when ice exceeds one-quarter inch
For manual-defrost freezers, defrost when ice buildup exceeds a quarter inch on the walls. Unplug the unit, remove all food, and place towels to catch melt water. Never use sharp tools or heat guns to speed up defrosting as they can puncture refrigerant lines or damage interior surfaces.