Should my landlord replace my refrigerator/freezer?

[futurefields]

I just moved into an apartment a couple weeks ago. I've noticed the freezer almost never stops running. I switched it to the least cold setting, and it's still almost constantly running. I threw one of those little metal freezer thermometers and the needle is stuck past -20 all the time. This thing is maintaining a temp of around -40 I believe. Way too cold.

Not only do I not want to have to deal with over frozen food but I dont want to have to pay the energy bill on an out of control freezer. Is this due cause for my landlord to replace the unit or can she simply say "well as long as its cold, its working"

I havent gotten my first utility bill yet but Im expecting it to be rather high with how constant the compressor is running on the freezer.

 

[silicon]

I just moved into an apartment a couple weeks ago. I've noticed the freezer almost never stops running. I switched it to the least cold setting, and it's still almost constantly running. I threw one of those little metal freezer thermometers and the needle is stuck past -20 all the time. This thing is maintaining a temp of around -40 I believe. Way too cold.

Not only do I not want to have to deal with over frozen food but I dont want to have to pay the energy bill on an out of control freezer. Is this due cause for my landlord to replace the unit or can she simply say "well as long as its cold, its working"

I havent gotten my first utility bill yet but Im expecting it to be rather high with how constant the compressor is running on the freezer.

there is something wrong with the freezer....it needs to be repaired as it should easily maintain a good cold temp.

 

[PottedMeat]

see if it's something dumb like the adjustment slider detached from the thermostat

if not it's the thermostat and should be cheap


on my old fridge that would be like 150+W all the time

 

[twinrider1]

Can a freezer get down to -20 or -40? I seriously doubt it, though I've never tried, so I have to ask. I'd get another thermometer and test again.

 

[solsa]

Can a freezer get down to -20 or -40? I seriously doubt it, though I've never tried, so I have to ask. I'd get another thermometer and test again.

Seems unlikely. You wouldn't even be able to touch something so cold. I'd first make it clear how cold it gets and then find out how it can be fixed. It is a problem and needs to be fixed. It is best you have an idea on what needs to be done with the fridge when you go to the landlord.

 

[Rakehellion]

I removed the thermostat from a freezer and got it down to -30C. I used it for science experiments.

 

[GeekDrew]

Can a freezer get down to -20 or -40? I seriously doubt it, though I've never tried, so I have to ask. I'd get another thermometer and test again.

Though of course it may depend on model, yes. -20F is not unheard of.

 

[waffleironhead]

Replace no, repair yes.

 

[WHAMPOM]

Freezer temp should be -10 or lower, refrigerator below 40 degrees and should cycle on once or twice an hour at most. It does need to get looked at to check for Freon level or a stuck thermostat.

 

[OutHouse]

Can a freezer get down to -20 or -40? I seriously doubt it, though I've never tried, so I have to ask. I'd get another thermometer and test again.

Both of mine do.

 

[DrPizza]

Seems unlikely. You wouldn't even be able to touch something so cold. I'd first make it clear how cold it gets and then find out how it can be fixed. It is a problem and needs to be fixed. It is best you have an idea on what needs to be done with the fridge when you go to the landlord.

Bahahahaha! News flash for you - the temperature in many parts of the country gets down to 20 below during the winter. It's no big deal.

 

[T9D]

Anything just below freezing is a huge waste and not needed. Something is definitely wrong with it. He should repair or replace it.

 

[who?]

Are the coils covered in dust?

 

[DrPizza]

Anything just below freezing is a huge waste and not needed. Something is definitely wrong with it. He should repair or replace it.

Not true. The ideal temperature for a freezer is between -10 and -20 F. Food deteriorates more rapidly at temperatures above that. http://food.unl.edu/safety/refrigerator-freezer

 

[alkemyst]

Call the Maytag Man!