This article was written to provide you with a better understanding of your freezer’s capabilities, but we understand that when your Viking Freezer is on the fritz and can be frustrating and you want answers now.
In this section, we go over some brief safety information and some resources from Viking.
If you are not an experienced professional or properly trained in handling electrical components and systems, do not attempt any electrical repairs or modifications without proper guidance and supervision. Incorrect handling of electrical systems can result in injury, fire, or even death. It is strongly recommended to always seek advice from a certified electrician or a professional if you are unsure about any aspect of electrical work.
The handling of refrigerant should only be performed by experienced, qualified professionals. Handling refrigerants can be extremely dangerous and lead to many different negative outcomes.
Viking fridge freezers are popular for homeowners seeking a high-quality, reliable freezing solution. These freezers come in various designs and sizes, ensuring you find the perfect fit for your kitchen. Viking boasts precise temperature control, energy efficiency, and a stylish appearance compared to other freezer brands.
When using a Viking freezer, you can expect optimal freezing temperatures between 0° to 2° F (-17° to -16° C). This range ensures the preservation of your food's freshness and prevents bacterial growth. Regularly monitoring these temperatures enables you to maintain the efficiency and longevity of your freezer.
Some main features of Viking freezers include:
By understanding these features and using them effectively, you optimize the performance of your Viking freezer, keeping your food fresh and your home running smoothly.
Viking Refrigerator Freezers are Quite Reliable but it Can Be Extremely Frustrating When Any Appliance Isn’t Cooling Properly
If your Viking freezer is not cooling properly, try these basic troubleshooting tips to resolve the issue.
First, ensure your freezer is plugged in correctly. Check to see if the power cord is firmly inserted into the wall socket. After confirming the connection, ensure your freezer is switched on by looking for the power indicator light.
Your freezer should have a temperature range between 0° and 2° F (-17° to -16° C). Place a thermometer snugly between frozen packages in your freezer for optimal freezing. Keep it there for five to eight hours before checking the temperature. If the temperature is outside the optimal range, adjust the temperature control and check again in another five to eight hours.
The placement of your freezer can impact its performance. Avoid placing it in an area that receives direct sunlight, which can cause overheating and affect the cooling mechanism. Choose a cool, shaded spot for your freezer to ensure efficient performance.
In this section, you will learn about common issues with the compressor, refrigerant, and start relay in your Viking freezer.
The compressor plays a vital role in cooling by circulating refrigerant. If your Viking freezer is not cooling properly, the compressor might be a problem. To check the compressor, first ensure that the condenser coils are free of dust and debris. A condenser coil is responsible for shedding heat absorbed by the refrigerant. When these coils aren’t clean it can lead to your compressor overheating. Remember to unplug your freezer before cleaning the coils for safety.
Refrigerant is crucial for the cooling process. The refrigerant captures heat from inside of your refrigerator and releases it to the outside air via the condenser coils.
If your freezer is not cooling, it could be due to a leak or low refrigerant levels. If you suspect a leak or low refrigerant levels, call a professional technician to inspect and repair the issue.
DO NOT handle refrigerant yourself, as it requires expertise and proper equipment.
The start relay activates the compressor to start the cooling process. A faulty start relay can cause your freezer to stop cooling. To diagnose a defective start relay, you can listen for a clicking sound from the compressor area. If you hear this sound, consider replacing the start relay.
As mentioned above, your Viking freezer's efficiency depends on clean condenser coils. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on them. Dirty coils make your freezer work harder, using more energy and potentially shortening its lifespan.
To clean the coils, switch off your freezer first to avoid the risk of shock. Then, find the condenser coil location. It's typically at the back or beneath your freezer. Use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to gently remove the dirt and dust.
The evaporator coil is another essential component in your Viking freezer. It's responsible for absorbing heat and cooling the freezer. If the evaporator coils do not work correctly, your freezer will not freeze efficiently.
Check for frost or ice buildup on the coils. If you find any, defrost the freezer and examine the defrost system, as that could be the issue.
The evaporator fan motor ensures a steady flow of cold air is fairly evenly distributed within your freezer. A malfunctioning fan motor results in poor cooling.
Test your evaporator fan motor by opening the freezer door and pressing the door switch (and hold it down for around 30 seconds or so). If the fan does not run, it is likely that you’ll need to call an Viking refrigerator repair professional.
You may also test your evaporator fan with a multimeter - but this should only be performed by electricians and appliance repair pros.
A skilled electrician using a multimeter to test an evaporator fan. Do not try this if you’re not experienced with the proper use of a multimeter as it could result in electric shock.
Regular cleaning is crucial for optimal performance. In addition to the condenser coils, clean the gaskets and door seals to ensure a proper door seal. Also, clean the interior with warm soapy water and dry it well to prevent mold and odor.
Understanding the components of your Viking freezer's defrost system helps identify and fix issues quickly. This section will elaborate on the defrost system's crucial elements, including the defrost process, frost buildup, defrost heater, and defrost timer.
Defrosting your freezer is vital in ensuring its optimal performance. It removes the frost buildup from the evaporator coils, allowing the system to function efficiently.
Most fridge freezer combos - including Viking have an auto defrost system that should take care of the defrost process automatically.
Excessive frost can obstruct the proper distribution of cold air and reduce the cooling potential of your freezer - making it hard for your system extract the heat, leaving warm air in place in your freezer. To check for frost-related issues, remove food from the freezer and the interior panels covering the cooling coils. If you find the coils covered with ice, it confirms a problem with your automatic defrosting system.
The defrost heater is responsible for melting the frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils. If the heater is not working correctly, you may need to replace it. This is best left to appliance repair professionals for all but the most skilled handypersons.
Your freezer's defrost timer regulates the cycles of cooling and defrosting. If the timer malfunctions, the defrost heater may not activate, leading to frost accumulation. You may Inspect the timer to attempt to determine if it is functioning properly.
Replacing a frost timer is best left to appliance repair pros.
Proper functioning of the defrost timer ensures that your freezer maintains an ideal temperature range (between 0ºF and 5ºF) as recommended by Sears Home Services.
Identifying Defrost System Issues
Your freezer has a door switch that signals when the door is open or closed. A defective door switch can affect the freezer's ability to maintain the proper temperature. To ensure your Viking freezer operates efficiently, inspect the door switch for damage and replace it if needed.
The thermostat is an essential component in controlling the freezer's temperature. If it malfunctions, your freezer might not freeze properly, or become too cold. Regularly check your Viking freezer's thermostat for signs of wear or damage. You’ll have to get it replaced if it appears defective.
Access your Viking Freezer Manual for detailed information on freezer specifications, use, and care. The manual provides guidance to help you understand your freezer's features, making it easier to maintain and troubleshoot any issues.
When facing issues not covered in the manual, consider contacting Viking Freezer Product Support for further assistance. Their knowledgeable staff can offer personalized guidance to help resolve your freezer-related concerns.
In summary, your Viking Freezer manual, online resources, and dedicated support team provide all the information necessary for optimal freezer performance. Familiarize yourself with these resources to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience with your Viking freezer.
You may encounter a Viking freezer that is not getting cold for various reasons. A relatively easy thing to check that you can fix is dirty condenser coils. Clean them regularly to maintain efficient cooling.
Another possible reason is a faulty temperature control thermostat. Adjust it or get it replaced if it’s not working correctly. An issue with the evaporator or condensor fan motor could also be causing the problem. Check if these parts are working properly and get them replaced if needed. Additionally, inspect the evaporator coils for frost buildup, which may hinder proper cooling. Defrost the coils if necessary.
If your Viking freezer requires a reset, try unplugging the appliance from the power source. Wait for at least 30 seconds, then plug it back in. This simple process may resolve minor technical issues. If the problem persists, contact Viking using the many different resources presented in this article.
