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University of Washington School of Medicine, Department of Microbiology     

Freezer Maintenance
Updated: June 22, 2001


-70C Freezer
Freezer maintenance should be completed on monthly bases. Follow directions below to keep the freezers working at an ultimate efficiency level.


Filters
A clean filter is necessary to keep proper airflow to the freezers. 
1. Take screen off and peel off the filter.
2. With a shop-vac, slowly vacuum all the dust buildup from the filter. Be sure to vacuum both sides of the filter.
3. Do not vacuum in front of the freezer! Dust particles will end up in the freezer's condenser.
4. If the filter is still dirty, place the filter under a gentle running water. Be sure the filter is dry before inserting the filter back in to the freezer. 

Condenser
1. Vacuum the coils with the brushed-end.
2. Go over the coils slowly and be careful of wires.
3. Check for bent fins on the condenser coils. If you find a bend fin, call for building maintenance staff.
4. Use a flash light to look deep into the freezer to check for any foreign objects. 


Door
1. Constant opening of the door will build up moisture on the gasket, which decrease the efficiency of the freezer.
2. Using leather or other soft insulated gloves, carefully chip off the ice blocks from the door's gasket. 
3. Repeat step for all four sides of the door.


Sensors
- There are two important sensors on the bottom left-hand side of the freezer. They are temperature LED readout and thermocouple respectively.
- With a vacuum, run down the length of the sensors to properly expose the sensor holes on all sides.


Other check-ups
- Defrost the entire freezer every six months. 
- Be sure to relocate the samples before defrosting!!!
- One the freezer is thawed, carefully scrape off the ice on the door with a plastic scraper.
- Do not use the scraper on the rubber gasket.
- If you identify a gasket with a tare, please notify building maintenance staff to replace the gasket.


-20C freezers
1. Check for seals and gaskets following the same directions as the -70C freezers.
2. Vacuum the condenser coils located on the bottom of the freezers. It can be accessed through the back of the freezer. 
3. Watch for wires and capillary tubes. 
4. Be sure the freezers are 6 inches away from the back-side wall to allow proper airflow.

 

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