Using freezer at fridge temps – longterm viability?

[homekegger]

Hi,

I have been using a chest freezer as a beer kegging fridge for the last 3yrs. Temperature was controlled by a 2nd thermostat switching the incoming mains. Set temp in the range 4 – 5 deg C.

Recently the compressor continued to run. It would not switch off.
Internal temp in the cabinet gradually rose.
The 2nd thermostat was removed & tested and would reliably open & close with temperature.

Before I spend money on either having the unit fixed or buying a replacement, I would appreciate some advice.

Qn 1. Is using a chest freezer in this way, a viable, long-term scenario or would running the freezer at higher temperature cause premature failure?
If so, I would appreciate a brief explanation of the possible failure modes.

Qn 2. If the current failure of my chest freezer is not related to running at higher temp, what is likely to be wrong with it? eg need a new compressor?

Regards,
homekegger

[kwatt]

Re: Using freezer at fridge temps – longterm viability?

The short answer is that it really shouldn’t be an issue.

IIRC there was a long thread about the pros and cons of this a while back in the forums if you do a search.

It’s likely just a compressor failure.

K.

[admin]

Re: Using freezer at fridge temps – longterm viability?

Hi

The only problem that would cause the compressor to continue to run if as you say the 2nd temp probe is fitted to the power supply is that the 2nd probe had failed thus allowing the normal thermostat to run as normal.

You havent said if the freezer is actually getting to freezing point with the 2nd probe removed.

Bryan

[homekegger]

Re: Using freezer at fridge temps – longterm viability?

Hi r600a,
As per original post, temp continued to increase, not decrease with compressor runtime.

2nd thermostat tested by alternating probe between ice slurry & warm hand.
Contacts opened & closed as expected, tested with AVO.

hi kwatt,
Will try search again.
My reason for asking here was that 2 freezer manufacturers said it should not be done, but neither was willing to offer an explanation why.

Rgds,
homekegger

[kwatt]

Re: Using freezer at fridge temps – longterm viability?

homekegger wrote:My reason for asking here was that 2 freezer manufacturers said it should not be done, but neither was willing to offer an explanation why.

Because as soon as you modify it you become a risk and one that the manufacturer will disown as soon as they get wind of it. In effect, you will have no comeback if your house burns down or you electrocute yourself or someone else. It’s also very likely that no other insurance, including an accidental home policy, would cover you either.

Insurers often tend to like ways that they can get out of paying a claim. 😉

This applies to all non-standard modification to any appliance, be it a relay you fit to a PCB on it or entirely change its purpose.

K.

[Author]

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