[NeilB]

Re: Freezer Placement

kwatt wrote:If the machine is being used in a cold environment, outwith the specified temperature range, then the manufacturer is quite within their rights to wash their hands of it. After all they have said that it cannot be used in that sort of environment and wishing or hoping that it would will not change the physics.

From the manufacturer’s point of view you have to ask why they should help if simple installation instructions are not adhered to and the machine is not used in accordance with their guidlines. Like any other product, it doesn’t matter what, if you use it in a way that is not recommended then any warranty goes South, most warranty terms explain this quite clearly.

I agree fully with what you are saying but in my case there was no point of sale information suggesting that the freezer could only be used within prescribed temperature limits and no requirement other than “must be in a well ventilated room” in the manufacturers instructions as suplied with the appliance. The manufacturer has now specified the minimum temperature and suggested that I should have known this. I’ve therefore asked them to provide me with any documentation, either POS or instructions that demonstrate this as otherwise my unfit-for-purpose argument will be taken further.

It also does not help that the local service engineer who was sent in by the manufacturer simply stood infront of the unit and made his decision without any kind of inspection – I could not even get him to wait while I moved the freezer to show him the amount of water that had been dposited on the floor overnight!

I’m aiming to make some temperature measurements over the weekend as I’m still convinced that the problem with my freezer is that the base of the freezer has no internal insulation so the only element that prevents room air hitting casework that is at around the same temperature as the internal compartment is the external insulation sheets, and these are badly installed with lots of gaps. This means that room air passes through to the metalwork which is at a temperature well below freezing therefore causing the condensation I’m experiencing. This is either poor design or bad manufacturing as the room air should not be exposed to any part of the uninsulated casing as far as I am concerned. If the condensation was only due to the fully insulated external casing being at ambient room temp then I would relocate the freezer and see if the problem went away. I am not doing this just now as the volume of water is significant and my kitchen is carpeted so I do not want to damage the carpet in proving my suspicions. I am hoping that when I get back to the manufacturer with some measured temperatures from the base of the freezer then they will accept there is a problem and want to do something about it.

I’m only glad that I knew of the forum as it has been an invaluable resource in both diagnosing the problem and specialist advice. 🙂

[NeilB]

Re: Freezer Placement

Martin wrote:

NeilB wrote:
I’m a little bemused by the problem as I would have thought the insulation was there to prevent room air from condensing regardless of the ambient air temperature

The insulation is there purely to minimise temperature loss from within the appliance and not without. Condensation forms on the outside surface of any appliance (including things like double glazing) capable of heat retention not just fridges and freezers.

+10 degrees Celsius is recognised by most refrigeration manufacturers as the cut-off point to guarantee minimal atmospheric reaction to the dreaded “dewpoint”. Below that temperature and you’ve got yourself a problem. 🙁

I’ve not got any condensation forming on the sides of the unit, but there is tons of water forming under the base. The insulation here seems to be external – a kind of multi-wall sheet that is in several pieces and has tape over the joints. the joints are not tight fitting and I am guessing that the temperature of the base is very cold hence the extrnal insulation to minimise condensation. I’m still speaking to the manufacturer to find out if this external insulation is provided for this reason. If so I have to options – return for a refund as unit is faulty/not fit for purpose or I may consider replacing the external insulation with some phenolic foam sheet insulation trimmed to fit properly.

[NeilB]

Re: Freezer Placement

I can confirm that condensation can be a problem – my Whirlpool chest freezer is creating quite a pool of water in my unheated utility room – I’m currently living in an old farm cottage as well. See post viewtopic.php?f=33&t=9429
The first unit was replaced under warranty when the problem bceame apparent after about 10 months. Whirlpool are trying to wash their hands on the current unit stating the 10 degree limit. I’m a little bemused by the problem as I would have thought the insulation was there to prevent room air from condensing regardless of the ambient air temperature – if the surface of the insulation is cold enough to create a large amount of condensation in a room with an average temperature of 7-8 degrees then how would it be much better if it were 2-3 degrees warmer in the room? Surely the bottom surface of the freezer would still cool the air to below dew point and therefore cause condensation. So far there is no sign of any ice build up, but the water has pretty much ruined the laminate floor on which the freezer stands.

[NeilB]

Re: Whirlpool AFG533 Chest Freeezer

Further update….

New freezer delivered before Chrsitmas 😀 😀

Just after the new year I noticed a pool of water forming under the unit! Service engineer has just left & confirmed that the new unit has faulty/failed insulation as well 😡

So I’m waiting again for the service company to send the report to Whirlpool before they can arrange another replacement. In the meantime Whirlpool have a sent a claim form as all of this water has ruined the laminate flooring where the freezer lives 🙁

[NeilB]

Re: Whirlpool AFG533 Chest Freeezer

Just a quick update.

It took over 2 weeks of constant chasing by Whirlpool to get the service report back from the local company they sent to visit so nothing much happened for a few weeks. This was on top of the extended wait for the service visit – so the 2 day target Whirlpool quote in their manual was a little way off the mark 😡

When the paperwork wa finally in place I got a call to confirm that the replacement has been ordered bit is curently out of stock – Whirlpool would have offered a larger unit as a free upgrade but as I already have the largest model then I’ve not taken up their offer. I’ve also received a letter confirming the replacment and that the new unit has a full 12 month warranty from the date of delivery.

It took a far bit of patience a more than a few phone calls to their service centre to follow it through but I am now more than happy with the outcome – new freezer to be delivered after Christmas.

[NeilB]

Re: Creda Concept Solarplus Cooker Control Knob Access

I’ve got a Concept C363E and when it was delivered several of the knobs were loose – they could be lifted off the stem underneath and would spin without having any effect on the hob or oven it was meant to control. Creda simply sent out some new knobs and on insepction it was the spring clips inside the knob that were missing. Could this be your problem?

[NeilB]

Re: Whirlpool AFG533 Chest Freeezer

Service engineer visited today and confirmed that the insulation on the base of the freezer has failed and therefore the freezer will be replaced under warranty. Lucky I noticed when I did, the year is up this week!!

Thanks Dave for the advice, you were spot on with your diagnosis. 😀

[NeilB]

Re: Whirlpool AFG533 Chest Freeezer

Will do, engineer is booker for next Wednesday.

[NeilB]

Re: Whirlpool AFG533 Chest Freeezer

Thanks for the reply Dave.

I’ve taken another look and found that the insulation panels on the base of the freezer are dripping wet – I reached under with a tea towel and it was soaked through in no time. Would this be normal? The freezer stands on laminate flooring which is now swelling at the joints due to the amount water that collected there before I noticed it.

I’ll take my chances with the call out as the amount of water appears to be excessive so I’m sure any “reasonable” person would see this as a fault.

[NeilB]

Re: Smeg WM16AAA

Thanks K, thankfuly we do have accidental damage cover on our contents insurance.

Do you think it’s worth trying to seal the top edge against water or is it just as likely to find a way in at the front panel controls?

[Author]

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