Troubleshooting a Malfunctioning Freezer: A Guide
When a power outage occurs, it's essential to know how to keep your food safe during this unexpected event. Here are some guidelines to help you navigate through a power outage and ensure the safety of your frozen goods.
First and foremost, keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. A full freezer can keep items frozen for about 48 hours, while a half-full freezer can last for approximately 24 hours, provided the door remains closed and the temperature stays at or below 0°F (-18°C) [1][2][5]. If the freezer temperature rises above 40°F (4°C) for more than two hours, perishable foods like meat, dairy, and cooked meals should be discarded to avoid foodborne illness [2][3][4].
To determine the safety of food in your freezer after a power outage, there are several methods you can use:
- Check the freezer thermometer: If the food stayed below 0°F (-18°C), it is generally safe to refreeze and eat [2][3].
- Look for ice crystals: If ice crystals remain in frozen foods, it indicates the food was kept cold enough and can be safely refrozen [4].
- The "coin in frozen water" trick: Place a coin on top of a frozen cup of water before an outage; if after the outage the coin has sunk into the ice, it suggests thawing occurred, and food safety could be compromised [4].
- Use your judgement: When uncertain, err on the side of caution: discard perishable frozen foods if the duration or temperature rise is unknown or exceeds safe limits [4].
In addition to these methods, there are other ways to keep your food safe during a power outage:
- Dry ice: Dry ice can protect the food in a full, 20-cubic-foot freezer for three to four days when used with caution [6].
- Alternative storage options: A commercial freezer/locker or a friend, neighbor, or local church with extra room can be potential storage options during a power outage [6].
- Packing frozen items: It is advisable to pack frozen items in a box with newspaper and cover them with blankets before moving them to a working freezer [6].
- Storage location: It is ideal to place a separate freezer in a cool, dry room with at least 2 inches of clearance on each side and several feet of clearance above [6].
If you have additional questions about food safety during power outages, contact your local OSU Extension office for guidance.
[1] https://extension.oregonstate.edu/news/keeping-food-safe-power-outages [2] https://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/keeping-food-safe-during-power-outages [3] https://extension.missouri.edu/publications/g6446 [4] https://extension.umn.edu/food/food-safety/food-storage/keeping-food-safe-during-power-outages [5] https://extension.iastate.edu/food-preservation/keeping-food-safe-during-power-outages [6] https://extension.illinois.edu/food-preservation/keeping-food-safe-during-power-outages
Maintaining a proper lifestyle during a power outage includes finding alternative methods to keep perishable foods safe. To complement your home-and-garden setup, consider using dry ice or storing perishable goods in a separate, cool, dry room with adequate clearance. The food-and-drink aspect also involves recognizing when frozen goods are no longer safe to consume; methods for this include checking the freezer thermometer, looking for ice crystals, and using the "coin in frozen water" trick.
