Kasson refrigerators and freezers
Refrigerator and freezer repair for Kasson families
Many Kasson households fill a second freezer every fall with vegetables from the garden, bulk meat and baked goods. That freezer is worth a lot, and when it stops, the clock starts. This page explains what usually fails and what to do while you wait.
The second freezer
Chest and upright freezers fail in a few predictable ways. A clicking sound from the back with no cooling usually means the start relay or overload has failed, and the compressor cannot start. A freezer that runs constantly but warms slowly may have dirty condenser coils, a failed condenser fan or a refrigerant leak. Frost building fast around the lid or door points to a worn gasket.
| Freezer type | Common failure | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Chest | Start relay, thermostat, gasket | Replace part on site |
| Upright frost free | Defrost heater, fan, thermostat | Replace part on site |
| Upright manual | Gasket, thermostat | Replace part on site |
How long food lasts
- A full chest freezer kept closed holds safe temperatures for about two days
- A half full freezer holds for about one day
- Food that still has ice crystals or is at 40°F or below can be refrozen
- Group items together so they keep each other cold
Kitchen refrigerator defrost failures
On kitchen refrigerators, defrost failures are the most common Kasson repair. Frost covers the coil behind the freezer panel, airflow stops and the fresh food side warms. The heater, the defrost thermostat or the control can be at fault. We test each and replace the failed part, then melt the ice so the system restarts clean.
Start relays
A start relay is a small device on the side of the compressor. It is one of the most common reasons an older freezer stops. If you hear a click every few minutes and the compressor stays silent, the relay is the first suspect. It is quick to replace, and it usually restores cooling immediately.