Ventilation requirements in fridges and freezers

Issue

  • Required ventilation space in refrigeration equipment.
  • Why is it necessary to provide ventilation spaces for fridges/freezers?
  • The fridge/freezer is not working properly, the performance is poor
  • The fridge/freezer compressor is still running and still cannot maintain the correct temperature.
  • Do Fridges and Fridge Freezers Need Ventilation?

Applies to

  • Fridge-freezers
  • Refrigerators
  • Freezers

Resolution

Where to place the fridge-freezer?

Optimal operation of your fridge-freezer is only possible if all installation requirements are met. Below you will find a list of universal installation tips:

  1. Do not install your fridge-freezer near a heat source (e.g. oven, stove, radiator, gas cooker or hob) or in direct sunlight.
  2. Install the device in a dry, well-ventilated room.
  3. The fridge-freezer should be located at a distance of not less than 50 cm from stoves , gas stoves and hotplates and at least 5 cm from electric ovens.
  4. Make sure that the fridge-freezer is not exposed to moisture or rain.
  5. Level the fridge-freezer to ensure safe use. Adjustable legs are used to position the device horizontally.
  6. Before using the fridge-freezer, wipe all shelves and drawers with a cloth soaked in warm water with baking soda (a teaspoon). After cleaning, rinse them with warm water and dry them.
  7. Fridges are designed to be operated at ambient temperatures from 10°C to 43°C.

Requirements for ventilation of refrigeration equipment

The fridge-freezer produces heat during operation, which escapes through the rear wall of the device. Maintaining appropriate ventilation gaps is necessary for proper and optimal operation. The fridge-freezer cannot be placed directly against the wall, furniture or ceiling - the distance must be maintained.

Due to its physical properties, warm air emerging from the rear of the fridge-freezer moves upwards. Therefore , it is necessary to provide adequate space above the device to allow free air exchange.

Ventilation requirements vary depending on the type of fridge-freezer.

Built-in fridge-freezers

Built-in fridge-freezers require the preparation of an appropriate ventilation channel in the furniture (always check the installation instructions for the fridge-freezer and the "Installation" chapter in the user manual).

Download user manual

Important: A minimum of 200 cm² of ventilation must be provided at both the top and bottom of the cabinetry to ensure correct airflow.

Free-standing fridge-freezers

Free-standing fridge-freezers require a certain distance from the wall to which the back of the device is placed and the ceiling (see the "Installation" chapter in the fridge-freezer's user manual)

IMPORTANT! Failure to ensure proper air circulation and ventilation may be a direct cause of failure. Defects resulting from faulty installation are not covered by the warranty. 

Incorrect ventilation of the fridge-freezer - possible symptoms

A faulty ventilation duct may cause the fridge to overheat and cause irregular operation of components. Symptoms that may be caused by incorrect installation:

  • noisy operation of the fridge/freezer;
  • continuous operation of the compressor, without stops;
  • problem with maintaining the temperature inside the fridge or freezer compartment, repeated high-temperature alarms;
  • excessive frosting or moisture accumulation inside the fridge or freezer compartment.

Important: The operation of the fridge-freezer is influenced by the ambient temperature and air humidity. The warmer it is, the more serious the symptoms of defective construction, i.e. the symptoms will be more noticeable.

Remember

In addition to the ventilation ducts, regular cleaning, and comprehensive maintenance also have a significant impact on the operation of the fridge-freezer. Check the "Maintenance and Cleaning" section in your device's user manual.

Buy genuine Cleaning for Fridges & Freezers

Frigo Care 2

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Ventilation requirements in fridges and freezers | Zanussi