[a10t2]

Over the past few weeks my kegerator chest freezer has started running more and more, and the past few days it's gotten worse, to the point that the compressor is running about 3/4 time just to hold it at 7°C. There's also ice forming over the coils in the corner furthest from the compressor. I'm assuming that means it's low on coolant, but these are sealed systems, so that means a leak, right? So even if I can find it I don't have the equipment to recharge it with coolant. Any other potential solutions?

I've had it about 11 years so I'll probably just end up taking Lowe's up on their free delivery and haul-away, but I figured I'd ask if there's anything worth trying in the meantime.

[Stevie]

A technician might be able to recharge the coolant.

[curtdogg]

A newer model will be more energy efficient.

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[BrewBama]

These are sealed systems. If you have low refrigerant you have a leak. Where is it located?  In a garage?  If so it could just be the ambient air temp and humidity causing the issue. The garage is a bad place for a fridge or freezer.

http://homeguides.sfgate.com/run-refrigerator-hot-garage-67296.html

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[a10t2]

A technician might be able to recharge the coolant.

Yeah, I'm hoping I can get someone to look at it but that probably means borrowing a truck and driving it 40 miles.

These are sealed systems. If you have low refrigerant you have a leak. Where is it located?  In a garage?  If so it could just be the ambient air temp and humidity causing the issue. The garage is a bad place for a fridge or freezer.

No such thing as heat or humidity here.

[Stevie]

A buddy drilled his line when installing faucets through the freezer wall he got it fixed, so it can be done. His freezer was huge and fancy, so worth the expense.

Rebuilding a collar for a new freeze is not fun. Only good thing is you can improve on the last iteration.

[IPAnic]

Can you see the coils? Try your best to pull a panel off or even tip it on its side. I've seen coils (especially in garage) so loaded up with gunk they will no longer disperse heat (won't cool inside unit). NOTE - if you do tip unit on its side you will need to wait until oil drains back into compressor before plugging back in.

[IPAnic]

I forgot to add...use a brush or compressed air (preferably) to clean the coils.

[a10t2]

Can you see the coils? Try your best to pull a panel off or even tip it on its side.

I'm not going to get to the coils myself; it's two sheets of metal bent into rectangles, one seam inside, one outside. That's most of why I'm thinking it's basically junk at this point.

[a10t2]

...And the appliance guy concurs. At least he let me pay him in beer!

[Rhoobarb]

I think I'm going to be replacing mine soon. In the last couple of weeks it has started making a constant sound like small ocean waves lapping at the beach and can't hold temp below ~58°F. I got it off CL in 2005 , so I guess it's time.

[DrunkenDunkle]

I got my big upright free because it was doing the same thing. A $7 puncture valve, $12 can of r134a, and $7 for a new condenser fan blade... i now have a 6yr old, 21cu.f. Maytag that works flawlessly and it cost less than $30

[a10t2]

With the new ones repair really just isn't an option. To access the coils you'd have to completely destroy the cabinet.

[weazletoe]

HVAC-R guy here. It's most certainly a leak or plugged coil. They do make a special service port that can be put on small appliances to add refrigerant. and there is a product called Leak Freeze that will seal the leak up. However, unless it's something way over the top you've paid hundreds of dollars for, you're much farther ahead getting a new one. She's had a good life. Now let her go out with some dignity.

[a10t2]

She's had a good life. Now let her go out with some dignity.

Hey Weaze! Thanks for weighing in; it all turned out for the best.