Ultra-Low Freezer Maintenance: What You Need to Know

Ultra-low freezers are an essential piece of lab equipment—and for good reason. They play a critical role in preserving and storing biological samples at temperatures ranging from -50°C to -86°C. Used in a variety of applications, including vaccine storage and medical procedures, ultra-low temperature freezers require preventative maintenance to assure long-term functionality.

Why Skipping Preventative Maintenance Could Cost You

Failing to properly maintain an ultra-low freezer can lead to costly repairs and bigger headaches down the road—or worse, sample or product contamination.

Keeping up with ultra-low freezer maintenance is one of the best ways to assure peak performance, optimize energy consumption, improve uptime, and extend the freezer’s lifespan. It can also help meet warranty and compliance requirements set by the manufacturer.

Scheduled Service vs. User Maintenance

Just as you would take your car in for oil changes and tire rotations, laboratory professionals should regularly inspect and clean your ultra-low freezer to keep it running smoothly. When it comes to best practices, there is a two-phased approach: scheduled maintenance service and steps users can take on their own to help assure the freezer is kept in optimal condition.

Scheduled Preventative Maintenance

Most manufacturers require ultra-low freezers to undergo maintenance twice a year as part of their warranty conditions. This scheduled maintenance must be performed by an authorized service provider and may include tasks such as replacing the back up battery and/or servicing the fan motor, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidelines.

Not only is scheduled maintenance a typical warranty requirement, but it’s also beneficial to have a trained professional inspect freezers for any issues. They can also answer questions and provide valuable insights on how to maintain an ultra-low temperature freezer more effectively.

What Freezer Owners Can Do

Users of ultra-low freezers can familiarize themselves with the user manual, as it educates on the parts of the freezer and can help guide proper care and maintenance. They can also:

Clean the condenser filter every 2–3 months. Labs with high foot traffic or a lot of dust in the air may want to clean the filter more frequently. Keep in mind that not all ultra-low freezers have a condenser filter.

Clean the door gaskets at least once a month. While cleaning, check for any tears or frost buildup. Frost along the gasket may indicate that air is infiltrating the unit. In this case, use a cloth to wipe away the frost and continue monitoring the situation, as it may need additional attention or repairs.

Check for ice buildup. Freezers will typically have some degree of frost buildup, but this is especially important if you frequently open and close the freezer door. To help minimize buildup, keep the freezer away from vents, assure the door latches securely and try to avoid opening and closing the door unnecessarily.

Monitor the freezer’s status and alarms. This includes keeping an eye out for unusual temperature fluctuations, an overloaded filter, high ambient temperature, overloaded compressors, a power surge and the open door alarm.

Clean out the vacuum relief port. If the freezer has one, cleaning it regularly will allow you to open and close the door more easily after each use.

An ultra-low freezer is a valuable investment, and proper maintenance can extend the life of your lab equipment, ensuring sample integrity and keeping your work on track.

Contributing Author: Jamie Steiner, Regional Sales Manager, DAI Scientific

Jamie Steiner is the regional sales manager of DAI Scientific and leads a team of 13 equipment sales consultants. His background includes more than 20 years of experience working with customers in academic, clinical, industrial and bio/pharma laboratories.