Chest freezer in barn?

[three5x5s]

We keep a chest freezer in a metal building, not cooled or heated. During the summer the condensation freezes inside the top making the top get heavy. The ice is on top of the insulation in the door. My question is, Would it help to make/place a blanket of insulation on the top?

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Not seeing , it sounds like the seals need to be replaced. or has this been an on going issue from a
day one? Noting to be lost by trying blanket though, unless of course it is the seals.

 

[three5x5s]

Its always done it as did the one before it. The metal on the inside of the top sweats on the inside during the summer days. It then freezes at night when its cools back off.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

I see your in KY. Lots of humidity, might consider a frost free unit. Other than that just defrost it before it gets too much build up.

 

[Billy Goat]

I generally put something, either cardboard, or a light sheet/blanket over the top.
Seems to help, but I can't be positive that it actually does. At least you aren't looking at moisture on the top that way.

 

[three5x5s]

Sorry guys, I'm not very good at putting my thoughts into words. The ice is forming inside the door itself, between the isolation and the top. To get the ice out I have to raise the door, take out the plastic liner w/ the light that's held in by the gasket. then the insulation then the ice. It all comes out in one piece but the ice is on top of the insulation.. The underside of the top is where its sweating during the hot summer days and then freezing at night. I may cover the top with unfaced insulation with a blanket on top. I'm the only that ever opens it. Maybe that will keep.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

That right there is a real problem. the moisture is not getting in through the plastic or the top of door, so would you consider sealing seam of plastic liner where it joins the metal Frame of top with silicone? It seems weird that ice is between insulation and metal top rather than the insulation and plastic liner. The insulation must not be filling the gap completely, if not see if you can find sheet insulation and cut to fit. Other than that drop back ten and punt.

 

[hunterjmj]

Sounds like a leaky gasket. As soon as the moist air from the outside enters it freezes. It just multiplies as time goes on. It's also possible you have a door frame heater that has gone out. Look on the back for a schematic and see if there is a heater then check for power/amps.

 

[GSPHUNTER]

Sounds like a leaky gasket. As soon as the moist air from the outside enters it freezes. It just multiplies as time goes on. It's also possible you have a door frame heater that has gone out. Look on the back for a schematic and see if there is a heater then check for power/amps.

Yes most freezers have a moulin heater in door seal which prevents the seal from freezing to frame.

 

[hunterjmj]

I just re-read this and agree with GSP. There must be voids in the insulation. Dry it, fill gaps with foam and seal joints with silicone. Still look at schematic and see as well as gasket.

 

[dingle]

I just re-read this and agree with GSP. There must be voids in the insulation. Dry it, fill gaps with foam and seal joints with silicone. Still look at schematic and see as well as gasket.

Yeah, you want to avoid water vapor going through freeze/thaw cycles within the assembly. Ambient air can carry enough water vapor to cause condensation problems. I'd find any cracks or gaps in the metal housing and insulation in the door itself, then seal and fill them however you can. A visual inspection should be enough detective work, but extra credit if you use a smoke bottle with a makeshift airsealed chamber (think garbage bag, tape and a fan) sealed around the door to find if/where air is moving through it.

Good news is it's the right time of year to temporarily pull the meat out of the freezer. Definitely a doable project to avoid buying a new freezer.

 

[Southern Heritage]

I have the same set up and I have the same problem. I emptied mine into my house deep freeze last weekend to in thaw it