Residential units with freezers cause trouble when there is a puncture in the inside or outside wall of the unit through which air penetrates the walls.
This becomes apparent when the owner notices a swelling in the side or back of the unit. What happens is that air, with moisture in it, penetrates inside through the puncture and condenses on the inside surface of the cold walls of the unit and develops a gradual ice buildup.
To remedy this problem, unplug the unit and place a very low output heater inside the cabinet with the door closed. This causes the ice to melt and gradually evaporate after about forty-eight hours. A heat gun (Fig. 63) or a regular hair drier may also be used to more quickly serve the same purpose. The puncture may then be sealed by brazing or by sealing it with the same epoxy used for repairing evaporators. Fiberglas kits (available from the supplier) can also be used. Make sure the unit is moved to a place away from the extreme cold and humid ambient air during this procedure.
