Fridges and freezers are essential appliances in both homes and commercial kitchens, helping keep food fresh and safe. While most people understand its basic purpose, the importance of its door seals is often overlooked. These seals play a big role in keeping the fridge running efficiently. If they’re not working properly, it can lead to higher energy bills and spoiled food.
In this blog, we’ll explain why fridge freezer door seals matter, what happens when they fail, and how to spot the signs that it’s time to replace them.
Why Fridge Freezer Seals Are Important
The rubber seals around your fridge and freezer doors might not seem like a big deal, but they play a key role in how well your appliance works and how long it lasts. Here’s how:
1. Helping Save Energy by Keeping Cold Air In
Fridges and freezers work by keeping the inside colder than the room around them. This takes energy, and the door seals are what stop cold air from leaking out and warm air from getting in. If a seal is damaged or worn out, the cold air escapes more easily, and the fridge has to work harder to stay cool. That means the compressor, the part that powers the cooling, runs more often and uses more electricity, which leads to higher energy bills.
2. Keeping Temperatures Steady & Protecting Your Food
Another key function of good seals is that they also help keep the inside temperature consistent. This is important because even small changes in temperature can cause food to spoil faster. If warm air sneaks in through a faulty seal, it can lead to uneven cooling.
That makes it easier for bacteria to grow and can cause food to go off sooner than expected, even before the expiry date. So, a bad seal doesn’t just waste energy; it can also lead to food and money waste and potential health risks.
3. Reducing Wear and Tear on The Compressor
When a seal is old or damaged, the compressor has to work harder to keep things cool. Over time, this puts extra strain on the fridge’s internal parts, which can lead to breakdowns or shorten the appliance’s lifespan. Replacing worn-out seals is a simple way to reduce that strain, helping your fridge last longer and saving you money on repairs or spare parts.
Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Fridge Freezer Seal
Spotting the signs of a worn-out fridge or freezer seal early on can help you keep your appliance running efficiently and avoid the problems mentioned above. By regularly checking your fridge, you can identify these warning signals before they turn into bigger (and more expensive) problems.
1. Visual Wear and Tear
Take a look at the rubber or silicone seal around the door. If you spot cracks, splits, or parts that look misshapen or brittle, the seal may no longer be working properly. Even small tears can let cold air out and warm air in, reducing the efficiency of your appliance. If your door won’t stay shut or you can see gaps, it’s time to consider a replacement.
2. Condensation Build-Up
Condensation around the door or excessive frost inside, especially in frost-free models, could mean the seal is letting in warm, humid air. This warmer air reacts with the cold inside the appliance, causing moisture or ice to form where it shouldn’t. If your frost-free freezer is icing up or you’re wiping away moisture regularly, the seal could be the problem.
3. Door Not Closing Properly
If the door feels harder to close than usual or pops back open slightly, a worn or warped seal might be getting in the way. A loose, stiff, or misaligned seal can prevent the door from closing properly. The seal should help the door close tightly, so if you have to push it closed or use a workaround to keep it shut, it’s worth checking and investigating the possible causes for the malfunctioning refrigerator door seal.
4. Rising Electricity Bills
A failing seal makes your fridge work harder to stay cool, which uses more electricity. If your energy bills are going up and you haven’t changed your usage to appliances, your fridge or freezer might be to blame. It’s a good idea to check the seals if your bills suddenly spike without explanation.
5. Your Frost-Free Fridge Is Icing Up
If your frost-free fridge or freezer is developing ice, especially on the evaporator coil or inside the compartment, humid air is likely getting in through a bad seal. This extra moisture overwhelms the defrost system and leads to ice build-up. For non-frost-free models, an increase in ice compared to normal use is also a red flag.
6. You Keep Having to Mop Up Puddles
Finding water on the floor around your fridge or freezer can be another clue. A faulty seal can cause extra condensation inside, which eventually drips down and pools on the floor. Excessive ice that melts can also create puddles. If you’re finding yourself mopping up often, it could be time to replace your fridge seal.
Can You Replace the Seal on a Fridge Freezer?
Yes, you can, and in many cases, it’s easier than you might think. For most fridge and freezer models, replacing the door seal (also called a gasket) is quick and simple. Some replacements can be done in just a few minutes, making it an easy fix for both homeowners and businesses. You don’t believe us? Watch this video to replace a fridge seal in less than 5 minutes!
Before you get started, it’s important to note that there are two main types of fridge seals, each with its own fitting method.
1. Dart Seals
Dart profile seals have an arrowhead-shaped edge that fits into a slot. They can typically be removed by simply pulling them out, and the new seal is pressed directly into the channel.
2. Flap/Compression/Lip Seals
Flap profile seals are secured by unscrewing a large inner plate on the door. Once the plate is removed, the seal can be taken off and then replaced by fitting the new seal around the plate, which is then resecured.
Here’s a quick overview and step-by-step guide on how to do it for both types.
For Replacing Dart Profile Seals
Before diving into the detailed steps below, watch our video guide on replacing a dart type seal to see the process in action.
Step-by-Step Installation:
- Preparation:
- Unpack the new seal and lay it flat at room temperature for several hours to help relax the material.
- Removing the Old Seal:
- Carefully pull the old dart seal out of its channel, starting from one of the corners and working around the entire perimeter.
- Cleaning the Channel:
-
-
- Use a mild detergent (like washing-up liquid) with a clean cloth to clean the channel thoroughly. Dry the area completely to ensure proper adhesion of the new seal.
-
- Installing the New Seal:
-
-
- Start with the Top Corners: Begin by securing the top two corners of the new gasket.
- Top Width: Next, secure the top width by pressing firmly along the edge between these top corners.
- Then, the Bottom Corners: After that, secure the bottom two corners.
- Bottom Width: Secure the bottom width by pressing along the edge between these bottom corners.
- Work the Sides: Finally, work your way up the height of the seal to around the centre, then work your way down from the top to the centre. This step-by-step method prevents overstretching (potentially up to about 10mm) since the seal is very stretchy.
-
- Check the Fit:
-
- Close the door and verify that the new seal is snug, wrinkle-free and makes continuous, even contact with the appliance frame. Adjust by gently pressing any sections that appear loose.
For Replacing Flap Profile Seals
For a visual walkthrough, watch our video guide on replacing a flap/compression/lip seal before following the step-by-step instructions below.
- Preparation:
- Unpack and lay the new seal flat for a few hours at room temperature.
- Loosen the Inner Plate:
- Locate the screws that hold the door’s inner plate in place and loosen them (do not remove completely).
- Remove the Old Seal:
- Carefully pull the old seal away from behind the plate.
- Clean the Area:
- Wipe the channel and surrounding area with a diluted detergent solution and dry thoroughly.
- Fit the New Seal:
- Position the new seal behind the plate, ensuring it lines up evenly around the door.
- Re-secure the inner plate by tightening the screws.
- Verify the Seal:
- Close the door to check that the new seal sits flush against the frame, ensuring a proper fit.
Is It Worth Replacing a Fridge Seal?
Replacing a worn-out fridge or freezer seal is a smart and cost-effective choice. It helps lower energy bills by stopping cold air from escaping and reduces strain on the compressor, which helps maintain a healthy fridge and can extend the life of your appliance. A well-sealed fridge also keeps a stable temperature, protecting your food from spoiling too soon and helping reduce waste.
Considering the low cost of these fridge and freezer spare parts, the long-term savings, from lower energy use to fewer repairs and less food waste, make it a worthwhile investment.
How Often Should You Replace Fridge Freezer Seals?
Fridge and freezer seals naturally wear out over time, and as they do, they become less effective at keeping cold air in and warm air out. How often you should replace them depends on the usage.
Commercial Kitchens
In busy commercial kitchen settings, fridge and freezer doors are opened constantly throughout the day. This frequent use causes seals to wear out faster. To maintain energy efficiency and hygiene standards, it’s recommended to replace seals once a year or as soon as you spot any damage. Planning replacements during quieter periods can help reduce disruption to your business.
Domestic Fridges
At home, fridge freezer seals generally last longer, often 3 to 5 years. That said, it’s important to check them regularly for cracks, stiffness, or leaks. If you notice any signs of damage, it’s best to replace the seal right away, even if it hasn’t been that long. Regular checks help keep your fridge running efficiently and your food fresh.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Fridge or Freezer Seal?
The cost of replacing a fridge or freezer seal can vary depending on the brand, model, and type of seal you need.
Branded & Stock Seals
For branded fridge and freezer models, replacement seals are often easy to find and affordable. These typically cost between £20 and £60, and are available through appliance parts retailers or directly from manufacturers.
Keep in mind that prices can vary slightly depending on the brand and supplier.
Non-Stock & Custom Seals
If you have an older or less common appliance, you may need a custom-made seal. These usually range from £40 to £140, depending on the size and specific requirements. While they’re a bit more expensive, custom seals offer a perfect fit and are ideal for unique refrigeration setups.
Explore our bespoke options here.
Despite our competitive pricing, you can be assured of high-quality, cost-effective solutions tailored to your refrigeration needs.
To get an accurate quote for a custom seal, you’ll need to properly measure your existing gasket. This video shows you how.
How to Extend the Life of Your Fridge Freezer Seal
Taking a few simple steps to look after your fridge and freezer seals can go a long way in keeping them effective and lasting longer.
Clean Seals Regularly
Dirt, food bits, and spills can build up on the seals and stop them from closing properly. Over time, this can also damage the material. Clean your fridge and freezer seals often using warm soapy water or a mix of vinegar and water. This quick routine can help your seals stay in good condition for longer.
Avoid Slamming the Door
Slamming the fridge or freezer door can put stress on the seals, causing them to warp, tear, or loosen over time. Try to close the doors gently. A small habit can make a big difference in preventing damage.
Check Seals for Early Signs of Wear
Take a few moments every now and then to inspect your seals. Look for cracks, stiffness, or sections that don’t sit properly.
Final Thoughts
Fridge freezer seals may seem like a small detail, but they are essential in keeping your appliance efficient and keeping your food fresh. The good news? Replacing a faulty seal is usually quick, easy, and affordable. And with a little regular maintenance, you can keep your seals in top shape and avoid unnecessary expenses.
Find the right high-quality replacement seal today. Use our Identify, Measure & Replace tool to get started, or contact our expert team for advice.