Answers to frequently asked questions about Freezers
(Borrowed from repairclinic.com)

Freezer burn is the result of food being exposed to the air in the freezer. The exposure causes dehydration. Because the wrappings used by supermarkets don't usually prevent dehydration, it is wise to re-wrap foods in airtight containers or wraps specifically meant for freezer use. (Although
freezer-burned food is safe for consumption, it is often tasteless and/or tough).

If your freezer is not a self-defrosting model, frost will build up on the interior. When the frost is ½" to 1" thick, you need to manually defrost it.

The recommended freezer temperature is between 0° and 8° Fahrenheit. Keep in mind that when you first turn the freezer on, or load it with a lot of food, it may take up to 24 hours for the freezer to reach the optimal temperature.

If you have self-defrosting freezer you should occasionally clean the condenser coils. If your freezer isn't a self-defrosting model, you will have to defrost it regularly. You can wait until the frost build up is about 1/2 - 1" thick.

The fuller the freezer, the better! You should keep the freezer at least half full, which helps the freezer maintain a constant temperature.

If your freezer is not self defrosting, you will have to manually defrost it when the frost inside reaches 1/2" to 1" thick. Follow these steps to safely and easily accomplish this task:

Empty the contents of the freezer and keep everything in coolers or wrapped securely in insulated blankets.
Either unplug the freezer, or turn the temperature to the warmest setting.
When all the frost has melted, clean and dry the inside of the freezer and the gaskets.
Turn the temperature back to the proper setting or plug the freezer back in.
When the freezer has returned to the proper temperature, (between 0° and 8° Fahrenheit), restock the freezer.

The condensing coils and cooling fan under self-defrosting freezers need to be cleaned
at least once a year. (The coils probably resemble a grate or wide radiator). After unplugging the freezer, use a brush to remove any lint, pet hair, or dirt from the coils. Refrigerator Condenser Brushes can be purchased from your local appliance store, and many vacuums now offer attachments for this purpose as well. After cleaning the coils, plug the freezer back in.

Every 8 to 12 hours, self defrosting freezers heat up their cooling coils and melt any frost that has accumulated. The water drains into a shallow pan at the bottom of the freezer called a drip pan.

The pan is designed so that the water will evaporate, so you don't have to worry about emptying it. However, the pan may begin to smell unpleasant after a while. Many models allow you
to remove the pan by detaching the lower grill and sliding the pan out the front of the freezer. Clean the pan with a mild detergent and replace. (If mold grows in the drain pain, it could be considered to be a health problem. If you're sensitive to mold, and the drip pan is removable, cleaning the drain pan periodically is recommended).

If your freezer develops odors, the first thing to do is clean the interior and the gaskets with a mild detergent. If the odor persists, try placing an open box of baking soda or a freezer/refrigerator deodorizer available at many appliance stores.