A closed fridge keeps food cold for about four hours without power, and a closed freezer holds for at least 24 hours. Those are the NSW Food Authority's figures, and they depend on the doors staying shut. Once the power returns there are two separate questions: is the food safe, and has the appliance come back properly.
How long does food last in a fridge without power?
About four hours if the door stays closed. The NSW Food Authority's food safety in emergencies guidance says a closed fridge should keep food cold for around four hours, and that food meant to be in the fridge should be avoided if it has been allowed to warm for two hours or more.
- Note the time the power went off. It is the most useful fact when you decide what to keep.
- Keep the door shut. Every opening lets out cold air the fridge cannot replace.
- For an outage that will run past four hours, move milk, meat and other perishables into an esky with ice or gel packs.
- Throw out food that was being cooked when the power failed if cooking could not be finished properly within two hours.
How long does a freezer stay frozen without power?
At least 24 hours, provided the door has been kept shut, according to the same guidance. A full freezer holds cold longer than a half-empty one, because the frozen food keeps the other food cold.
The guidance is that frozen food which has thawed should not be refrozen. When in doubt about meat, seafood or dairy that has been warm, throw it out.
What should I check on the appliance when the power comes back?
Most fridges and freezers restart without help, but a few checks are worth doing.
- Listen for the compressor. A fridge usually restarts within several minutes. A short delay after power returns is normal, because the compressor has a protection delay before it will run again.
- Check the temperature after a few hours. The fridge should feel properly cold and the freezer should be hard frozen. A cheap fridge thermometer is the simplest way to check.
- Check the display or lights. A flashing display, an alarm or a changed setting can follow a power cut. Reset the temperature to where it was.
- Look for frost or water. A freezer that thawed and refroze can leave sheets of ice that block a drain or airflow path.
If the appliance is silent, the lights are dead, or it runs without getting cold, work out whether the problem is the appliance or the power supply. Plug a lamp into the same socket, and check the safety switch at the switchboard. A safety switch that has tripped will leave the fridge dead and looking faulty.
Can a power surge damage a fridge?
Yes. A surge when power returns, or a storm that strikes the lines, can damage the control board or the compressor start components. The signs are a fridge that no longer starts, one that clicks repeatedly without the compressor running, or a board that shows no display. These are repairable faults on most fridges, and the repair is quoted before any work starts.
Why does this matter on the coast?
Storms and wind knock out power around Shellharbour City and the Lake Illawarra suburbs more often than people expect, and a holiday house can sit without power for days before anyone arrives. A fridge left full in a weekender is a bigger problem than the outage itself, and appliances in a house that sits empty covers what to do before you lock up.
When should I book a repair?
Book if the fridge does not restart within a few hours of power returning, runs constantly without getting cold, or has a freezer that has refrozen into a block of ice. A fridge that runs without stopping is covered in fridge running constantly, which sets out the checks to make first.
If a fridge or freezer fails soon after purchase, consumer guarantees under Australian law apply on top of the manufacturer's warranty. The NSW Government guide to consumer guarantees explains the remedies. Whether an appliance is under warranty or not, our technicians are authorised for the major brands listed on our brands pages and carry genuine parts.
We cover Shellharbour City and the Lake Illawarra suburbs, domestic appliances only. The $125 fee is payable on every visit, and any repair is quoted before work starts. Book online or call 02 4229 3777 with the make, the model and what the fridge or freezer is doing.