Things to Check

• Before calling for a repair service, check the basics to see if you can fix the problem yourself. Investigate your fuse box to see whether the fuse that feeds the freezer's electrical outlet has been tripped. If it's in the "off" position, switch it back to "on." Check the condition of your freezer's electrical cord and ensure that the plug is plugged in to the outlet. Check the temperature setting to make sure it hasn't been inadvertently turned to the incorrect level.
  
  

Before You Call for Repair

• Once you've determined that your broken freezer is beyond your scope of repair, it's time to look for outside assistance. Before you do, however, locate the paperwork for your chest freezer or refrigerator freezer. Hopefully you've stapled the receipt to the manual and can easily locate it to check your warranty. If your freezer is still under warranty, call the toll-free number that is on your paperwork and ask how to obtain repair service. If your freezer is out of its original warranty, check your paperwork to see whether you purchased additional coverage. If you purchased your freezer on a credit card that offers automatic extended warranty protection, it's possible your freezer is covered that way. Read the fine print or call the issuing company.
  
  

Hiring a Repair Person

• Many people cringe when they have to hire a repair person. While repairs can be expensive, it makes the process easier when you have a professional that you trust. When you don't have someone, start from scratch. Ask a friend or relative whether he has a company he can recommend who's done work for him in the past. Check the company's current Better Business Bureau rating online before calling it for a service call. Alternatively, call the manufacturer of your freezer, and ask for a recommendation for an authorized repair person.
  
  

Preserving Your Food

• When your freezer truly is broken and you have the repairman on the way, it's crucial that you preserve your food in a safe manner. Most importantly, keep your freezer door closed. A full freezer of frozen food can stay frozen for approximately 24 to 48 hours. If you cannot obtain a repair for your freezer in the first 12 hours, purchase dry ice and preserve your food by filling your freezer with it to be on the safe side. Never refreeze food that has thawed out.