Freezer exterior side walls feel very hot to the touch, especially near the door frame.

Safety first: Unplug the freezer before cleaning the condenser. Surfaces may be hot; avoid burns.

Step-by-step checks:

• 1. Check installation clearance: Ensure there is sufficient space around the freezer as specified in the manual (typically several centimeters on each side and at the back).
• 2. Clean condenser (if external): For models with a rear condenser, remove the panel and clean dust from the coil.
• 3. Ambient temperature: Verify that the room temperature is within the specified operating range. Very hot rooms will cause hotter cabinet sides.
• 4. Monitor performance: If cooling is normal and no alarms are present, warm cabinet sides may be normal operation.

When to call a technician: If the sides are extremely hot and cooling is poor, a technician should check the sealed system and condenser performance.