freezer doesn't stay cold---sizzling noise

[Matt]

I have a Philco No-Frost side-by-side refrigerator/freezer bought in 1970.

The freezer does not stay cold enough. I am using a freezer alarm that goes off when the temperature gets above 15 deg F:

can't get the freezer to stay below 15 degrees for more than a few hours. I wrapped the alarm sensor in foam and put it at the bottom of the freezer, consistent with the instructions.

With the freezer door open, sometimes I notice a boiling or sizzling sound just like the sound of water dripping into a hot skillet or onto a hot stove. Is it supposed to make that noise?

[Tony Hwang]

Hi, Make sure fan and defroster heater is working normal. Tony

[Matt]

Thanks.

The freezer fan turns sometimes anyway.

I don't know how to check the defroster heater. The freezer does not have any frost buildup. Does that mean the heater works?

Matt

[Chris Hill]

If it is really that old, quit wasting time and electricity on it. Even a new 10-year-old unit will likely use much less energy.