
Often the defrost thermostat can be found on the evaporator behind the back wall of the refrigerator. If there is ice building up in the refrigerator, this can be caused by a defrost thermostat that has gone bad. In some cases, when it goes bad, the evaporator will be covered in ice.
Why is my fridge frozen at the back?
Home » Appliance FAQ’s » Why is My Fridge Frozen at the Back? There are many ways in which a fridge can become frozen. You may have ice forming on the back wall or floor of your fridge, you could have ice forming at the rear of the crisper shelf assembly, or have ice forming behind the doors of the refrigerator.
Why is ice forming on the inside of my Refrigerator?
If you see ice starting to form on the inside of the fridge, though, that's an indicator that something might be wrong. The normal moisture is starting to freeze, which can lead to temperature control problems inside the unit.
Is it normal to have ice on the wall of fridge?
What's not normal in most modern refrigerators is ice buildup outside of the freezer unit. If you have a huge chunk of ice forming on the wall of your fridge, you’re going to want to take immediate steps to remove it. This May Also Interest You: Common Refrigerator Problems and How to Fix Them
Why is there ice on the bottom of my Samsung freezer?
Your Samsung freezer may start forming a sheet of ice in the bottom due to warm humid air finding its way inside the freezer and interacting with cold air, resulting in condensation. The warm humid air inside the freeze is mostly a result of broken door seals and lack of ventilation in your freezer.

How do I stop my fridge from freezing on the back?
Stop a refrigerator from freezing food using these methods:Change the temperature gauge.Arrange the food more efficiently.Adjust the freezer's temperature.Ensure the door magnets still work.Clean the refrigerator coils.Replace the thermostat.Inspect the freezer damper.Check the control boards.More items...
How do I fix ice build up in my refrigerator?
7:3611:10Ice Buildup in Refrigerator Compartment - Top 7 ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if it's iced up you'll have to either leave the unit unplug to defrost or pour hot water downMoreBut if it's iced up you'll have to either leave the unit unplug to defrost or pour hot water down the drain to clear it.
What number should fridge be at?
It should be set between 37°F and 40°F—the ideal refrigerator temperature to keep food fresh and cold but not frozen. If you have a numbered dial setting instead of a temperature reading, the highest number is the coldest (usually 5).
Is ice in fridge bad?
The first thing to mention is that water or a layer of ice on the rear interior wall of a fridge is not unusual – in fact, water formation on a fridge's back wall is a completely normal physical process. Water will always condense and collect at the coldest point because cold air can hold less moisture than warm air.
How do I stop my freezer from icing up?
How to Prevent Ice Buildup in Your FreezerTip 1 – Use a Freezer Frost Remover Spray. ... Tip 2 – Open Your Freezer Less Often. ... Tip 3 – Make Sure the Freezer Gasket is Airtight. ... Tip 4 – Clean the Gasket. ... Tip 5 – Don't Overload Your Freezer. ... Tip 6 – Cool Your Food Down. ... Tip 7 – Set the Right Temperature.More items...•
How do I get rid of ice build up in my freezer?
Let the freezer stand open for 2-4 hours. To speed up the process, you can put hot water in a spray bottle and spray it onto the ice. Then, mop it up with a towel. Alternatively, you can use a hair dryer to blow hot air into the freezer to melt the ice.
Why is my freezer getting ice build up?
A worn or damaged gasket (the door seal) will allow warm air in and cold air to escape, contributing to freezer frost. Hot food placed in the freezer can also produce humidity, which causes frost buildup. Other sources include malfunctioning defrost timers, heaters and thermostats, according to GE.
Why is there standing water in the bottom of my refrigerator under crisper drawers?
The most common reason for standing water in your refrigerator is because there is something wrong with the defrost drain tube. When the defrost runs, it melts excess frost off the evaporator so it doesn't build up.
Potential Causes for Refrigerators That Are Frozen in the Back
There are many potential reasons that a fridge can be frozen at the back. They include:
How to Fix the Issue
The first thing to do is to get rid of any obstructions that are preventing the door from sealing properly. Verify that your fridge is closing completely and that it’s staying closed. Then check the set temperature.
Why does my fridge keep ice?
Sometimes, these are one-off or temporary causes, like climate issues or the way you’ve filled the fridge. Ice may build up if you've been opening and closing the door more than normal.
How to keep ice build up in fridge?
Here are some things you can do whether you have a full-size unit or a minifridge with ice buildup: Keep the doors closed as much as possible. You let warm, moist air into the fridge every time you open the door. This can increase condensation and may make your fridge work harder.
Why is the back of my fridge covered in moisture?
Have you ever opened your fridge and wondered why the back wall is covered in a sheen of moisture? That's condensation , which is completely normal and generally harmless. What's not normal in most modern refrigerators is ice buildup outside of the freezer unit. If you have a huge chunk of ice forming on the wall of your fridge, you’re going to want to take immediate steps to remove it.
How to keep fridge from getting condensation?
This can increase condensation and may make your fridge work harder. Ensure your fridge is level so the doors stay closed. Check the hinges and gaskets. Order replacement parts if necessary to ensure the doors can shut firmly and stay sealed. Let hot dishes cool before you store them to reduce moisture in the fridge.
How to defrost a fridge?
Here are the basic steps for manually defrosting your fridge: 1. Take everything out of the fridge and freezer, then transfer it to another unit.
How to keep fridge from running out of water?
4. Put drip pans or towels under the front of the fridge to catch the water that will eventually run out. 5. Let the unit defrost completely (this can take a full 24 hours), then dry interior areas with a clean towel. 6. Plug the unit back in and make sure everything's working well.
Why does my fridge have moisture?
That's because cold air holds less moisture than warm air. The colder the air is, the more moisture is pulled out of it. That moisture then settles on the surfaces of your fridge.
Why does my refrigerator have ice?
A very common cause of ice buildup in refrigerators and freezers is a blocked defroster drain.
Why does my fridge freeze?
The air inside the refrigerator has some water vapor in it, which freezes when it contacts the chiller element — which actually forms the walls of your “little top freezer”, if your mini-fridge is like most of the ones I’ve seen. Every time you open the door, you introduce more humidity, which accumulates along with whatever moisture may be evaporating from un-sealed foods in the fridge. Over a period of weeks, that frost builds up to a substantial thickness.
What happens when a freezer coil is covered in ice?
In normal operation, the freezer coils will become covered in ice which insulates them and decreases their efficiency. Periodically, a small heater will melt the ice from the coils, and the water falls into a drain which leads to a pan under the refrigerator where it can evaporate.
Why is it important to keep the fridge full?
Keeping the fridge full (but not overfull) also helps. It reduces the amount of moisture laden air that can enter each time the fridge is opened. We keep water bottles handy that can replace other items as they are removed. This also helps keep a more stable temperature in the refrigeration compartment and reduces cycling thus extending the life of the compressor.
How does water form in a freezer?
Each time you open the door, you allow more water vapour into the freezer. If you accidentally leave the door open a crack, you can quickly fill the freezer with ice that froze out of the air (deposited). If the outside air is humid (higher pressure of water vapour) then the rate at which ice can accumulate will be higher than if the water pressure is low.
What happens if a fridge door seal is leaking?
A leaky door seal will allow a lot of moisture into the cabinet, check the bottom of the fridge door, is the seal broken or sagging, this will let cold air out onto the floor. The replacement air coming in will carry moisture into the cabinet, this will form into ice.
How to fix a freezer that has ice?
You need to remove the (inside) back panel of the freezer, and then melt out the accumulated ice by pouring boiling water on it. Have lots of towels ready.
Why does my refrigerator have ice?
If none of the parts mentioned above need to be replaced, the door gaskets may be causing ice to build up in the refrigerator. This is a part used to seal the refrigerator doors and will usually have one flat and magnetic side while the other side has a rib so it mounts properly to the refrigerator door. If the door is closed, the gasket will seal to keep cold air from leaving and warm air from coming in.
What part of the refrigerator is responsible for melting ice?
If everything looks good so far, the next component to check is the defrost heater when your refrigerator has ice buildup. This part is responsible for melting ice when it begins to build up on the evaporator. There are a wide variety of styles of defrost heaters but all of them do the same job of melting ice to keep the refrigerator cooling the appropriate amount.
How to check if a refrigerator is defrosting?
This will require the refrigerator to be turned on. Find the heater behind the back wall of the refrigerator and then check it for heat after a few minutes . If there is none, the defrost timer will need to be replaced.
What is a defrost temperature sensor?
If everything seems to be working well so far, the next thing to consider is the defrost temperature sensor. It is tasked with giving the temperature near the evaporator to the control board. The sensors are made up of white plastic and look like bulbs. They can indicate what the temperature is when the defrost cycle is happening. Defrost temperature sensors also turn off the power to the heater if the refrigerator is overly warm.
How to check if a defrost timer is working?
Testing whether the defrost timer is working can be done in two different ways. The first involves making a mark on the timer shaft, waiting for some time, and then coming back to see if the mark has moved. If it’s in a new place, the timer is working as it should be. If it’s not, the part will need to be replaced as the motor or gears have failed.
Why does my refrigerator run too long?
The door gaskets mount to the door along the outer edge and your refrigerator might run too long or not long enough if they are deformed or dirty. If this is the case, it can make the compressor run too long or not long enough, which will affect the temperature of the refrigerator. This can lead to ice or a refrigerator that is too warm.
Where is the defrost timer on a refrigerator?
Older refrigerators may have the defrost timer located behind the kick panel at the bottom of the fridge. Most other refrigerators will be found in the control panel area. If the defrost timer isn’t working the way it is supposed to be, ice can start to buildup in the refrigerator. The evaporator can also become covered in ice and make it harder for cold air to circulate in the refrigerator.
Why does my fridge keep ice?
If your fridge or freezer door are prone to sitting open, or if they swing wide open while you’re moving food in and out, this easily can raise the humidity levels inside your appliance, causing ice to build up. Ask another person to help you pull the fridge out about 1 ft (0.30 m) from the wall.
How to keep ice from building up in fridge?
There are a couple of things you can do to prevent ice from building up in your fridge. Keep your refrigerator set to a temperature of 37 to 40 °F (3 to 4 °C) and set your freezer to 0 °F (−18 °C). Make sure your fridge door is sealed closed and only open it whenever you plan to get something out of it so you don't increase the humidity levels in the fridge. You can also make sure that bulky food items are away from the cold air source so they don't block it and form ice .
How to fix a freezer door that is wobbly?
If you notice that the door or the screws on the hinges are wobbly, use a screwdriver to tighten the screws by turning them clockwise. Keep tightening them until they don’t spin around anymore.
How to clean a fridge door that won't close?
Working on 1 door at a time, use a damp cleaning cloth and mild dish soap to quickly scrub the inside of the seal. Clean off the frame of the fridge opening, as well, to ensure that the seal can sit flush against it. Use a dry towel to wipe off any remaining moisture and then shut the door.
What temperature should a refrigerator be set at?
Keep your refrigerator set at 37 to 40 °F (3 to 4 °C) and your freezer at 0 °F (−18 °C). Adjust the dials inside your appliance so that each section stays consistently at these temperatures. This way, your food will be stored safely and you won’t encourage any excess ice buildup in your refrigerator. Avoid setting your fridge to any colder settings as you might encourage frost. [13]
Why does my refrigerator get wet?
Refrigerators can get wet and build up condensation when the warm outside air mixes with the cold air in your refrigerator. If there's a leak in the door seal or if the door is opened constantly, the humidity of the outside air can cause the inside of the fridge to be wet.
How to melt ice in fridge?
I would recommend unplugging your fridge for a while and allowing the ice to melt naturally. You can also use hot water to help melt the ice.
How long does it take to install a blanket on an ice room?
You also rebuild the ice room with all new gaskets. The kit ships directly to the homeowner and will take you about 1.5hrs to install everything
Does Frigidaire have a new condenser cover?
It seems the Frigidaire/Electrolux have made a new cover to replace the old one on the condenser.
