Ice Built-Up on Refrigerator Evaporator or Freezer

Ice build-up in the freezer or on the refrigerator evaporator is a common issue that can significantly affect the performance of your appliance. Not only does it reduce the efficiency of your fridge, but it can also lead to issues like improper cooling, increased energy consumption, and food spoilage. At Assure Services, we have the expertise to diagnose and resolve these ice build-up problems, ensuring your refrigerator or freezer works at its best.

Our Recent Project: Ice Build-Up in Freezer and Evaporator

A recent client called us when they noticed excessive ice buildup in their freezer, which was also impacting the fridge section. The freezer had become overfilled with ice, and the refrigerator was no longer cooling properly. Our technicians quickly identified the root cause and took immediate action.

What We Did:

  • Diagnosis & Inspection: After a thorough inspection, we found that the evaporator coils were covered in thick ice. This ice build-up was blocking proper airflow, causing temperature fluctuations in the fridge and freezer. The issue was linked to a malfunctioning defrost system, which was preventing the coils from defrosting properly.

  • Defrost System Repair: We checked the components of the defrost system, including the defrost timer, heating element, and defrost thermostat. The defrost heater had failed, which was why ice had built up on the evaporator coils. We replaced the defective heating element with a new one, restoring the system’s ability to melt any ice build-up.

  • Clearing the Ice Build-Up: We manually defrosted the freezer and evaporator coils, carefully removing all excess ice that had accumulated. This ensured that proper airflow was restored to both the refrigerator and freezer compartments.

  • System Test & Calibration: After the repair, we ran a full cooling cycle, ensuring that the refrigerator and freezer maintained stable temperatures. We also tested the defrost system to verify it was now operating as intended, preventing future ice build-ups.

Outcome:
The customer was relieved to see the ice problem resolved, with their freezer and refrigerator running at optimal temperatures once again. The defrost system now functions correctly, preventing any future ice build-up and improving overall efficiency.

Why Ice Build-Up Happens & Why You Should Fix It:

  • Faulty Defrost System: If the defrost timer, heating element, or thermostat malfunctions, ice can accumulate on the evaporator coils, causing cooling problems.
  • Blocked Vents or Fans: A build-up of ice can block vents and disrupt air circulation, leading to uneven cooling and temperature inconsistencies.
  • Increased Energy Usage: When ice builds up, the fridge has to work harder to maintain the correct temperature, leading to higher energy consumption.
  • Potential Long-Term Damage: If left unaddressed, excessive ice build-up can cause damage to other components of the refrigerator, leading to more costly repairs.

If you notice ice building up in your freezer or on your evaporator coils, it’s important to address the issue promptly. Contact Assure Services for a professional inspection and repair to restore your refrigerator or freezer to full efficiency and extend its lifespan.