What Is Wrong with a Refrigerator That Freezes Up in the Back of the Freezer?

Automatic Defrosting Freezers

• Frost-free freezers are designed with a mechanism to remove frost buildup automatically, eliminating the need for the homeowner to do so manually. The presence of frost on the evaporator coil, which is often in the back of the freezer, could be a sign that the system has failed. Sometimes the timer or another part of the system malfunctions, which may only be a temporary problem but can affect the freezer's cooling capabilities by preventing the coil's function. To fix this problem, you will need to manually defrost the freezer by unplugging the freezer and letting the ice melt.

Manual Freezers

• Manual-defrost freezers do not have a defrost function and are apt to create frost buildup from time to time. Usually such freezers require manual defrosting about once a year. This should be accomplished when a significant portion of the freezer is frozen to a thickness of ¼ inch. The back of the freezer as well as the side walls may see a buildup of frost. It's important to thaw these freezers to keep them running efficiently.

Causes of Excess Frost

• It might be surprising to suddenly find a layer of ice or frost on parts of your freezer, but the cause may be simple. Poor seals on door gaskets, or leaving the door open for too long, can allow the entrance of warm, humid air. Other signs of this problem include condensation on other parts of the interior. Check the seals of your freezer door to make sure they are adequate, in order to avoid this problem.

Solution

• Maintain and care for your freezer to prevent it from freezing over. Periodically defrost your manual freezer to remove excess ice and frost and keep the cooling mechanisms running well. If you have an automatic defrosting freezer, you may still need to manually defrost it if it is frozen over in parts. Simply unplug the freezer, remove the items, store them in an ice chest or cardboard box, and let the freezer thaw out naturally. If it is still freezing improperly, professional assistance may be necessary.