Refrigerator Defrost Problem Diagnostics

If your refrigerator has a defrost problem this page will help. Refrigerators have what are called evaporator coils and these coils are located inside the freezer. When the compressor runs, the evaporator coils become very cold (way below freezing). Also when the compressor is running there will be a fan that pulls air through the evaporator coils to cool down the freezer and the fresh food section. When this happens the moisture in the air will freeze and stick to the evaporator coils. Every so often, the refrigerator has to go through a defrost cycle to melt this ice that continues to build up on the coils from the moisture in the air. If the refrigerator has a defrost problem and will not melt the ice, it eventually builds up to the point that it blocks airflow. To begin with, it will seem like the freezer is ok but the fresh food section will start to fail. If the problem is not resolved the freezer will start to thaw as well. It can take up to a month to get to this point.