In a combined refrigerator, the cold is generally ventilated from the freezer part to the refrigerator part. The system is accompanied by an evaporator which then takes care of ridding the air of its humidity.
The ventilated cold makes it possible to obtain homogeneous temperatures in the refrigerator and to prevent the formation of frost. However, this system can accelerate the dehydration of food and cause your cold ventilated fridge to make ice or frost. This will require checking various components and finding the origin of the fault in your fridge:
- Check the door seal
- Check the interior lamp
- Examine the fan
- Test the defrost resistor
- Check thermal safety
- Test the temperature probe (sometimes called a thermostat).
This can help you solve your problem with a ventilated cold fridge that makes ice. Testing these different parts will also allow you to better understand how the creation of cold works in your household appliance, or even how to troubleshoot your household appliance yourself and solve your problem.
Having a refrigerator that generates frost can be a perplexing and frustrating problem. While some frost formation is normal in a freezer, if your fridge is making too much frost or it’s forming in the fridge compartment, that’s not usual and can lead to several issues. This article will delve into why your fridge might be producing frost and what you can do to fix it.
1. Door Seal is Damaged
A common reason for frost formation is a damaged or faulty door seal. The seal, also known as a gasket, keeps the cold air inside the fridge and the warm air out. If the seal is damaged, warm air can infiltrate into the refrigerator, leading to frost formation. Check the seal for any signs of damage like cracks, gaps, or areas where it may not be sealing correctly. If the seal is damaged, it will need to be replaced.
2. Door is Left Open
Leaving the refrigerator door open for extended periods can allow warm, moist air to enter, which can then freeze and create frost. Make sure to close the fridge door properly after use and check that it is not being left open unintentionally.
3. Fridge is Overfilled
An overfilled refrigerator can lead to frost formation. If the fridge is packed too tightly, the cold air can’t circulate correctly, leading to uneven cooling and frost buildup. Try to leave some space between items to allow for proper air circulation.
4. Temperature Settings are Incorrect
If the temperature in your fridge or freezer is set too low, it could cause unnecessary frost buildup. The fridge should be around 37-40 degrees Fahrenheit (3-4 degrees Celsius), while the freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 degrees Celsius). Check your fridge’s manual to see how to adjust the temperature settings if necessary.
5. Defrost System Failure
Modern fridges come with an automatic defrost system that melts any frost buildup. However, if this system fails, frost can start to accumulate. A defrost system failure can be due to a variety of issues, such as a faulty defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or defrost timer. These components require testing with a multimeter, which might be a task for a professional technician if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself.
6. Frequent Door Openings
Every time you open the fridge door, warm air enters, and when you close the door, this air cools down and loses its moisture, forming frost. Try to limit the number of times you open the fridge, especially during hot and humid days.
CHECK DEFROST RESISTOR
The defrost heater allows you to defrost and thaw any frost, it is present on some models, inside the refrigerator. This may be the cause of the power failure if it has an electrical leakage. Then you will need to check with a multimeter.
- Calibrate the multimeter for the ohmmeter function, then place a test lead on one of the resistor leads and the other test lead on a metal part of the device.
- The multimeter should show you 1 or OL. If you have a value, it means that the resistor under test has an insulation fault.
In conclusion, if your fridge is making frost, it’s crucial to identify the cause and resolve it promptly. Not only can excessive frost affect the efficiency and lifespan of your fridge, but it can also compromise food safety and quality. If you’re unsure or unable to resolve the issue yourself, it’s recommended to get help from a professional appliance repair technician.
