The Surprising Reason Your Refrigerator Might Not Be Defrosting

When you open your refrigerator door and find a layer of frost coating your favorite foods, it can be frustrating and confusing. After all, refrigerators are supposed to keep our food cold and fresh, not frozen and damaged. One of the most common problems that refrigerator owners encounter is a defrosting issue. If you’re one of these unlucky individuals, don’t worry. In this article, we will explain why your refrigerator may not be defrosting, and how to fix it.

What is a Defrosting Issue?

First, let’s define what a defrosting issue is. In a traditional refrigerator, there is a coil in the freezer that freezes the air before distributing it to the rest of the appliance. This coil also collects moisture from the air, which then turns into ice. Usually, the refrigerator will go through a defrost cycle, melting this ice and draining the water through a tube into the drain pan at the bottom of the appliance. However, if the defrost cycle does not occur, the ice builds up, which can lead to a host of problems.

Common Causes

Now that we understand what a defrosting issue is, let’s explore some common causes for this problem to occur.

1. Faulty Defrost Timer

The defrost timer is responsible for activating the defrost cycle at regular intervals. If the timer is faulty, it can cause the defrost cycle to not occur, leading to an ice buildup in the freezer. This is a relatively easy fix, as the timer can be replaced without too much trouble.

2. Defective Defrost Heater

The defrost heater is responsible for melting the ice on the coil during the defrost cycle. If the heater is defective, the ice will not melt, and the cycle will not occur. This can be more challenging to diagnose, but a multimeter can be used to test the heater’s continuity. If it is defective, it will need to be replaced.

3. Malfunctioning Defrost Thermostat

The defrost thermostat is a safety device that monitors the temperature of the fridge and freezer. If it senses that the temperature is too low, it will signal the defrost cycle to begin. If the thermostat is malfunctioning, it may not send the signal, causing the ice to build up. Like the defrost heater, a multimeter can be used to test the thermostat’s continuity before replacing it.

What You Can Do

If you are experiencing a defrosting issue with your refrigerator, there are a few steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the problem. First, check the defrost timer, heater, and thermostat for any signs of wear or malfunction. If any of these components are faulty, they can be replaced. You can also try manually defrosting the unit by unplugging it and removing the contents of the freezer until the ice melts.

If these solutions do not work, it may be time to call in a professional technician. They will be able to properly diagnose and repair the issue and get your refrigerator back to working order.

Conclusion

In conclusion, a defrosting issue can be a frustrating and inconvenient problem to deal with. However, with a basic understanding of the common causes and possible solutions, it can be fixed with relative ease. Remember to regularly clean and maintain your refrigerator to prevent any future defrosting issues. And for more information on refrigerator troubleshooting, check out whyisexplained.com for helpful articles and tips.

References:

• https://www.fix.com/blog/refrigerator-frosting-up/
• https://www.servicecare.net/blog/why-is-my-fridge-not-defrosting/
• https://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/threads/30407-Refrigerator-Not-Defrosting-Repair-Guide