A refrigerator that won’t defrost can lead to frost buildup and cause the appliance to work harder than necessary, ultimately affecting its efficiency and lifespan. If you’re noticing excessive frost or ice accumulation in your fridge or freezer, it’s crucial to address the issue before it worsens.
Common Causes of a Refrigerator Not Defrosting
- Faulty Defrost Timer
The defrost timer controls the defrost cycle by periodically turning off the compressor to allow the evaporator coils to defrost. If the timer is faulty, the refrigerator may not enter the defrost cycle, leading to frost buildup. - Broken Defrost Heater
The defrost heater melts away the frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils. If the heater is broken, frost will continue to accumulate, preventing the fridge from functioning correctly. - Defective Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. If it’s defective, the defrost heater may not turn on, resulting in frost buildup. - Clogged Defrost Drain
A clogged defrost drain can prevent water from properly draining during the defrost cycle. This leads to frost and ice buildup that may interfere with the refrigerator’s cooling system.
How to Fix a Fridge That Won’t Defrost
- Test the Defrost Timer
Locate the defrost timer and manually advance it to see if the defrost cycle starts. If the timer is not working properly, it will need to be replaced. - Check the Defrost Heater
Use a multimeter to test the defrost heater for continuity. If the heater is defective, replacing it should resolve the issue. - Replace the Defrost Thermostat
If the defrost thermostat is not functioning correctly, it won’t signal the defrost heater to turn on. Replacing the defective thermostat will allow the defrost cycle to resume. - Clear the Defrost Drain
Clear any blockages from the defrost drain to ensure proper water flow during the defrost cycle. This will help prevent ice buildup in the future.
Conclusion
A refrigerator that doesn’t defrost can lead to major efficiency issues and increased energy consumption. By troubleshooting the defrost components, such as the timer, heater, and thermostat, you can often fix the problem yourself. For more complex issues, it’s best to call a professional for fridge repair. At Red River Appliance Service, we specialize in refrigerator repair in Winnipeg, ensuring that your appliance operates efficiently and remains frost-free. Our technicians are always ready to provide expert repair services when you need them most.