Freezer Frost Buildup
Frost on the food and walls usually means warm air is getting in through the door. A thick sheet of frost on the back panel usually means the defrost system has failed.
Common causes
- Door gasket. Torn, folded or dirty, so humid air gets in.
- Door left ajar. A drawer or bag keeps it from closing.
- Defrost heater. Burns out, and the coil frosts over.
- Defrost thermostat or control. Never tells the heater to come on.
- Clogged defrost drain. Water refreezes in the bottom of the freezer.
Checks you can do safely
Turn off power (and water or gas where it applies) before you reach inside any appliance.
- Close a dollar bill in the door. If it slides out easily, the seal is weak there.
- Clean the gasket with warm soapy water.
- Make sure nothing is stopping the door from shutting.
- Look at the back panel. Frost across the whole panel points to defrost parts.
When to call us
Call if the back panel frosts over, if the fridge side is also warm, or if the gasket is torn. We work Monday to Friday, 8 to 5, across Dallas, Tarrant, Collin, Denton, Rockwall, Ellis and Johnson counties. The service call is $150 and we waive it if you go ahead with the repair. Parts and labor are covered for 90 days.
Related
Service page: refrigerator repair.