Fridge Freezer Won’t Defrost: A Comprehensive Guide In 3 Easy Steps

Fridge Freezer Won’t Defrost

Defrosting is a crucial function of your fridge freezer. It helps maintain the appliance’s efficiency and prolongs its lifespan. However, if you’ve noticed a winter wonderland inside your fridge freezer, it’s a clear sign that the defrosting function is not working as it should. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the common causes of this problem and provide step-by-step instructions on how to fix them.

Possible Causes and Solutions

1. Defrost Control Board Issue

The defrost control board in your fridge freezer directs how often the appliance should run the automatic defrost cycle. If this board malfunctions or fails, the fridge freezer won’t go into a defrost cycle, leading to frost accumulation.

Solution: Check the function of both the defrost heater and the defrost thermostat. If both are working properly, the most likely culprit is a faulty defrost control board. In this case, replacing the board is the best solution. Although finding and installing a replacement is usually straightforward, if you’re not comfortable doing it yourself, consider seeking professional help. If you’re not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Yorkshire Appliances, we have a team of expertly trained technicians ready to assist you. Check out our refrigerator repair services or give us a call on 01274 594666 to get started.

2. Defrost Sensor and Fuse Issues

The defrost sensor system monitors the temperature of your evaporator. It has a fuse that acts as a backup in case the sensor fails. If the sensor fails to shut off the defrost heater, the fuse will blow, forcing the heater to shut off. Consequently, the defrost heater will no longer be operational, and your fridge freezer won’t defrost.

Solution: Use a multimeter to test both the defrost sensor and the fuse. If either part lacks continuity, it’s time to replace the defrost sensor. Remember, the fuse of the defrost sensor cannot be reset. If it blows, you must replace the defrost sensor.

3. Defrost Timer Issue

The defrost timer turns on the defrost heater several times each day to remove any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator. If the timer is defective, it may not move into the defrost cycle or send power to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle.

Solution: Manually advance the timer into the defrost cycle. At this point, the compressor should turn off, and the heater should turn on. If the timer doesn’t send power to the heater or move out of the defrost cycle within 30 minutes, it’s an indication that there’s an issue with the timer. In this case, replacing the timer is the best solution.

Defrosting the Fridge Freezer

Regularly defrosting your fridge freezer is essential to maintain its efficiency and prevent excessive ice buildup. Follow these steps to defrost your fridge freezer:

1. Preparation: Empty the freezer compartment of all perishable items and transfer them to a cooler with ice packs or another freezer. Turn off the fridge freezer or unplug it from the power supply.
2. Open the freezer door: Prop the freezer door open to allow warm air to circulate and expedite the defrosting process. Place towels or absorbent materials around the freezer to catch any melting ice or water.
3. Remove excess ice and water: As the ice melts, use a towel or sponge to soak up the water and remove any remaining ice. Be gentle when removing ice to avoid damaging the interior surfaces.
4. Clean and dry the freezer: Once all the ice has melted, wipe down the interior of the freezer with a mixture of mild detergent and warm water. Pay special attention to the corners and edges where ice may have accumulated. Ensure all surfaces are thoroughly dry before closing the freezer door.

Regularly defrosting your freezer not only prevents excessive ice buildup but also helps maintain proper airflow, temperature regulation, and energy efficiency.

Conclusion

While the causes of a fridge freezer not defrosting are usually straightforward, the solutions can be challenging, especially for those with no experience in these matters. If you’re not comfortable performing these tasks yourself, don’t hesitate to seek professional help. At Yorkshire Appliances, we have a team of expertly trained technicians ready to assist you. Check out our refrigerator repair services or give us a call to get started.

In the next series of blog posts, we’ll delve deeper into each of these issues, providing more detailed step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. Stay tuned!

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