Why Is My Refrigerator Evaporator Coil Frozen? Here’s How To Fix It!

A frozen evaporator coil is a common problem that can lead to a malfunctioning refrigerator. When the coil freezes, it prevents air from circulating properly, which can cause the refrigerator to stop cooling. There are several reasons why an evaporator coil might freeze, including:

Causes of Frozen Evaporator Coil

• Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils are located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator and help to dissipate heat. If the condenser coils are dirty, they will not be able to dissipate heat effectively, which can cause the evaporator coil to freeze.
• Defrost system failure: The defrost system is responsible for melting ice that builds up on the evaporator coil. If the defrost system fails, the ice will build up and eventually freeze the coil.
• Damaged evaporator fan: The evaporator fan helps to circulate air over the evaporator coil. If the evaporator fan is damaged, it will not be able to circulate air properly, which can cause the coil to freeze.
• Refrigerant leak: A refrigerant leak can cause the evaporator coil to freeze. Refrigerant is the fluid that circulates through the refrigeration system and helps to cool the refrigerator. If there is a leak in the refrigeration system, the refrigerant will escape and the evaporator coil will not be able to cool properly.
• Overcrowded refrigerator: If the refrigerator is overcrowded, it can block the airflow to the evaporator coil. This can cause the coil to freeze.

Symptoms of Frozen Evaporator Coil

There are several symptoms that can indicate a frozen evaporator coil, including:

• Refrigerator is not cooling: If the refrigerator is not cooling, it may be because the evaporator coil is frozen.
• Ice buildup on the evaporator coil: If you open the freezer door and see ice buildup on the evaporator coil, it is likely frozen.
• Frost on the food: If you see frost on the food in the refrigerator, it may be because the evaporator coil is frozen.
• Refrigerator is making a loud noise: If the refrigerator is making a loud noise, it may be because the evaporator fan is damaged.

How to Thaw a Frozen Evaporator Coil

If you think your evaporator coil is frozen, there are several things you can do to thaw it:

• Turn off the refrigerator: The first step is to turn off the refrigerator. This will stop the compressor from running and allow the evaporator coil to thaw.
• Remove the food from the refrigerator: Once the refrigerator is turned off, remove all of the food from the refrigerator. This will help to speed up the thawing process.
• Place a fan in front of the refrigerator: Placing a fan in front of the refrigerator will help to circulate air and speed up the thawing process.
• Use a hair dryer to thaw the coil: If you have a hair dryer, you can use it to thaw the evaporator coil. Be sure to hold the hair dryer at a distance of at least 6 inches from the coil and move it around so that you don’t damage the coil.
• Pour warm water over the coil: If you don’t have a hair dryer, you can pour warm water over the evaporator coil. Be sure to use warm water, not hot water, as hot water can damage the coil.

How to Prevent Frozen Evaporator Coil

There are several things you can do to prevent your evaporator coil from freezing, including:

• Clean the condenser coils: Regularly cleaning the condenser coils will help to ensure that they are able to dissipate heat effectively.
• Check the defrost system: If you suspect that the defrost system is not working properly, have it checked by a qualified technician.
• Replace the evaporator fan: If the evaporator fan is damaged, it should be replaced.
• Fix any refrigerant leaks: If you suspect that there is a refrigerant leak, have it repaired by a qualified technician.
• Don’t overcrowd the refrigerator: Avoid overcrowding the refrigerator, as this can block the airflow to the evaporator coil.

Troubleshooting Frozen Evaporator Coil

If you have tried the above steps and the evaporator coil is still frozen, there may be another problem. You may need to call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the problem.

Wrapping Up

A frozen evaporator coil can be a frustrating problem, but it is one that can be easily fixed. By following the steps above, you can thaw the evaporator coil and get your refrigerator working properly again.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Why does my refrigerator evaporator coil freeze up?

A: There are several reasons why an evaporator coil might freeze, including dirty condenser coils, a defrost system failure, a damaged evaporator fan, a refrigerant leak, or an overcrowded refrigerator.

Q: What are the symptoms of a frozen evaporator coil?

A: Symptoms of a frozen evaporator coil include a refrigerator that is not cooling, ice buildup on the evaporator coil, frost on the food, and a loud noise coming from the refrigerator.

Q: How do I thaw a frozen evaporator coil?

A: To thaw a frozen evaporator coil, turn off the refrigerator, remove the food from the refrigerator, place a fan in front of the refrigerator, use a hair dryer to thaw the coil, or pour warm water over the coil.

Q: How can I prevent my evaporator coil from freezing?

A: To prevent your evaporator coil from freezing, clean the condenser coils regularly, check the defrost system, replace the evaporator fan if it is damaged, fix any refrigerant leaks, and avoid overcrowding the refrigerator.

Q: What should I do if my evaporator coil is still frozen after I have tried the above steps?

A: If you have tried the above steps and the evaporator coil is still frozen, you may need to call a qualified technician to diagnose and repair the problem.