Frozen Evaporator? Find Out Why Your Refrigerator Isn't Cooling and How to Fix It

If you've noticed that your refrigerator has stopped cooling and upon inspection you find the evaporator covered in ice, don't worry; it's a common problem with clear solutions. This seemingly contradictory phenomenon is one of the main causes of cooling failure, and understanding its origin is the first step to restoring your appliance to its former life.

The evaporator is a key component of your refrigerator's cooling system. Its function is to absorb heat from inside the refrigerator, allowing cold air to circulate. When this component freezes, the ice acts as an insulator, preventing air from flowing properly and, therefore, preventing the refrigerator from cooling efficiently.

Several factors can cause your refrigerator's evaporator to freeze. Identifying the root cause is essential for a lasting solution.

• Several factors can cause your refrigerator's evaporator to freeze. Identifying the root cause is essential for a lasting solution.
• Defrost timer: Controls the frequency and duration of defrost cycles. If it gets stuck in cooling mode, it will never activate the heating element.
• Defrost resistor: This element generates heat to melt accumulated ice. If it burns or breaks, the ice will not be removed.
• Bimetal or defrost thermostat: This acts as a safety switch that activates and deactivates the heating element at a certain temperature. If it doesn't work properly, the heating element may not turn on or off, causing freezing or overheating.

• Airflow Problems:
• Poor air circulation is another common cause.
• Faulty evaporator fan: This fan is responsible for distributing cold air from the evaporator to the rest of the refrigerator. If the fan motor fails or its blades are clogged, cold air won't circulate properly, leading to the evaporator freezing.
• Clogged air ducts: Storing too much food or placing it in a way that blocks air vents and returns can prevent proper circulation, causing the same effect.

• Low Coolant Levels:
• A leak in the refrigerant gas system can cause the pressure in the evaporator to drop, causing moisture to freeze unevenly and excessively on it.
• Faulty Door Seal (Weather Strip): If the door seal is damaged, cracked, or doesn't seal tightly, it will allow warm, humid outside air to enter. This moisture will condense and freeze on the evaporator.

Once you've identified the possible cause, you can follow these steps to resolve the problem.

1. Manual Evaporator Defrost:

As a first step, it is essential to remove all accumulated ice.

• Unplug the refrigerator:
• For safety, always unplug the appliance from the electrical outlet.
• Remove food: Empty the freezer and refrigerator completely. Store food in a cooler with ice to prevent spoilage.
• Access the evaporator: It's usually located behind a panel at the bottom of the freezer compartment. You may need a screwdriver to remove it.
• Speed up the process (with caution): You can place towels on the bottom to absorb the water and use a hair dryer on the lowest heat setting, moving it constantly and at a safe distance so as not to damage the plastic components. You can also place containers of hot water inside the compartment to speed up the defrost process. Never use sharp or pointed objects to remove the ice, as this could puncture the evaporator and cause a refrigerant leak, resulting in a much more expensive repair.

2. Component Diagnosis and Repair:

After thawing, it is crucial to address the underlying cause.

• Check the defrost system:
• If the problem recurs after a few days, it's likely that one of the "No-Frost" system components is failing. A qualified technician can test the continuity of the resistor, the operation of the bimetallic element, and the timer advance to determine which one needs to be replaced.
• Inspect the fan: With the refrigerator plugged in, check that the evaporator fan spins freely and without any unusual noises. If it doesn't work, the motor may be burned out and needs to be replaced.
• Check the door seal: Visually inspect the weatherstripping for cracks or deformities. A simple trick is to trap a piece of paper behind the door; if you can pull it out without resistance, the seal isn't tight and should be replaced.
• Organize food: Make sure food is not blocking the vents to allow proper air circulation.

If the problem persists after performing these checks, it's likely a refrigerant leak. In this case, it's essential to contact a certified technician, as handling refrigerants requires specialized tools and knowledge.

Keeping your refrigerator in good condition is key to its durability and efficiency. By promptly addressing a frozen evaporator, you'll not only ensure your food is kept at the proper temperature, but you'll also avoid excessive energy consumption and more costly repairs in the future.