A malfunctioning defrost system is one of the most common causes of refrigerator cooling problems. The automatic defrost cycle is essential for preventing excessive frost buildup on evaporator coils.
Common Causes: Defrost system failures typically involve one or more of three key components. A burnt-out defrost heater that doesn’t warm up to melt frost from the evaporator coils is most common. The defrost thermostat (also called defrost terminator) may fail, preventing the heater from turning on or not turning it off at the proper temperature. A defective defrost timer or electronic control board that doesn’t initiate defrost cycles causes frost accumulation. These component failures prevent the normal defrost cycle, allowing frost to build up and block airflow.
Possible Remedies: If you notice heavy frost buildup, excessive cooling, or freezing issues, the defrost system may be at fault. You can manually advance the defrost timer (usually located behind the refrigerator’s kickplate or inside the control panel) to see if it initiates a defrost cycle. If you hear the compressor turn off and the heater come on, the timer works but may not be cycling properly.
Manual defrosting provides temporary relief but doesn’t fix the underlying problem. Unplug the refrigerator and allow all frost to melt completely. This process can take several hours or overnight. If frost returns within days, professional repair is necessary to replace failed defrost components.
Professional Service from Refitec.co.ke: Refitec.co.ke specializes in complete defrost system repairs. Our technicians use multimeters and diagnostic procedures to test each component of the defrost system accurately. We replace faulty defrost heaters, thermostats, timers, and control boards with high-quality parts. We ensure proper wiring connections and verify that the entire system functions correctly through multiple defrost cycles. Our comprehensive approach addresses not just the failed component but ensures the entire defrost system operates as designed. With Refitec.co.ke’s professional service, you’ll have a properly functioning automatic defrost system that maintains optimal refrigerator performance.