4 easy fixes for a frosty freezer

If your freezer looks like it's been hit by a snowstorm, it's time to find out why there's so much frost in there. Discover how to fix the problem yourself.

You’ll have to start by manually clearing away the frost build up so you can start your own thorough investigation. It might be a good idea to let the freezer thaw completely. Then you can clean it, and start your search into determining why frost built up in the first place.

When you start to see frost build-up every time you open the door, it’s because warmer air from the outside is getting into your freezer and the moisture from that air then cools and condensates. The culprit is likely a bad seal around the door, but there are several other reasons why your freezer may be frosty:

• The freezer door is being opened frequently, letting warm air in and cold air out. The moisture from the warm air condenses and freezes, turning into frost.
• The door is blocked by something that is preventing it from closing properly.
• The temperature may be set too low. Temperature settings vary depending on how much food is inside the unit and how often the door is being opened.
• The freezer is too full, preventing proper air circulation and creating frost build-up.

There are just a few reasons for frost in your freezer so it should be simple to locate the source of the problem. Once you do, you should be able to fix it easily yourself.

1. Check the seal to make sure it isn’t cracked or damaged. If you find the seal is damaged in any place, replace the entire seal.
2. Put a sheet of paper between the freezer and the door. See how much resistance it has when you try to pull it out with the door closed. The problem may be that the door is out of alignment and simply needs readjusting.
3. The frost build-up could mean there is an issue in the self-defrost unit. The defrost heater may not be turning on to melt the frost build-up. Your owners manual will show you where to look so you can troubleshoot.
4. Defrost your fridge by turning it off for 24 to 48 hours. When you turn it back on, check to see that it’s working properly. If it is, you’ll want to check the defrost heater, the defrost thermostat and the defrost timer to see if they are all working properly.