Hi everyone,
I've googled this, but the answers are either wide ranging or specific to a brand of refrigerator, which isn't helpful. So I'm putting it out to the experts - you!
I get a lot of ice build up at the back of the fridge where the back wall meets the ceiling. There's a vent unit at the center back (fan?) and the ice is between that unit and the right hand wall. Things on the top shelf of the fridge tend to freeze. Then there is a lot of condensation and dripping on the rest of the ceiling all the way to the front edge by the door.
I have done a good job defrosting it and cleaning it out, but it recurs. I'm wondering what causes it and how to prevent it. I've heard that maybe there's too much in the freezer? But does that mean not putting too much in the back right of the freezer (above where the ice problem occurs)? But there are some vents in the front of the freezer too, along the lower front edge and facing the back. There are vents up high in the freezer along the upper back wall, but I don't think those are blocked. There seems to be a space between the freezer "floor" and the back wall - with sort of a trench. Is that what's getting blocked?
If I really understood how the freezer cold gets down into the fridge and circulates, maybe I would understand this better and be able to prevent it.
Also, the fridge door seems to not be as tight at the bottom - there's a little space between the gasket and the fridge. Is that the source of the humid air?
Thanks for you advice and experience.
Okay, yes, it's a frost free fridge. Otherwise I wouldn't ask.
The Pam idea is interesting. As soon as I finish with the blowdryer defrosting the ice, I will try that - might help, couldn't hurt. I think I may need the gasket replaced or the door re-hung. Just looking for more info on the freezer-crowding issue and anything else you think might help! Keep those ideas coming!
Is this a frost free refrigerator?
If not, then yes, it will get frost no matter what you do.
If it is a frost free, then yes, the door not being sealed correctly in a hot kitchen can cause a frost build up.
Also if you all are openning the fridge a lot more often in a warm kitchen, this can also cause more frost.
Mine does the same thing. My mom said that its supposed to because its not frost-free and so we are stuck. I have had an almost empty freezer and a full one, and I don't think there is much of a difference. I hope you get some better answers so that I can read and learn too!
Pull the fridge out and vacuum the coils in the back, dust gets all over them and make the thermostat get haywire. You might try turning your fridge down one notch. If the seal IS bad, it can cause the problem too. If it's been unusually humid that will create the fridge to freeze up, along with AC units.
Good time to go buy a fancy schmancy new fridge if you can :)
Men always get NEW equipment when theirs fails, and what's good for the goose is good for the gander in my book.
It could be just the issue of the door not shutting properly. Without sealing your refrigerator will pull the moisture out of the air and turn it to frost.
The other potential is that your refrigerator is no longer defrosting itself. Generally there is a set period of time that it will self defrost. If it does not do this ice will build up choking off the ventilation and the temperature in the unit will rise.
To Marla, the second paragraph is when the frost free feature malfunctions. What a frost free unit does to stay frost free is it defrosts, or heats up, every 24 hours or so. If it fails to do this you have frost.
I have heard that spraying pam on the back of the fridge will keep the ice from building up... the water can't stick to the oil, so it can't freeze onto it.
Maybe give that a try?
(Just something I have heard... never tried it myself...)
Pull it out from the wall a little, like 6 inches, keep the door shut tight --- get a new rubber gasket. Do not open the door to either the freezer or refrig unless you have to. The more often you open it the more ice will build up.
