Frost-free or manual defrost: why it matters
A manual defrost freezer will always build up some frost over time and needs defrosting now and then. A frost-free freezer has a heater, a sensor and a timer or board that melt frost off the evaporator automatically. Heavy ice in a frost-free freezer is not normal and points to a fault.
Common causes
These are the usual causes, starting with the ones you can check yourself.
At a glance
| Cause | Who fixes it |
|---|---|
| The door seal is not closing | You can check this |
| The door is opened often or left ajar | You can check this |
| Warm or uncovered food goes in | You can check this |
| The defrost heater, sensor or timer has failed | Technician |
| The defrost drain is blocked | Technician |
- 1
The door seal is not closing
You can check thisA torn, dirty or flattened seal lets warm air in all the time. Ice usually builds up near the door first. Clean the seal and test it with a sheet of paper.
- 2
The door is opened often or left ajar
You can check thisEvery opening lets moist air in. An overfilled drawer or shelf can stop the door closing fully without you noticing.
- 3
Warm or uncovered food goes in
You can check thisWarm food and uncovered liquids add moisture that freezes onto the walls. Let food cool and cover it first.
- 4
The defrost heater, sensor or timer has failed
TechnicianOn a frost-free freezer, a failed defrost part lets ice cover the evaporator behind the back panel. The freezer often starts to warm up as air flow is blocked.
- 5
The defrost drain is blocked
TechnicianWater from the defrost cycle runs out through a drain. If it is blocked, the water refreezes in the bottom of the freezer.
What you can safely check yourself
- Test the sealClose the door on a sheet of paper. If it slides out easily, the seal is not sealing at that spot.
- Clean the sealWash the seal with warm soapy water and dry it. Dirt and sticky spills stop it sealing.
- Check what stops the doorMove anything that sticks out and stops the door closing fully.
- Defrost a manual freezerSwitch it off, move food to a cooler box and let the ice melt. Do not chip ice with a knife or sharp tool, as you can puncture the gas lines.
When to stop and call a technician
A frost-free freezer has ice on the back panel, the freezer is getting warm, water pools in the bottom and freezes, or ice comes back quickly after defrosting with a good seal.
Still having trouble with your freezer?
Our technician comes to your home, usually the same day. The R450 call-out falls away if you go ahead, and you get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
How a technician diagnoses it
- Seal and door checkThe technician checks the seal, hinges and door alignment.
- Defrost system testOn frost-free models, the defrost heater, sensor and timer or board are tested.
- Drain checkThe defrost drain is cleared if it is blocked.
- Fixed priceYou get a fixed price in writing before any work starts.
Is it worth repairing?
Usually worth repairing when
- The fault is a door seal or defrost part
- The freezer still cools well
- The cabinet is in good condition
Consider replacing when
- The cabinet is rusted or the inside walls are cracked
- There is also a gas leak or compressor fault on an older freezer
- Parts are no longer available