07/20/2026
"My refrigerator isn't cooling, but my freezer still seems okay..."
We hear this all the time, and one of the first things we look for is ice on the back wall of the freezer.
Many people don't realize that most refrigerators get their cold air from the freezer. When the freezer can't move that cold air, the refrigerator section is usually the first place to get warm.
One of the most common reasons? A problem with the defrost system.
Inside your freezer are evaporator coils that become extremely cold as refrigerant passes through them. During normal operation, moisture in the air freezes onto those coils. That's perfectly normal! Your refrigerator automatically goes into a defrost cycle several times a day to melt that frost away and keep air flowing properly.
When something in that defrost system fails—whether it's the heater, a sensor, wiring, or the control board—the frost never melts. Layer after layer of ice builds up until the evaporator coils become completely blocked, restricting airflow throughout the refrigerator.
These photos are from multiple refrigerators we've repaired and show the different stages of diagnosing a defrost system problem.
The first signs are often ice on the back wall of the freezer or around the air vents. Once we remove the back panel, we can see the evaporator coils completely encased in ice.
You'll also notice that we use a steamer instead of a heat gun or hair dryer. Modern refrigerators contain a lot of plastic and foam components that can be damaged by direct heat. A steamer safely melts the ice without risking damage to your refrigerator, allowing us to access and test each part of the defrost system.
Once we identify the failed component, we can replace it and get your refrigerator cooling properly again.
If you've noticed ice on the back wall of your freezer, don't ignore it. Catching a defrost problem early can often save you from losing a refrigerator full of food.
Give Ace Air Conditioning and Appliance a call at 904-646-1166 if your refrigerator isn't cooling like it should. We're happy to help!
