I called a local repair shop on the phone and they want to replace the defrost heater, but I'm not sure.

What's the problem cause and suggestions to fix it? Thanks in advance!

⟐ Commented September 20, 2025 at 10:39 MST

The fridge/freezer will work fine for 3-6 months then suddenly stop freezing. I’ve had several repairmen come out and give a bunch of bad diagnosis over the last couple years, but the issue just seems to resolve itself spontaneously after being plugged and unplugged for a while.

I want to resolve this issue, but so far the professionals in my area haven’t been very helpful.

Things that I know are working:

• compressor runs
• Condenser coils are clean
• Condenser coil fan works
• Evaporator coils cool
• Defrost cycle turns on and off (element is heating up, and turning on and off by itself)
• Defrost cycle seems to work (not all frosted up)
• Fan in freezer is running and circulating the air (can feel air moving, so not being blocked)
• Seals on the refrigerator doors are good (I’ve done the dollar test)

One thing I did notice is last time only the bottom part of the evaporator coil in the freezer had ice on it. I’ve read that could be related to low refrigerant (though every time it was serviced the techs said there was not a leak and nothing needed topping up).

Any ideas what could be going on?

⟐ Answer edited January 23, 2026 at 9:33 MST