The Top Freezer in My Refrigerator Keeps Freezing Up

Identify the cause of ice buildup in the freezer compartment.

Refrigerator manufacturers are constantly refining and improving their appliance designs to ensure that food stored in the freezer stays below freezing without ice or frost appearing on the walls or the surface of the food. Troubleshooting an icy freezer involves reviewing how you store food and use the appliance -- simple mistakes can lead to ice buildup and increase the potential for damage. Ice buildup often has a simple solution, most of which involve no tools or training.

Open Door

Warm, moist air enters the freezer compartment every time you open the door. Propping the door open creates conditions ideal for ice buildup on the walls of the compartment and food surfaces. Make sure the doors close properly and remove any packages that keep the door ajar.

Warm Food in the Freezer

Let food reach room temperature before placing it in the freezer to reduce the chances of icing. Moisture given off in the form of steam will freeze and stick to nearby food packaging and turn to frost or ice. Always cover or seal food in a container before freezing it.

Misplaced Food Items

Arrange food inside the freezer so that items do not touch the walls. Ice builds up faster if the compartment is overloaded, preventing air from circulating between the packages. Clean out the frozen food compartment monthly to use the space most efficiently.

Damaged Door Seals

Cracked, split or corroded door seals will allow cool air to escape and produce a similar effect to leaving the door open. Contact the manufacturer if the door seal is damaged or if the rubber stops sticking to the freezer door.

Defective Fan

The fan that circulates air around the appliance may not be working if ice continues to build up on the walls and food surfaces. Contact the manufacturer if taking the above steps fails to prevent ice from appearing.

References

• GE Appliances: Freezer -- Ice on Freezer Wall