My Refrigerator Has a Hot Spot on the Door

Areas Around Gaskets

In areas where gaskets meet the frame of the refrigerator, it is normal for you to feel warmth. Amana says a heat loop inside the refrigerator’s walls targets these areas to prevent the formation of frost and moisture on the exterior of the appliance.

Increased Temperatures

A few factors can cause the area around the gaskets to feel warmer than usual, and this effect can last for up to 24 hours. Factors leading to the higher temperature include starting up the refrigerator after it has been shut off, loading warm food into the appliance or periods of heavy refrigerator use. Hot, humid weather can also play a role.

Settings

GE says many of its top-freezer and some of its bottom-freezer models have a switch labeled “Energy Saver” or “Power Saver.” This switch controls the heating of the area between the refrigerator doors. GE recommends setting it to the right when customers see moisture appearing between the doors or when outdoor conditions are hot and humid.

Hot Conditions

Amana advises customers to check their refrigerator’s condenser coils for dirt and debris if the area around the gaskets continually feels hot (not warm). “Airflow blocked by lint, pet hair and dirt will cause the condenser and heat loop temperature to increase,” the company notes. If this is the problem, follow the manufacturer’s instructions for properly cleaning the coils.