What is actually happening
Frost-free appliances have a heater that melts the ice off the evaporator several times a day and drains the water away. When that system fails, the ice grows until it blocks the airflow — and the giveaway is that defrosting fixes it for a few weeks and then it returns. Ice that keeps coming back is a fault; ice on an old-style appliance that has to be defrosted manually is not.
The usual causes
- A failed defrost heater, thermostat or timer on a frost-free appliance
- A blocked defrost drain, so melt water refreezes rather than draining away
- A door seal letting warm moist air in
- A door left ajar, or a drawer stopping the door closing fully
What you can safely check yourself
Work through these in order. Anything past this point — panels off, testing parts, anything to do with the wiring — is an engineer's job, and not one to attempt with the appliance plugged in.
- Note whether the ice returns within weeks of defrosting — that is the difference between a fault and normal use
- Check the drain hole at the back of the freezer floor is clear
- Check the seals grip a sheet of paper all the way round
Still icing up?
Most of these need an engineer once the checks above are done. £66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Local engineers covering Nottinghamshire, Derbyshire and Leicestershire — same and next-day appointments, and the person who comes out is one of ours, not a subcontractor.
Call 0115 648 0929 Book online — postcode and number is all we need
Common questions
Why is my fridge freezer icing up?
Ice is building up at the back of the freezer, or around the compartment, and keeps coming back after defrosting. Frost-free appliances have a heater that melts the ice off the evaporator several times a day and drains the water away. When that system fails, the ice grows until it blocks the airflow — and the giveaway is that defrosting fixes it for a few weeks and then it returns. Ice that keeps coming back is a fault; ice on an old-style appliance that has to be defrosted manually is not.
Can I fix a fridge freezer icing up myself?
Note whether the ice returns within weeks of defrosting — that is the difference between a fault and normal use. Check the drain hole at the back of the freezer floor is clear. Check the seals grip a sheet of paper all the way round. Beyond those checks this one normally needs an engineer.
How much does it cost to repair a fridge freezer icing up?
£66 including VAT for an engineer to come out and diagnose it, or £84 in total including VAT if it is put right on the visit and no parts are needed. Any parts needed are quoted on site before we fit them — you decide. Every repair carries a 90-day workmanship guarantee.
Other fridge freezer faults
- fridge not cooling
- fridge making a loud noise
- fridge leaking water inside
- fridge running constantly
- fridge freezer not cold enough
- fridge freezer not working after defrosting
- American fridge freezer water dispenser not working