Electrolux Refrigerator: evaporator coils freezing

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

If your Electrolux refrigerator's evaporator coils are freezing, you're likely experiencing cooling inefficiencies due to frost buildup. This common issue can restrict airflow and lead to excessive ice accumulation, often noticed when the freezer is running continuously. Understanding the causes can help you address the problem effectively.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Electrolux Models

Electrolux defrost system components (defrost timer, heater, thermostat) are common failure points causing coil freezing. Testing with a multimeter is recommended before replacement.
Evaporator fan motor failure can lead to ice buildup due to poor circulation; check if fan blade spins freely.

Possible Causes

Insufficient airflow around evaporator coils

How to Identify: Ice buildup on coils, reduced air circulation in freezer, blocked vents by food

Part: Airflow vents / evaporator fan

Defrost system failure

How to Identify: Frost continues accumulating without melting during normal defrost cycles; defrost components show no activity

Part: Defrost timer / defrost heater / defrost thermostat

Door gasket leaks allowing humid air ingress

How to Identify: Moisture ingress signs, freezer doors not sealing tightly, paper/dollar test fails

Part: Door gasket seal

Low refrigerant (system undercharge or leak)

How to Identify: Coils icing excessively with poor overall cooling performance; professional confirmation needed

Part: Refrigerant circuit

Faulty evaporator fan motor

How to Identify: No airflow when freezer runs and coils ice up; fan blade doesnâ€™t spin freely

Part: Evaporator fan

DIY Solutions

Ensure proper airflow around coils

Easy 10â€“20 minutes

Tools Needed: none

Organize freezer contents so air vents are not blocked
Check freezer vent openings and remove obstructions to improve circulation

Check and replace/clean door gaskets

Moderate 30â€“60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, gasket cleaner or warm soapy water

Inspect door gasket for cracks/kinks
Clean gasket and frame with warm soapy water
Replace gasket if damaged and test seal with paper test

Manually defrost frozen coils

Easy several hours

Tools Needed: towels, optional hair dryer on low

Unplug refrigerator
Open freezer doors to let ice melt naturally
Absorb meltwater and dry area before restoring power

⚠️ Safety First: Do not use sharp tools on coils

Professional Repairs

Replace defrost system components

Estimated Cost: $100 - $300

Refrigerant leak detection and recharge

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600

Evaporator fan motor replacement

Estimated Cost: $80 - $200

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator coils continue freezing after manual defrost and airflow fixes

Defrost system components (timer, heater, thermostat) tests indicate failure

Suspected refrigerant leak or compressor issues

Preventive Maintenance

Clean condenser coils: Restricted airflow and freezing issues
Frequency: annually
Inspect door gaskets for seal integrity: Humid air ingress leading to frost buildup
Frequency: monthly

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Electrolux Refrigerator evaporator coils freezing?

Common causes include insufficient airflow, defrost system failure, door gasket leaks, low refrigerant, and faulty evaporator fan motor.

How do I fix Electrolux Refrigerator evaporator coils freezing myself?

Ensure proper airflow by organizing contents, check and clean door gaskets, or manually defrost the coils by unplugging the fridge.

How much does it cost to fix evaporator coils freezing?

Professional repairs can cost between $100 and $600, depending on whether you need to replace defrost components, recharge refrigerant, or replace the fan motor.

When should I call a technician for evaporator coils freezing?

Call a technician if DIY solutions do not resolve the issue, or if you suspect a refrigerant leak or need complex repairs.

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

65%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

Defective defrost thermostat preventing proper defrost cycle
Clogged defrost drain causing water to back up and freeze
Faulty evaporator fan motor not circulating air properly

User Suggested Solutions

Test and replace the defrost thermostat if faulty. Disconnect power, locate the thermostat, and use a multimeter to check continuity. Replace if necessary.
Clear the defrost drain. Locate the drain at the bottom of the refrigerator, use warm water to flush it, and ensure it is free of debris.
Inspect and replace the evaporator fan motor if not functioning. Access the fan, check for obstructions, and test the motor with a multimeter. Replace if defective.