Frost buildup in a freezer is caused by warm, humid air getting in and freezing — usually from a worn door seal, a door left ajar, or a failed defrost system. A little frost is normal; thick or fast-returning frost points to a specific fault you can track down.
The common causes
- Worn or dirty door gasket: lets humid air leak in
- Door left ajar or overpacked: blocks the seal
- Failed defrost heater, timer or sensor: ice never melts off the coil
- High humidity and frequent opening: adds moisture
Try this first
Clean the gasket and check the seal with a dollar bill — it should resist being pulled out. Make sure the door closes fully and nothing blocks it. If frost returns quickly on the back wall after you defrost it, the defrost system is the likely fault.
When it’s a repair
A failed defrost heater, thermostat or control is a common repair ($200–$380). We test the defrost circuit and gasket and replace what failed, with the price up front.
Lawrenceville coupon
Service Call Fee WAIVED With Any Repair
A $79–$129 value — you pay only for the repair. Just mention this coupon when you call or book.
Rather have a pro handle it?
Our Lawrenceville technicians give you the exact price before any work — and the service call fee is waived when we do the repair.