Heavy frost buildup on the freezer walls, ice blocking the vents, or a freezer that works while the fridge stays warm — these all point to a defrost system failure. The defrost heater, thermostat, or timer may have failed. Our technicians diagnose and offer same-day defrost problem service in Gainesville, Haymarket, and Bristow.
The heater element that melts frost off the evaporator coils has burned out, allowing ice to accumulate.
The thermostat should trigger the heater when frost builds up. If it fails, the heater never activates.
The timer or electronic control that initiates defrost cycles may be malfunctioning.
Even if defrost works, a frozen or clogged drain tube causes meltwater to refreeze inside the compartment.
Try these before calling for service — they may resolve a simple issue.
Check for thick ice buildup on the back wall of the freezer
See if the fridge section is warm while the freezer is cold — suggests blocked airflow from ice
Listen for water dripping during a defrost cycle (you may not hear it if defrost isn't activating)
Check if vents between freezer and fridge compartments are blocked by ice
Exact price confirmed after diagnosis — you approve before we start.
Prices reflect typical ranges and may vary based on your specific appliance and parts needed. Diagnostic fee credited toward repair.
Call now for same-day service in Gainesville, Haymarket, and Bristow. $150–$350 for most repairs.
