If your fridge seems to be turning into an icebox, over-freezing and building up ice, ARC Center can assist you, if you are in Cape Town. One of the most common issues reported by homeowners is excessive freezing or unexpected ice buildup inside their refrigerator. While a fridge is meant to keep your food fresh and cool—not frozen solid—various mechanical or sensor issues can disrupt this balance.
At ARC Center, we’ve helped thousands of households across the mother city to keep their appliances running smoothly. Now, let’s dive into the possible reasons why a fridge may be over-freezing and what you can do about it.
Common Signs of Over-Freezing
Before we jump into the technical diagnostics, here are a few symptoms to look out for:
- Water bottles or milk turning to ice in the fridge compartment
- Ice buildup around vents or the back panel of the fridge
- Fruits and vegetables freezing in the crisper drawers
- Frost forming inside the freezer even after defrosting
- Increased electricity usage or unusual humming sounds
If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to look under the hood—or rather, behind the shelves—to figure out what’s going wrong.
Diagnosis
1. Defective Thermostat Causing Excessive Cooling
The thermostat regulates the cooling cycles of your refrigerator. If it’s defective, it may fail to switch off the compressor when the desired temperature is reached, causing the fridge to overcool.
What to check:
- Does the fridge remain cold even when the temperature dial is set to a moderate level?
- Is the compressor running constantly?
Replacing the thermostat is usually the best course of action. At ARC Center, we test the continuity of the thermostat using a multimeter to determine if it’s functioning correctly.
2. Faulty Temperature Sensor Giving Incorrect Readings
Modern fridges rely on temperature sensors (or thermistors) to monitor internal temperatures. A faulty sensor may falsely signal that the fridge is too warm, triggering excessive cooling.
What to check:
- Inconsistent cooling patterns
- Frozen items in random areas of the fridge
We test the sensor’s resistance and replace it if the readings are outside the manufacturer’s specifications. An accurate sensor ensures the control board regulates the cooling correctly.
3. Blocked Air Vents Restricting Airflow
Air vents inside the fridge allow for cold air to circulate evenly between compartments. When these vents are blocked by food items or ice, cold air can become trapped, leading to local freezing.
What to check:
- Frost accumulation near air vents
- Uneven temperatures within the fridge
- Condensation on items
Check and clear any blocked vents. Ensure there’s enough space around them for air to flow freely. Rearranging food can make a surprising difference.
4. Malfunctioning Defrost System Allowing Ice to Accumulate
If the defrost system fails, ice starts to accumulate on the evaporator coils, eventually leading to airflow blockages and over-freezing.
Key components to inspect:
- Defrost heater – melts frost from the evaporator coils
- Defrost thermostat – signals when defrosting should occur
- Defrost timer/control board – manages defrost cycles
What to check:
- Large ice buildup on the back panel
- No sound of defrost water dripping or draining
- Fridge runs constantly without turning off
Testing these components individually can help identify the faulty part. ARC Center technicians are equipped to safely replace defrost heaters or thermostats with genuine parts for optimal performance.
5. Worn-Out Door Seal Allowing Moisture Inside
The door gasket (seal) ensures an airtight close when the fridge door is shut. If the seal is worn out, warm, humid air from outside can seep in, condense, and freeze inside the fridge.
What to check:
- Door doesn’t close tightly
- Cracks or mold in the gasket
- Frost around the door edges
Replacing the door gasket can dramatically reduce moisture ingress. ARC Center offers high-quality replacement gaskets tailored for all major fridge brands.
Related Components
When diagnosing over-freezing issues, our technicians often inspect these components:
| Component | Function |
|---|---|
| Thermostat | Regulates the cooling cycle |
| Temperature Sensor | Sends temperature data to the control board |
| Defrost Heater | Melts frost during defrost cycles |
| Door Gasket | Prevents warm air from entering the fridge |
| Evaporator Coils | Responsible for heat exchange and cooling air |
Identifying the root cause often involves checking how these parts interact. At ARC Center, we perform comprehensive system diagnostics to get to the heart of the issue quickly.
Preventative Tips to Avoid Ice Buildup
Once your fridge is back in shape, here are a few tips to prevent the issue from recurring:
- Don’t overload the fridge: Allow air to circulate freely.
- Check seals regularly: Clean and replace gaskets as needed.
- Keep vents clear: Avoid blocking them with food containers.
- Set the right temperature: Fridge at 3–5°C, freezer at -18°C.
- Defrost manually (if needed): For older models, regular defrosting helps.
Get Expert Fridge / Refrigeration Repair Service
At ARC Center, we specialize in both onsite diagnosis and workshop testing to ensure accurate assessment and cost estimation. Once we have identified the fault, we provide an estimated cost for client approval before proceeding with repairs.
For professional assistance with repairing or servicing your Defy, Samsung, Bosch, Russel Hobbs, LG, Smeg, Whirlpool, or AEG fridge, contact us at:
📍 Cape Town: 063 617 6968
📍 Randburg (Johannesburg & Pretoria): 079 232 8681
Let ARC Center help you restore your fridge to optimal working condition! Here are some additional resources that can relate to your fridge:
- Fridge (Refrigeration ) Fault Diagnosis Centre
- Appliance Fault Diagnostic Centre
- Washing Machine Fault Diagnosis Centre
- Why Your Washing Machine Is Not Spinning or Agitating!
- How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Washing Machine in South Africa?
- My Washing Machine Is Not Powering On
- My Washing Machine Is Not Draining Properly
- Fridge Fault Diagnosis Centre
- My Fridge Is Not Cooling Properly
