Why Is My Refrigerator Freezing Food?

Imagine creeping down the stairs for a late-night snack and reaching into the fridge to find your groceries frozen solid. It's enough to make you freeze in your tracks.

This May Also Interest You: My Freezer Isn't Freezing

At first, you may think your fridge is on the fritz. Fortunately, sometimes the issue is user error and not the appliance itself. If you find your refrigerator freezing food and turning everything into ice cubes, there are a few things you can do.

The first step is to understand why and how it happens.

Why Is My Refrigerator Freezing Food?

When your refrigerator freezes food, it’s not just an inconvenience. It can ruin food and lead to higher energy costs. Depending on the issue, food frozen in the refrigerator could also lead to costly repair bills. Consider some of the following causes:

• Bad fridge gasket. The door seal, or gasket, is important in keeping your fridge cold. If the seal is broken or cracked, it can cause the fridge to run constantly, which leads to overcooling and frozen food. A damaged seal also causes the appliance to use more energy, producing higher electricity bills.

• The thermostat is set too cold. One of the most common reasons items are freezing in the refrigerator is temperature. While this may seem like an obvious reason, it’s one that’s often overlooked. For safety and efficiency, your fridge should maintain an interior temperature of around

  40 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything lower can cause your food to freeze.

• Faulty thermostat. If you notice your fridge constantly turns on and off, it could be due to a faulty thermostat.

• Dirty condenser and evaporator coils. Unless you pull your fridge out regularly, you probably won’t notice the coils. When the coils on the back of the fridge get dirty, or the air vents are blocked, it can cause the unit to work harder. This can lead to the fridge freezing food.

• Damper issues. The damper on your fridge controls the airflow from the freezer to the fridge. If the damper gets stuck open, it can cause too much cold air inside the fridge.

How Do I Stop My Refrigerator From Freezing Food?

Depending on the reason your refrigerator is freezing everything, there are a few things you can do to fix the issue.

Bad Gasket

Test the effectiveness of your gasket by closing the door on a piece of paper. If you can pull the paper out of the door without resistance, it isn’t working properly. Gaskets are simple to replace, but if you’re unsure what to do or you've never done this before, you may want to contact a professional. You can purchase a new gasket from the manufacturer or your local home improvement store. Pull the existing seal up and away from the door to remove it. Install a new gasket by pressing it into the door's groove and then screwing it back down.

Adjusting or Replacing the Temperature Controls

Keep a thermometer inside your fridge to monitor the temperature. If the temp is too high or too low, adjust it based on the manufacturer’s instructions. For replacement, locate the thermostat in your fridge. Look for a panel under the floor of the freezer or at the back of the freezer side. Unscrew the panel and disconnect the wires. Connect the new thermostat and screw the panel back in place.

Cleaning the Coils

Unplug your refrigerator and pull it out from the wall. Use a coil brush to sweep away dust and debris. You can also try using a wet/dry vac. Plug the appliance back in and push it back in place.

Addressing Damper Problems

Damper issues aren’t a DIY project. If you suspect damper issues, you’ll need to contact a professional appliance repairman.

More Related Articles:

• Why Is My Fridge Warm?

• Should You Buy a Used Appliance? Weigh the Risks and Rewards

• 7 Ways Your Kitchen Will Evolve in the Next 10 Years

• What’s the Difference Between a Warranty and a Protection Plan for Appliances?

• When’s the Last Time You Replaced Your Appliances’ Hoses? Here’s How to Change All of Them

Why Is My Fridge Icing Up at the Back?

A refrigerator freezing in the back is typically caused by a blocked condenser hole. Start by removing all the drawers. Use a gentle cleaner or warm water with dish soap to clean out the bottom. Check the drain tube for blockage. Most refrigerators come with an unblocking tool, or you can purchase one from your local hardware store. Pry out the food residue or grease and replace the drawers.

How Do I De-Ice My Refrigerator?

Once you’ve discovered why your refrigerator is freezing food, it’s time to deice everything.

• Shut off the power. Either unplug your appliance or flip the breaker to the device. This will prevent any safety risks. It will also help your fridge start thawing.

• Using hot water. Place a towel or potholder on a heat-safe surface inside the fridge and set a pot of hot water on it. Shut the door for approximately 30 minutes to an hour to allow the heat to melt the ice.

• Clean the fridge. As the ice melts, use towels to wipe away excessive moisture.

• Restore power. Turn the power back on and place everything back inside.

• Monitor the temperature. Check the temperature for 24 hours to ensure it stays within normal range.