Does defrosting the freezer make the fridge work better?

Author: Brielle Braun Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, February 18, 2026

There are multiple reasons why you should defrost your refrigerator. The first reason is the ice build-up in your freezer takes up available space. The ice build-up can also interfere with the working of your refrigerator. If the frost layer builds on the evaporating coil, then you will see a loss of heat.

Will defrosting the freezer fix the fridge?

It's almost impossible that a manual defrost would be a long term fix, however you can do it forever if you want to. As long as you let it completely defrost every time it starts to not work properly, it could go for a very long time.

Does defrosting a freezer make it work better?

Removing ice from the walls of your freezer reclaims freezer space and helps it run more efficiently. If it's starting to look like the arctic tundra in there, follow these steps for defrosting the freezer quickly and easily.

How do I get my fridge to start cooling again?

  • 1. Check the Temperature Settings Ensure that the refrigerator is set to the appropriate temperature (usually around 37°F or 3°C). Sometimes, the settings can be accidentally changed.
  • 2. Inspect the Air Vents Make sure the air vents inside the fridge are not blocked by food items.
  • 3. Clean the Condenser Coils

Does the freezer affect the fridge?

When these vents get obstructed due to an abundance of items crammed into the freezer, it hinders the airflow from reaching the refrigerator. In this scenario, the freezer might seem okay, but the refrigerator ends up being too warm. So, overfilling can potentially block cold air circulation.

How NOT to Defrost Your Stand Up Freezer

Why is my refrigerator not cooling but the freezer is working?

If your refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer will, you may have a defrost system failure. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed.

Do the fridge and freezer run on the same compressor?

In refrigerators with a single compressor, cold air circulates from one compressor throughout the entire unit. This includes the refrigerated compartment and the freezer compartment. The circulation of air usually occurs at least twice a day and depending on the unit, can transfer air many times throughout the day.

Will unplugging a fridge reset it?

Reset your refrigerator

Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

How to fix a fridge when it's not cold?

Refrigerator Not Cooling? Here's What To Check (And How To Fix It)
  1. Check the power Plug.
  2. Adjust the Thermostat.
  3. Clearing the Inside Vents.
  4. Check the Mechanism Underneath.
  5. Inspect the Door Gaskets.
  6. Create More Space.
  7. Check the Door Switch.
  8. Is Your Refrigerator Not Cooling Yet? It's Time to Call a Technician!

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops working?

The first thing you should do is check if the power supply to your refrigerator is working properly. Make sure that none of the plugs or wiring are loose or damaged, and check that the power outlet is still functional. If everything looks fine on that front, then it could be a problem with the refrigerator itself.

Should you leave the freezer door open when defrosting?

Leave the door open during defrosting to let warm air circulate and help expedite the process. Put shims underneath the front feet of your freezer to help with drainage.

What should you not do when defrosting a freezer?

Wait for the freezer to defrost. This can take several hours. Do not try and speed up the process and do not use sharp objects to remove ice. Whilst the freezer is defrosting, quickly clean the appliance's interior using a damp cloth.

What are common problems with frost-free fridge freezers?

The most common frost-free fridge freezer fault is a build-up of ice on the evaporator. If evaporator ice builds up, it's going to affect the airflow, resulting in the temperature never getting low enough.

Does a freezer work better after defrosting?

Not only can a build-up of ice take up space in your freezer, but it can also impact food quality as well as the efficiency of the freezer. Regular defrosting is crucial to ensure you maintain the highest food safety standards and will also ensure the longevity of your freezer.

Why is my freezer cold but my refrigerator is warm?

If your freezer is cold but refrigerator is warm, one of the first things you should check is the thermostat. It might be set to “off” by accident, or it could be turned down too low. To fix it: Set it to the correct setting and see if that fixes the problem. We'd recommend 37 degrees Fahrenheit.

Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

How to tell if a fridge compressor is bad?

A hum or a slight buzz is typical, but if your refrigerator starts making strange or loud noises, the compressor might be struggling. Professional Repair Required: Compressors have numerous components, and diagnosing the source of the noise can be complicated.

Can a fridge stop working if it's too cold?

Refrigerators work by comparing the thermostat temperature setting inside the fridge to the environment around them. They are designed for room temperatures, so a very cold garage may keep them from working well.

How do you reset a refrigerator after defrosting?

Here's how to do it:
  1. Unplug your refrigerator. Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. ...
  2. Turn off the refrigerator and freezer from the control panel. ...
  3. Reset your freezer and fridge temperature settings. ...
  4. Wait for the refrigerator temperature to stabilize.

How do I get my refrigerator compressor to kick on?

Reset Power
  1. Unplug your refrigerator. If the plug is too hard to reach, switch the circuit breaker off.
  2. Wait 5 minutes before returning power to the fridge.
  3. Once power is back, open your freezer and push the light switch 3 times to trigger a cooling cycle.
  4. Monitor temperature over the next 24 hours.

Is it good to unplug a fridge and then plug it back in?

Once you return to your cabin in the spring and plug the fridge back in, it will take awhile before it's cooled enough to store food. “Most refrigerator manuals advise you to wait at least 8 to 12 hours before it's safe to use again,” according to KitchenSeer.

Can your freezer work but not the refrigerator?

The evaporator coils are where the air goes to cool down. If the coils are covered in frost, the air can't pass through efficiently and won't get adequately cool, resulting in a freezer working but the fridge not cooling.

Can a full freezer affect the fridge?

Freezer's work at their most efficient when at least 75% full. The less space available, the less the freezer has to do to keep the temperature down. a good thing. Overfilling the freezer can block air vents, restrict the flow of cold air, and overtax your refrigerator's condenser, which could lead to a burn out.

Will the freezer get cold if the compressor is bad?

If it breaks, the compressor might not work correctly, preventing the freezer from cooling.

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