Why Does My Freezer Have Frost All Of A Sudden? [And How To Fix It]

For many kitchens, a working freezer is not just convenient but essential. You may have noticed that your freezer has frosted over, and you wonder what it means. We have thoroughly looked at why your freezer may have frost and have the answers here for you.

Frost will form in your freezer anytime condensation is allowed inside. This condensation or humidity will freeze, creating different types of frost inside your freezer. The following are some of the main reasons why your freezer may have frosted.

• The door gasket is worn or torn.
• The freezer is overfilled.
• The door is open too long.
• The temperature in the freezer is too low.
• Humidity is too high in your freezer.
• There is a mechanical problem.

Finding out why your freezer has frosted and how to remove it may seem like a daunting task. We'll break down what causes frost in freezers. Keep reading as we discuss how to defrost your appliance and what you can do to prevent the ice from getting to your food.

Is Frost In A Freezer Bad?

Although some frost in a freezer is fine, too much could indicate that there's something wrong with your appliance. Moisture that gets into your freezer is typically the cause of this excess frost, so keep an eye out.

If your freezer has large amounts of frost, it will have to work harder, which means the motor can burn out faster. Your food may also be in danger of frosting, otherwise known as freezer burn. Finally, frost in your freezer can cause less space and use more energy to cool, reducing the overall efficiency of your appliance.

If you notice more than a bit of frost in the freezer or an ongoing issue, it's better to investigate and determine the cause before it leads to a bigger, more expensive fix.

What Causes Frost To Form In The Freezer?

The Door Gasket Is Torn/Worn Out

One of the most common reasons for frost in the freezer is a faulty door seal, otherwise known as a gasket. This is the grey, black, or white rubber surrounding the door creating suction when the door is closed. If the freezer door does not seal properly, moisture can enter inside, freezing and making frost.

If the frost is on or near the freezer door, this may signify that it's the gasket. Inspect your gasket for wear and tear. Also, look for embedded objects; the ridges in the seal may need to be cleaned.

If your gasket is too old, it may need to be replaced. This can be done either by a professional repair person or as a DIY project for most models.

When replacing the gasket, refer to your owner's manual and have your model number to ensure you get the correct part. You'll also want to make sure the gasket is designated for a freezer door.

View this gasket replacement on Amazon.

The Freezer Is Overfilled

Your freezer may be frosting over because it is overfull. If your freezer is packed tightly against the mechanisms and air can not flow properly, then you may have frost in some areas. Try reducing the number of items in your freezer and allow space between your items.

Experts advise you not to fill your freezer bast the 80% mark. Too little food in the freezer can also cause problems, so a good rule to follow is to keep your freezer between 70%-80% full.

The Door Is Open Too Long

If you spend too much time looking for your items, your freezer could develop frost due to the door being open too long.

Organize your freezer, put food groups together, label, and arrange your items in an easy-to-view manner so that you can get in and out quickly, reducing the amount of time the door is open.

The Temperature In The Freezer Is Too Low

If the frost is light and fluffy and is all over your freezer, the temperature may be too low. Consult your manufacturer's recommendations online or in your owner's manual.

Most state that your freezer should be set at or around zero degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Is Too High In Your Freezer

If you have checked your door gasket and reduced the amount of time your door is open and there is still frost, this signals that humidity is still too high in your freezer. To reduce the moisture in your freezer, wait for hot foods to cool to room temperature before storing.

Suppose you are batch cooking or storing a large number of items, space out the amount of time between adding items to the freezer if you can. Keeping many nonfrozen items at once can cause a buildup of humidity that leads to frost.

There Is A Mechanical Problem

Frost located in the back of your freezer may signal a problem in the evaporator coil, one of the sensor systems, or another issue with your freezer's controls.

Today, most freezers have sophisticated defrosting and freezing cycles with a built-in control or computer. Any issue with these systems can cause your freezer to frost.

If you have ruled out the more common or simple causes of frost in your freezer, then it may be time to consult a professional. Consult the manufacturer first if your unit is under warranty since some repairs or alterations can void your coverage.

How Do I Get Rid Of Frost In My Freezer?

There are many ways to defrost a freezer. The simplest way is to turn it off and leave it. This can take a long time and may leave a mess.

To defrost your freezer faster and have more control over melting ice flow, fill containers or drawers with hot water and shut the door as the ice melts; use a spatula or ice pick to remove it.

You will want to let ice melt naturally from the gasket and any sealing components. Even light pressure or scrapes can be enough to damage the seal on your freezer.

Make sure you have towels around your freezer and that you have unplugged your appliance before you begin. Store your food in another freezer or coolers and insulated bags, as this process could take around 15-20 minutes.

The following video demonstrates one way to remove frost from a freezer:

How To Prevent Freezer Frost On Food

Frost on your food is also known as freezer burn. This can happen when the food has been stored too long or too much air in the food. It can also be caused by the food partially thawing and re-freezing.

The best way to prevent your food from frosting is to use it in under four months and ensure it's stored in an airtight manner.

This vacuum sealer can not only protect your food from freezer burn but also will allow you to keep your freezer organized and save space leading to savings in both time and energy costs.

See this vacuum freezer on Amazon.

Where Does The Ice In The Freezer Come From?

If the ice forming in your freezer is not from the ice maker, then there is too much moisture in your freezer—ice forms in your freezer for the same reasons as frost does. Use our tips provided to determine why ice forms in your appliance.

Clear ice forming in the back of your freezer or over an element should be diagnosed and addressed right away, as it can cause permanent damage during a defrost cycle. Depending on the location of the ice, it may cause the ice to melt and overflow.

Leaking water may signify that ice has formed over a system or heating element.

How Does An Ice Maker Work

A problem with your icemaker can also cause frost in your freezer. It's a good idea to understand where your ice is coming from so that you can diagnose any problems.

The ice in your freezer is made from water coming into the freezer through a line. The water then goes to trays where it freezes. Once frozen, it's dumped into a tray.

If your icemaker is frosting, it's usually due to repeated use in a small amount of time and will usually melt without any intervention.

You can also use a warm cloth to wipe down the chute and keep it clear of ice.

To Wrap Up

Now that you know why your freezer would suddenly have frost and what you can do about it follow our tips for proper storage and use. Keeping your freezer frost free will save you time, energy, and money.

Made it to the end? Check out these helpful related posts below!

Ice Buildup In Chest Freezer—What To Do?

At What Temperature Should A Deep Freezer Be Set?