Why Is Frost or Ice Building Up on Food in My JennAir Freezer?

A thin dusting of frost now and then is normal. Thick ice on packages, ice crystals inside bags or solid frost on the back wall is not. Most of the time it means moisture is getting in or the defrost system is not clearing the evaporator.

Common causes in Houston homes

• Humid air entering through a worn or dirty gasket
• The door being left open or not closing fully because a drawer sticks out
• Putting warm or uncovered food in the freezer
• A temperature setting that is much colder than needed
• A defrost heater, sensor or timer that no longer does its job

What you can do first

1. Wrap food tightly or use freezer bags with the air pressed out.
2. Clean the gasket and check that the door shuts firmly.
3. Leave a few inches around vents so air moves freely.
4. Set the control to the recommended temperature, usually around zero degrees Fahrenheit.
5. Avoid opening the door for long stretches while you search.

Why it matters

Frost left to build can block airflow, which makes the freezer warm, causes food to thaw and refreeze and forces the compressor to run longer. Heavy ice around the drain can also send water into the cabinet or onto the floor.

What we check

We look at the seal and door alignment, test the defrost heater, sensor and control and inspect the evaporator for ice. If the evaporator is encased in ice, we explain what caused it so it does not return. You receive a written price before we begin and a 30-day workmanship warranty afterward.

Keeping an inventory list on the door helps you use older packages first, which also cuts the time food spends exposed to frost.

See our freezer repair page to schedule a visit, and check the service area for your neighborhood.