Why does my Samsung refrigerator fan keep icing up?

Answered by Jeremy Urbaniak

I had this exact same issue with my Samsung refrigerator, and it was incredibly frustrating. After doing some research and troubleshooting, I discovered that there are a few reasons why the fan keeps icing up.

One possible cause is that the bottom drainage hole is clogged. This can happen when ice forms in the drain tube and blocks the flow of water. When the refrigerator goes through its defrost cycle, the water has nowhere to go and ends up pooling in the bottom pantry. Over time, this water will evaporate, leaving behind ice in the wrong places.

To fix this issue, you’ll need to unclog the drainage hole. You can start by manually defrosting the refrigerator to melt any existing ice. Then, locate the drainage hole at the bottom of the freezer compartment. It’s usually located behind a removable panel. Using a small brush or pipe cleaner, gently clean out any debris or ice that may be blocking the hole. You can also pour hot water down the hole to help melt any ice that’s stuck.

Another possible cause of the fan icing up is a faulty defrost heater. The defrost heater is responsible for melting any ice that forms on the evaporator coils. If the heater is not working properly, ice can build up and eventually block the fan. In this case, you may need to replace the defrost heater to resolve the issue.

It’s worth mentioning that keeping the refrigerator door open for extended periods or frequently opening and closing it can also contribute to the fan icing up. Every time warm air enters the refrigerator, it can cause moisture to accumulate and freeze on the coils. So, try to minimize the amount of time the door is left open and avoid opening it unnecessarily.

In my case, the clogged drainage hole was indeed the culprit behind the fan icing up. After unclogging it and ensuring the defrost heater was functioning correctly, the issue was resolved, and the fan no longer iced up.

To prevent this problem from recurring, it’s a good idea to regularly check and clean the drainage hole to ensure it remains clear. Additionally, keeping the refrigerator clean and free from excessive ice buildup will help maintain proper airflow and prevent icing issues.

Dealing with a constantly icing up fan in your Samsung refrigerator can be frustrating, but with some troubleshooting and maintenance, you can resolve the issue and keep your refrigerator running smoothly.