The back wall of the refrigerator serves as an indicator that signals possible problems in its operation. By carefully examining its surface, most malfunctions of the refrigerator can be diagnosed quite accurately, allowing appropriate measures to be taken in time. Let’s explore together why ice forms on the wall of the refrigerator and what can be done about it.

You have violated the rules of operation. Sometimes, the reasons for ice formation on the back wall of the refrigerator may be related to a violation of its operating rules, such as:

• Incorrect freezing mode settings (unreasonably low temperature in the refrigerator or freezer).

Ventilation openings or grilles blocked by products inside the refrigerator. Unsealed packaged products with high moisture content stored in the chamber. Placing food in the refrigerator before it has had time to cool down. The door being loosely closed, allowing warm room air to enter the refrigerator, possibly by a child. The refrigerator being positioned too close to the wall, other pieces of furniture, or heating radiators. In such cases, the situation can be easily rectified by removing all products from the refrigerator and unplugging it until all the ice inside melts completely. For refrigerators with a drip defrosting system, this procedure should be repeated every 2-4 months, while No Frost units can be defrosted once a year for maintenance.

If ice continues to form on the back wall of the refrigerator after complete defrosting, the cause should be sought in the malfunction of one of its components. We will attempt to identify which component, and you can verify our assumptions by contacting a certified refrigerator repair technician.

The thermostat is malfunctioning. This conclusion can be drawn if:

• The temperature inside the refrigerator is much lower than expected. Products in the refrigerator compartment are constantly refreezing. Compressor cycles are much longer than rest periods. A uniform layer of ice forms on the back wall of the refrigerator.
• The thermostat regulates the temperature in a refrigerator and freezer. Due to a malfunction, it signals to the control unit that insufficient heat is present inside the refrigerator, causing the compressor to operate continuously in an attempt to «normalize» the temperature. The compressor’s rest periods become too short, preventing the frost on the back wall from melting and forming a layer of ice inside the refrigerator.
• The door does not seal properly. Another reason for ice formation in the refrigerator may be damage to the door seal. In this case, excess condensation occurs due to warm air entering the refrigerator from the outside. To compensate for the temperature increase, the compressor operates at full capacity, causing the frost on the back wall to gradually turn into a solid layer of ice.
• Blockage of the drainage system. Sometimes, ice in the refrigerator forms not only on the back wall but also at the bottom—under a vegetable drawer or at the bottom of the freezer. This is likely due to a blockage in the drainage tube, through which moisture from the refrigerator drains into a special tray for evaporation.
• Problems with thermal insulation. If you’re wondering why ice forms unevenly on the back of the refrigerator rather than uniformly, it’s worth checking if the thermal insulation is damaged. Typically, this occurs due to moisture absorption by the insulation material. Even tiny droplets of condensation, once absorbed into the porous material, can rapidly expand the wet spot.

Why should you call Optimus Appliance & HVAC Inc.?

Ice buildup on the back wall of your refrigerator is a common issue that can be caused by various factors, including poor air circulation, faulty defrost systems, door seal issues, and incorrect temperature settings. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you can identify the cause of the problem and take appropriate measures to resolve it effectively. If you encounter any issues that you’re unable to fix on your own, don’t hesitate to contact the professionals at Optimus Appliance & HVAC Inc. for expert assistance. With the help of our troubleshooting specialists, your refrigerator will run smoothly and your food will stay fresh for longer! Entrust your refrigerator to professionals and call us at +1(858)225-1715.