Samsung Refrigerator Keeps Freezing Up – Why and How to Fix?

Find out why your Samsung refrigerator keeps freezing up in this article. We will teach you how to keep your fridge from freezing with useful maintenance tips.

Imagine opening the fridge door only to find ice chunks and frozen foods. How disheartening! Refrigerators aren’t supposed to freeze your delicious snacks but preserve them at a steady cool temperature. Then why does your Samsung refrigerator keep freezing up?

Well, your Samsung fridge’s room temperature is too cold due to very low temperature settings. Or maybe “Power Cool” mode is turned on. Or even worse – either of the main control board, fridge thermistor, temperature thermostat or damper control assembly has become damaged and malfunctioning thus.

Figuring out exactly why Samsung Refrigerator Keeps Freezing Up and what’s causing this high build-up of ice inside can be challenging. But, with our in-depth troubleshooting guide, identifying and fixing the problems will be a breeze. 

Stay tuned for effective solutions and some exclusive tips on how to keep Samsung refrigerator from freezing up. 

Samsung Refrigerator Keeps Freezing Up - Why and How to Fix?

Why Your Samsung Refrigerator Keeps Freezing Up? Common Reasons

High Build-up of Frost: The frozen water vapor is what basically turns into frost gradually over time due to more and more air from the surroundings sneaking inside through an open door or from moisture foods that aren’t covered.

Frost can also build up if the air vents are blocked with ice, lint, dirt or debris. As a result, preventing moisture from escaping out of the fridge which therefore keeps building up inside.
Incorrect Temperature Settings: The optimum temperature setting for most Samsung refrigerator models, according to the U.S FDA guidelines, is between 38°F (3°C) to 40°F (4°C).

Therefore, if your Samsung refrigerator is set at extremely low temperatures, there’s no doubt your fridge will begin to freeze up. and you need to adjust the appliance to the recommended temperature settings.
Refrigerator in “Power Cool” Mode: Most Samsung convertible refrigerators feature ‘Power Cool’ mode which speeds up food cooling time when enabled. However, this mode isn’t designed to freeze up your foods but quickly cool them down by temporarily increasing the cooling intensity.

But, ‘Power Cool’ may still lead to freezing up if it’s left activated for way too long and additionally if there’s a malfunction with the refrigerator’s temperature sensors, thermostat or controls.
Uncovered Hot/Warm Foods: When you put in extremely hot or warm foods inside the refrigerator, they release warm air and moisture which eventually turn into frost.

Doing this also warms up other cold foods in the fridge which may lead to early spoiling. Not to mention, this disrupts the temperature balance and air circulation process inside your refrigerator.
Blocked Air Vents: The air vents of your fridge facilitate air circulation, which involves eliminating moisture from inside the refrigerator and preventing frost buildup. When these air vents become defective or are obstructed by frost, ventilation will be hampered.
Poor Door Sealing: If the refrigerator door doesn’t seal properly, warm air can get inside your Samsung refrigerator, leading to condensation and ice accumulation. Check the gaskets around the door and replace them if they’re damaged.
Faulty Defrost System: If the defrost system, including the defrost heater and thermostat, malfunctions, ice can accumulate over time. Regular defrost cycles are crucial to prevent excessive ice buildup.
Software Glitches: In some cases, software or firmware issues can affect the refrigerator’s cooling system, leading to freezing problems. Ensure your refrigerator’s firmware is up-to-date.
Cramped Space: Placing the refrigerator too close to the wall or surrounding objects can restrict airflow, causing temperature imbalances and ice accumulation.
Clogged Drain Line: If the drain line is blocked, melted ice won’t drain properly and can freeze, causing a buildup of ice in the freezer compartment of your Samsung fridge.
Frequent Door Openings: Opening the refrigerator door frequently or leaving it open for extended periods can introduce warm air, leading to condensation and ice formation.
Incorrect Food Placement: Improperly storing food items here and there in the wrong order and in the wrong compartments, especially near the vents, can disrupt airflow and lead to uneven cooling and ice accumulation.

How to Keep Samsung Refrigerator From Freezing Up? 

How to Keep Samsung Refrigerator From Freezing Up? 

Here’s a bunch of things you can try out to solve the existent problems and also keep your fridge safe from freezing up in the future:

Turn Off “Power Cool” Feature: If this mode has been left turned on for over 2-3 hours, you should immediately turn it off. 

1. Tap and hold the “Fridge” button for 5 seconds 
2. If it was previously lit, the light will go off and the “Power Cool” mode will be deactivated.
3. If the light is still lit, press and hold the “Power Cool” button to deactivate the feature.

If you own a Family Hub Samsung refrigerator, open the “Fridge Manager” app, click on “Temperature Settings”, press on “Power Cool,” and then “Save”. Note: It’s recommended by the manufacturers not to leave this feature on for more than 3-4 hours.
Proper Food Storage to Minimize Humidity: High humidity levels can contribute to ice buildup. Use moisture-absorbing packets in the refrigerator and freezer compartments to help control humidity.

You should store warm foods and moisture foods inside the exclusive Samsung MoistFresh Zone which features an enclosed seal to retain moisture from escaping when humidity levels are low. Remember, proper storage and organization of food contents is crucial to maintain a temperature balance.

When storing foods, always leave at least 2 inches in front of the vents.
Clean Debris: As we have mentioned earlier, high buildups of dirt and debris can restrict airflow and hamper cooling processes. As a result, either the temperature gets too high and your foods start to spoil, or the temperature gets too low and your food contents start freezing.

Use a vacuum cleaner, dry cloth or cleaning brushes to dust off the back cooling unit. Spray insecticides and use vinegar solution in case of bug infestation or in the presence of roaches and rodents.
Replace Damaged Components: Start by check the door seals for any gaps or damage. Poorly sealed doors can allow excess moisture to enter the unit, leading to freezing.

Similarly, verify whether the air vents, fan motor, condenser coils, thermostat and main control board have worn out or become damaged. You may contact Samsung Customer Service for free replacements of the defective parts.
Consider Firmware Updates: In some cases, firmware or software updates released by Samsung can address certain technical glitches that might contribute to your Samsung refrigerator freezing problems. Check the manufacturer’s website for any available updates that might resolve your issue.
Defrost or Clear Ice Buildups: If drain lines and water pipes are clogged with ice buildup, thaw using a hair dryer. If the air vents, coils, fan and drip pan are smothered in frost, either carefully scrape frost off using non-sharp objects.

Or simply defrost your Samsung fridge to clear away ice accumulation and facilitate airflow. Firstly, turn off fridge by unplugging from its power source and then disassemble Samsung refrigerator drawers after emptying all food contents. Then keep fridge door open to allow frost to melt naturally. 

Read More –

How to Defrost Samsung Refrigerator? Say Goodbye to Ice Build-up

Samsung Refrigerator Ice Maker Keeps Freezing Up? Here’s What to Do

Experiencing a frozen-up ice maker in your Samsung refrigerator can be devastating, but with some troubleshooting and maintenance, you can often resolve the issues without professional help.

By checking temperature settings, inspecting components, ensuring proper sealing, and taking other preventive measures, you can keep your refrigerator’s ice maker working efficiently. Follow these suggestions:

Change Temperature Settings: Incorrect temperature settings within the freezer compartment can lead to ice maker freezing issues. Ensure that the freezer is set to the manufacturer’s recommended temperature, usually around 0°F (-18°C).

If the temperature is too low, ice can build up around the ice maker components, causing them to freeze and malfunction.
Inspect the Ice Maker Assembly: Carefully examine the ice maker assembly for any visible signs of ice buildup. Clear any ice that you find around the ice maker, water lines, and dispenser chute.

You may need to temporarily turn off the ice maker to prevent more ice from forming while you perform these checks.
Check the Water Inlet Valve: A faulty water inlet valve can lead to water leakage and subsequent freezing. Inspect the water inlet valve for any cracks or leaks.

If you notice any issues, consider replacing the valve with a compatible part. If it’s clogged up, use a hair dryer and dry towel to help thaw the ice that’s causing clogs.
Verify Proper Sealing: Improper sealing of the refrigerator door can allow warm air to enter the freezer compartment, leading to condensation and ice buildup.

Check the gaskets around the refrigerator and freezer doors to ensure they are sealing properly. Replace any damaged or worn gaskets.
Monitor Air Flow: Blocked or restricted air vents within the freezer can disrupt the flow of cold air, causing temperature fluctuations and ice buildup. Arrange items inside the freezer to allow for proper airflow and avoid blocking vents.
Regularly Defrost the Freezer: Perform regular manual defrosting of the freezer to prevent excessive ice accumulation. Follow your refrigerator’s manual for defrosting instructions. This practice can help maintain optimal performance and prevent ice maker issues.
Run the Self-Diagnostics: Some Samsung refrigerators come equipped with a self-diagnostics feature that can help identify potential issues. Consult your refrigerator’s manual to learn how to initiate the diagnostic mode and interpret any error codes that appear.
Inspect Float Switch: The float switch determines how much water is needed during a freeze cycle. If it’s defective, no wonder why your ice maker keeps freezing up. Get it checked and repaired by a technician.

Read More –

What Causes Ice Maker to Freeze Up? 6 Effective Solutions

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Ice Forming on the Back Wall of My Samsung Refrigerator’s Freezer Compartment?

Ice buildup on the back wall could be due to a malfunctioning defrost system. Check if the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer are working correctly. If not, they might need replacement.

How Often Should I Defrost My Samsung Refrigerator?

The frequency of defrosting depends on usage and ice buildup. If you notice a significant amount of ice forming, it’s a good idea to defrost the refrigerator to maintain efficient cooling.

Why Does My Samsung Refrigerator’s Temperature Fluctuate, Causing Freezing Issues Intermittently?

Fluctuating temperatures might indicate a problem with the thermostat, temperature sensors, or the control board. A professional technician can diagnose and fix these issues accurately.

Can Humidity Levels in my Kitchen Impact My Samsung Refrigerator’s Freezing Performance?

High humidity levels can contribute to frost buildup in the freezer. Try to maintain moderate humidity levels in your kitchen to prevent excess moisture from entering the refrigerator.

Why is My Samsung Refrigerator’s Water Dispenser Not Working Properly After Freezing Up?

Freezing can affect water lines and cause blockages. Check if the water lines are frozen and carefully thaw them. Worst case scenario –  the water dispenser itself may have become defective and needs replacement.

Wrapping Up

Speaking from experience, if you regularly keep the sides, front and back unit of your Samsung refrigerator neat and clean – free from dirt and debris, insects and ice accumulation, you will not face temperature or cooling issues with your appliance every now and then.

With high care and maintenance, such as by not opening fridge door frequently or overloading it with foods, not only will you extend the lifespan of your appliance but also reduce freezing up chances in the future. Not to mention, annual servicing and replacing old components every 1-2 years are also extremely necessary to keep your fridge running smoothly.

Author

Grace R. Rose

Meet Grace, our Refrigerator expert. Her industry knowledge and passion make her a reliable source for refrigerator advice. She stays informed on current trends and shares her expertise through articles and product reviews. Grace focuses on helping people find their ideal refrigerator, no matter their living situation. She prides herself on providing honest, unbiased reviews to guide consumer purchases.