Ice makers are a sadly common source of problems on many modern refrigerators. While you generally want your ice tray to be cold, it's also ideal for the ice to remain safely contained within the tray. An ice maker that's freezing up may have ice surrounding the tray, which can lock the tray in place and impact its ability to dispense ice.
It's usually pretty easy to discover if your ice maker is freezing up. If the tray seems stuck, or you remove the tray and find an ice fortress all around it, you know that you have a problem. These three tips will help you understand why this is happening, what you can do about it, and how to prevent future frozen catastrophes.
Tip #1 – Don't Ignore the Basics
There are a few straightforward problems that can cause your ice maker to freeze up. Surprisingly, one of them may be that your refrigerator's temperature is too low. A low setting can cause water in the ice maker to freeze or fail to release. Check your user manual for your recommended refrigerator temperature and ensure that it isn't too low.
You should also check your water filter and replace it if necessary. A clogged filter can slow the flow of water through the inlet tube, which may allow it to freeze over more rapidly. If you aren't sure when you replaced it last, there's no time like the present.
Tip #2 – Defrost and Reinstall
Start by trying to remove your ice tray. If you can't get it out, you can attempt to carefully use a hairdryer on the lowest setting to thaw the existing ice. Work as quickly as you can and prepare to catch the potentially significant amount of water that may leak out. Check that the area is dry and free of ice before reinstalling the tray, or it may freeze into place again.
Your ice maker should work again once you complete these steps, but you should monitor it for a few more days. If it begins to freeze up or act strangely, you may be facing more than a one-time problem.
Tip #3 – Call for Backup
If the simple solutions above don't get your ice maker working again, it may be time to call in a professional. Modern refrigerators are surprisingly complex, and critical features of the ice maker (such as the defrosting cycle) rely on computer control. A variety of problems, such as failed control boards, can cause your ice maker to freeze up or fail in other ways.
The complexity of these systems means that hiring a professional to diagnose your problem is often an easier and faster solution than a do-it-yourself fix. Calling in expert help will allow you to restore your ice maker's functionality without blindly throwing parts at the problem.
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27 October 2021
Working with HVAC contractors is an important part of being a homeowner. Not only do your contractors ensure that a new system you buy is properly installed, but they also ensure optimal performance throughout the years through a series of regular inspections, maintenance services, and repairs. But there are lots of things you can do in between your contractor's visits to ensure that your HVAC investment is always in tip top condition, aside from cleaning out the air filters. After working with my dad for more than a decade in the HVAC business, I've put together a few methods homeowners can use to maintain a well working system, and I have published those tips and tricks right here on this blog. I hope some of the information you find here helps you on your journey as a homeowner!
