When frost shows up around the fridge door frame, it feels frustrating—especially if we’ve already replaced the seal. That part should solve the problem, right? However, frost build-up can come from more than just a worn gasket. In Edmonton’s climate, extra moisture, poor airflow, or hidden faults often play a role. At Edmonton Repair Appliances, we see this issue more than most people expect. Let’s go deeper into why this happens and what steps actually fix it.
The Seal Might Not Sit Right After Installation
Fresh seals don’t always sit perfectly, even if they look tight. When a new gasket is installed, it needs time to soften and fully form around the door. Sometimes, it doesn’t align with the cabinet properly right away. That tiny misalignment lets warm air sneak in.
We always recommend checking for firm contact along the entire perimeter. Gaps at the corners are especially common and easy to overlook. In other cases, the seal gets pinched or twisted during installation, which weakens its hold. Even a small wrinkle or uneven edge can cause frost over time. For best results, run your hand along the closed door and feel for cold air.
To get a better long-term fix, our team provides fridge repair in Edmonton that checks not just the seal but the door hinges, liner, and pressure points too.
Interior Moisture Can Stay Trapped
Humidity from food, drinks, or even the environment can build up inside the fridge. Once it escapes near the door, cold air instantly turns it into frost. This usually happens when there’s too much condensation that doesn’t drain away.
One common cause is leaving food uncovered. Moisture evaporates from fresh produce and cooked dishes, raising humidity. Another issue comes from frequent door openings—especially on hot days or with kids in the house. Each time the door opens, moisture sneaks in and starts freezing around the warmest parts, which are usually near the edges.
To control this better, place an open box of baking soda near the back wall. It absorbs extra moisture quietly and helps reduce frost. We’ve seen this small trick work surprisingly well for families using our appliance repair services in Edmonton to solve hidden cooling issues.
Warm Air from the Freezer Can Leak Up
Frost on the fridge door frame isn’t always about the fridge. In some models, freezer air travels up through internal channels to reach the fridge compartment. If those channels crack or shift out of position, warm moist air leaks out and freezes near the fridge door instead.
This type of issue is harder to spot without opening panels. You might notice uneven cooling, stale odors, or a frosty patch that always comes back in the same place. We’ve repaired dozens of units where damaged air tunnels made the fridge sweat while the freezer stayed cold.
In such cases, replacing the door seal alone won’t help at all. Instead, the solution lies in diagnosing airflow problems during the inspection. If airflow is blocked or redirected the wrong way, the system can’t stay dry where it should. These faults often appear during seasonal changes when humidity levels shift quickly.
Broken or Tilted Door Hinges Let Air In
Door seals only work if they meet the frame evenly. If the hinges become loose, bent, or worn down, the door leans slightly. That tilt might seem harmless at first, but it lets warm air sneak in and start condensation. Over time, you get a small frost line that spreads across the frame.
This problem shows up often after moving the appliance. Sometimes during cleaning or rearranging, the fridge gets tilted or bumped. We always tell customers to check hinge screws regularly. A single loose screw can stop the seal from sitting flush, even with a brand-new gasket.
If you notice the door not closing with the same snap as before, that’s usually the first clue. Left untreated, this kind of gap can also cause strain on the cooling system. Edmonton Repair Appliances handles hinge adjustments as part of routine maintenance for most fridge repair services in Edmonton.
Internal Fans May Not Be Circulating Air Properly
Cool air must circulate evenly to avoid ice forming near the edges. When the fan inside the fridge doesn’t move air well, temperatures become uneven. That uneven cooling allows frost to build around the door frame, even when the rest of the fridge feels cold.
This is especially common when dust builds up around the fan blades or motor vents. In some cases, worn-out motors cause slow spinning or odd noises that signal early failure. We’ve fixed fridges where poor air movement caused constant ice build-up right where the airflow dropped off.
If you’re hearing buzzing or clicking behind the back wall of the fridge, it might be a worn fan motor. Replacing the seal won’t help until the fan blows air evenly. Many homeowners don’t realize this until the frost keeps coming back. We always check fan performance during inspections as part of our appliance repair services in Edmonton.
The Door Might Be Held Open by Interior Obstructions
Sometimes, the seal is perfect and the fridge works well, but something inside keeps the door from closing fully. A tall container, wide plate, or overstuffed bin may block the door slightly. This slight obstruction causes a gap wide enough for frost to form near the gasket.
We always remind customers to keep heavier items lower and smaller items near the top shelves. When items press against the inner liner, they push the door outward. It may still feel closed, but the seal can’t press tight all the way around.
During service calls, we often find a bottle cap, frozen bag edge, or crisper drawer slightly ajar. These small things make a big difference. To avoid frost altogether, keep door pathways clear and leave a little space behind each shelf.
The Defrost Heater Could Be Malfunctioning
Many frost issues trace back to a faulty defrost system. Most fridges have a heater that activates on a timer to melt built-up frost behind the walls. If that heater stops working, frost slowly creeps forward until it reaches the gasket area.
The defrost timer or control board might also fail, stopping the heater from turning on at all. When this happens, you get recurring frost patterns that never fully clear, no matter how often you clean. You may also hear popping or dripping sounds when the fridge tries to defrost unsuccessfully.
This type of repair often requires testing electrical components with a multimeter. For safety and proper diagnosis, our team encourages homeowners to schedule a proper service call with Edmonton Repair Appliances to restore safe defrost cycles.
FAQs
What should I check first if frost returns after changing the door seal?
Start by checking the seal alignment and tightness. Run your hand around the edges to feel for cold air leaks or gaps.
Does warm kitchen air cause fridge door frost too?
Yes. Opening the door too often, especially in a humid kitchen, brings in warm air that freezes near the seal.
Can a small item inside the fridge really cause the door to stay open?
Absolutely. Even a crisper drawer not pushed all the way in can leave a gap wide enough for frost to form.
How do I know if my defrost heater is working?
If frost keeps growing behind the walls and never melts, the heater may have failed. Listen for normal drip sounds or ask a technician to test it.
Is door hinge adjustment something I can do myself?
In some cases, yes. But if the door looks misaligned or sags, it’s safer to let a technician handle it to avoid making it worse.