If you notice moisture along your refrigerator door, chances are that there are some defective parts that are letting in warm air and causing the appliance to run inefficiently. Read on to learn different parts that could be causing the sweating and how to fix the issue.
Defective door hinges
The fresh food and freezer doors need to close properly so as to prevent warm air from getting in. These doors rotate on hinges that allow the doors to pivot easily so as to close tightly. With time, the hinges can get worn out or rusty, preventing them from acting as effective bearings. This can in turn make the doors close improperly and make a scraping noise when opening or closing.
Poorly closed doors will cause moisture problems and energy inefficiency, which is why you should replace worn-out hinge bearings and lubricate your hinges regularly with food-safe grease.
Damaged door seals
The fresh food and freezer doors are typically lined with rubber gaskets that help form a tight seal to keep air and moisture out of the refrigerator. If you notice moisture on the shelves of the freezer or on the air-outlet ducts, chances that you have a damaged door seal that is preventing the freezer door from closing properly, thus causing defrost issues. Similarly, moisture along the fresh food door usually points to a damaged door gasket that isn't sealing tightly.
To locate the damaged areas, place a piece of paper on various points along the gasket and close the door normally. If the paper pulls out without any resistance, this should tell you that the seal is worn out and needs replacing, and then you can call your refrigerator service.
Dispenser door assembly
The dispenser door is comprised of various parts that allow it to open and dispense ice from the icemaker. These parts include a door gasket, spring-loaded hinges, and a damper to slow the closing action and prevent the door from jamming against an ice cube. A defective dispenser door can let in warm air, causing defrost issues that could be evidenced by moisture in the ice-bin area or on the front of the dispenser.
Check for any damage on the dispenser door seal and have any defective gasket replaced. You should also open the dispenser cover and inspect the operation of the pivot mechanism on the door hinges, the spring return, and the door damper. If there are any obstructions that prevent the door from closing properly, have them removed. You should also lubricate the hinges and spring mechanism to allow the door to close correctly.
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