Customer Questions and Answers for Defrost Heater (Evaporator) by Whirlpool

This defrost heater warms the evaporator coil during the automatic defrost cycle to melt frost and clear airflow. Replacing a failed heater helps prevent ice buildup and restores more consistent cooling performance throughout the refrigerator. What it does

• Heats the evaporator during defrost cycles to melt accumulated frost
• Keeps airflow paths clear so temperatures stay stable
• Helps prevent frost-clogged coils that reduce cooling
• Common signs of failure: heavy frost on the back wall/evaporator cover, weak cooling, evaporator fan hitting ice, or ice returning soon after a manual defrost

• One defrost heater

• Disconnect power before servicing; wear cut-resistant gloves
• Access is behind the freezer's rear evaporator cover; remove shelves/bins and the panel
• Defrost heavy ice before removal to avoid damaging the coil or insulation
• Transfer any original mounting clips/insulators and route wires exactly like the original; avoid bending the heating element