If you have a Whirlpool top freezer, you might be wondering how to replace the defrost heater and why it matters. The defrost heater is a component that melts the frost from the freezer’s evaporator coils during the defrost cycle. The defrost cycle is a process that occurs periodically to prevent ice buildup and maintain optimal cooling performance.
If the defrost heater fails, the defrost cycle will not work properly, and ice will accumulate on the evaporator coils, blocking the airflow and causing the freezer to become too warm. This can affect the quality and safety of your food, as well as increase your energy consumption and costs. To fix this problem, you need to replace the defrost heater using the steps in this post.
To replace the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer, you need to purchase a new defrost heater kit that is compatible with your freezer model, and follow the instructions that come with it. You can also use the following steps as a general guide.
How to replace the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer
The first step to replace the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer is to prepare the materials and tools that you will need. You will need:
- A new defrost heater kit that includes a defrost heater, a wire harness, and a screwdriver
- A helper or two to assist you with lifting and moving the freezer
- A towel or a bucket to catch any water or ice
- A pair of gloves to protect your hands
The second step to replace the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer is to access the old defrost heater and remove it. You will need to:
- Unplug the freezer and empty it of any food or items
- Open the door of the freezer and remove any shelves or accessories
- Remove the screws that secure the evaporator cover at the back of the freezer using the screwdriver
- Pull down the evaporator cover and disconnect the wire harnesses from the evaporator fan and the ice maker (if applicable)
- Remove the evaporator cover and set it aside
- Locate the old defrost heater at the bottom of the evaporator coils
- Disconnect the wires from the old defrost heater
- Unclip or unscrew the old defrost heater from its brackets
- Remove the old defrost heater and discard it
The third step to replace the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer is to install the new defrost heater and reassemble everything. You will need to:
- Clip or screw the new defrost heater into its brackets at the bottom of the evaporator coils
- Connect the wires to the new defrost heater
- Reconnect the wire harnesses to the evaporator fan and the ice maker (if applicable)
- Put back the evaporator cover and secure it with screws
- Put back any shelves or accessories in the freezer
- Plug in the freezer and refill it with food or items
FAQs about replacing the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer
Here are some frequently asked questions about replacing the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer:
- Where can I buy a new defrost heater kit for my Whirlpool top freezer? You can buy a new defrost heater kit for your Whirlpool top freezer from an authorized Whirlpool dealer or online retailer. Make sure you choose a defrost heater kit that matches your freezer model and size.
- How do I know if my defrost heater is faulty? You can check if your defrost heater is faulty by performing a continuity test using a multimeter. A continuity test measures if there is an electrical current flowing through a component. If there is no continuity, it means that there is a break or damage in the component. To perform a continuity test on your defrost heater, you need to unplug your freezer, disconnect your defrost heater from its wires, set your multimeter to ohms, touch one probe to each terminal of your defrost heater, and check if there is any reading on your multimeter. If there is no reading, it means that your defrost heater has no continuity and needs to be replaced.
- How often should I replace my defrost heater? There is no set rule for how often you should replace your defrost heater, but it depends on how often you use your freezer, how hard your water is, and how well you maintain your freezer. Generally, you should replace your defrost heater if it fails or shows signs of wear or damage, such as cracks, corrosion, or leaks.
Replacing the defrost heater in a Whirlpool top freezer is an important maintenance task that can prevent ice buildup and ensure optimal cooling performance. By doing this, you can preserve the quality and safety of your food, as well as save energy and money. Remember to buy a compatible defrost heater kit, access and remove the old defrost heater, and install the new defrost heater and reassemble everything. By doing this regularly, you can keep your Whirlpool top freezer running smoothly and efficiently.
