A Canton homeowner called with a GE refrigerator that wasn’t cooling or freezing at all, with temps just keep going up. When we arrived at the 18th Street NW location, we found the freezer compartment was frosted up — a clear sign of a failed defrost system.
The Problem
The customer reported that both the freezer and fridge sections were not cooling or freezing at all, with temperatures continuing to rise. This is exactly what happens when ice buildup blocks airflow between compartments.
Diagnosis
The freezer compartment was frosted up, indicating the defrost element had failed. When the defrost element stops working, ice accumulates and blocks the evaporator coils, preventing proper cooling throughout the entire refrigerator.
The Repair
- Parts replaced: WR51X10055 — refrigerator defrost element
- Work performed: Unplugged unit to thaw, then returned the next day to install new defrost element
- Result: Proper defrost cycle restored, normal cooling resumed
Is It Worth Repairing?
GE side-by-side refrigerators from this era are generally well-built units worth repairing when the issue is a specific component failure like this. The defrost element is a relatively straightforward repair that can extend the appliance’s life significantly when caught early.
Maintenance Tips for GE Refrigerators
- Check door seals regularly — GE models are sensitive to air leaks that can overwork the defrost system
- Keep the condenser coils clean underneath the unit to prevent system strain
- Don’t block air vents between freezer and refrigerator compartments in side-by-side models
Appliance Repair in Canton, OH
Canton is in Stark County — an area we cover regularly from our base in Louisville, OH. We also serve Louisville, North Canton, and Alliance. Louisville Appliance Repair is owned and operated by Samuel Willhite, a master-certified technician with Bosch and Speed Queen factory authorizations. If your refrigerator needs service, schedule online or call (330) 693-9163. You can also find us on Google and read verified reviews from customers across Stark County and surrounding areas.
Louisville Appliance Repair serves Stark County and surrounding areas.
Schedule your repair online,
call (330) 693-9163,
or see our reviews on Google.