Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater (WP61001846)

The Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater is a heating element installed in the freezer section that melts frost buildup off the evaporator coils during the automatic defrost cycle. It works alongside the defrost thermostat and timer or control board to run at regular intervals, keeping the coils clear so cold air can circulate properly throughout the refrigerator.

The Whirlpool Refrigerator Defrost Heater can fail over time due to normal wear, electrical burnout, or a broken heating element caused by repeated heating and cooling cycles. If the heater stops working, frost will accumulate on the evaporator coils and eventually block airflow, causing the refrigerator and freezer compartments to warm up even though the compressor is still running.

Look for these symptoms to help determine if the defrost heater is the cause of your refrigerator problem:

- Refrigerator or freezer not staying cold enough

- Thick frost or ice buildup covering the back wall of the freezer

- Fan running but little or no cold air reaching the fresh food section

- Food spoiling faster than normal despite normal temperature settings

- Refrigerator runs constantly without cycling off

- Visible frost block around the evaporator coils behind the freezer panel