Refrigerator Moisture

[Menschenstimme]

My older General Electric Monogram refrigerator is in almost-new condition, but has started to form condensation along the bottom of the freezer door, thus dripping water on to the floor. While this is minimal, it is a problem. Yes, the door heaters are kept on at all times - the dripping is worse with them off. The door gaskets look like new. However, it is possible that some loss of flexibility and softness in the gaskets over the years is allowing cold air to seep out, thus causing atmospheric moisture to condense just below the door? Perhaps most refrigerators do not last long enough for this to become a problem? Thank you!

[jkrusel]

My older General Electric Monogram refrigerator is in almost-new condition, but has started to form condensation along the bottom of the freezer door, thus dripping water on to the floor. While this is minimal, it is a problem. Yes, the door heaters are kept on at all times - the dripping is worse with them off. The door gaskets look like new. However, it is possible that some loss of flexibility and softness in the gaskets over the years is allowing cold air to seep out, thus causing atmospheric moisture to condense just below the door? Perhaps most refrigerators do not last long enough for this to become a problem? Thank you!

Yes, it sounds like leaky door gaskets. Try the dollar bill test - close the door on a dollar bill at various places along the gasket, with the end hanging out, and see if it is easy to pull free, if it is then the gaskets are shot.

[Snowbandit]

I recently replaced the gaskets on my back-up refrigerator, a Whirlpool Gold. You can order them on-line and they're pretty easy to change out. They're not cheap though, 60-80 dollars each. It doesn't take long to get more money wrapped up in one than it's worth when they only last 10-12 years anyway. We have a 30 plus year old Sub Zero in the kitchen that going to need a set of gaskets soon too. That one is probably going to be worth spending the money on.

[Menschenstimme]

Thank you both! The dollar bill test says that the gaskets are okay - but my guess is marginal - or becoming marginal.

[gtc]

I once owned a fridge which had those symptoms, yet the seals seemed to be in good condition. It turned out that the door was not completely square on the hinges allowing a tiny gap to occur. The moisture was most evident on humid days.

Another test you could try. Dry all surfaces well then smear a thin layer of Vaseline on the trouble area. If the moisture stops, there's your proof that there's a gap.

[Menschenstimme]

Thank you for your interesting suggestion!