Heating around my refrigerator doors?

Question

Between the refrigerator doors is very hot. This hasn't seemed to happen before, So I think something is wrong with it. I just don't know what.

The brand is Whirlpool and the model name is Inglis.

Answer 1

Some refrigerators have small heaters in the pannels between the doors to prevent condensation there. Often there is a switch inside the refigerator where they can be turned on/off to save energy in dry weather. Maybe the switch was off all along and got knocked into the "on" position? If its really hot; maybe there is a short in the heater making it draw more current than usual.

There could be another reason, most refrigerators now have an electric heater which comes on to do the automatic defrost cycle, maybe it is stuck in the "on" mode?

Answer 2

Whirlpool Refrigerator Door Seal

Answer 3

Be sure that you ck the condenser fan motor. If it's not running then you will get a very hot feeling from between the doors. Most of the manufacturers have done away with the old mullion heater in favor of a yoder loop. This loop runs from the condenser coil into the cabinet @ the back and goes around the freezer door, specifically between the ref and frzr doors. It's there to prevent moisture build up which can leak and also cause rust over time. Most of the time when I find a hot mullion, it's due to a condenser fan not running. Probably have a dead mouse in the fan blade. Don't laugh......that's usually what I find.

Answer 4

Newer refrigerators have a heater strip around the door to keep the seal from getting stiff from the cold and to eliminate condensation that may freeze the door shut. Some run on low all the time and others are timed to kick in with the automatic defrost cycle. Its possible you just didn't notice it before but if your concerned, keep an eye on it and see it it gets worse.

Answer 5

Flying dragon is correct. It is called a mullion heater.

Answer 6

I like httnmrrt's answer. Ours gets hot in the same place.