Simple question, what is the fastest way to defrost an evaporator?

[ArchieA]

You know the drill. The evaporator looks like an iceberg and needs to be defrosted for either diagnostic or repair. What's your strategy? I've heard of some technicians simply telling customers to shut it down a day before they come back, while others will spend 2 hours defrosting it with a steamer. What is the best approach that balances safety and speed?

[ServiceTech_Daniel]

I normally steam, and it takes anywhere between 20-30 minutes . 

here is a link to a steamer you can get off amazon 

https://www.amazon.com/Bissell-39N7V-Surface-Steam-Cleaner/dp/B07V39L623/ref=sr_1_9?crid=RCQNECSR8X21&keywords=steamer&qid=1698757167&sprefix=steame%2Caps%2C218&sr=8-9

 

[Daniel.A]

I agree with @ServiceTech_Daniel. The steamer has been the tool I've used since day one. Generally, the handheld ones are good, but if you're repairing appliances and defrosting fridges regularly, you might want to opt for a larger one that has a larger water tank. When I had a small one, it heated up relatively quick, but I'd have to refill it two to three times every now and again, whereas the big tank ones seem to last forever.

When it comes to how the customer wishes to proceed, it's usually knocks a few bucks ($50 to $100, depending) if they unplug the fridge and leave the doors open overnight. That way I don't have to spend upwards of an hour steaming and cleaning the ice away. I usually give the customer this option.

As to hairdryers, I would avoid them. They tend to melt plastic that you don't want melted and they take forever.

[vee8power]

If the problem is not the heater itself, I jumper out whatever is keeping the defrost system from working so I have that heat, plus a handheld steamer combined with a propane torch to sweep away the fog and give the steamer a rest. On side by sides, I have used my shop vac to blow room air through the freezer; then I set the vacuum to suck to clean up the water in between  working with the torch and steamer.

[Nathaniel Peterson]

On 11/1/2023 at 4:23 PM, Daniel.A said:

I agree with @ServiceTech_Daniel. The steamer has been the tool I've used since day one. Generally, the handheld ones are good, but if you're repairing appliances and defrosting fridges regularly, you might want to opt for a larger one that has a larger water tank. When I had a small one, it heated up relatively quick, but I'd have to refill it two to three times every now and again, whereas the big tank ones seem to last forever.

When it comes to how the customer wishes to proceed, it's usually knocks a few bucks ($50 to $100, depending) if they unplug the fridge and leave the doors open overnight. That way I don't have to spend upwards of an hour steaming and cleaning the ice away. I usually give the customer this option.

As to hairdryers, I would avoid them. They tend to melt plastic that you don't want melted and they take forever.

I avoid telling customers to unthaw by unplugging because you never know how frosted it is and whether it's going to overwhelm the drain pan. 

[ServiceTech_Daniel]

On 11/1/2023 at 3:23 PM, Daniel.A said:

When I had a small one, it heated up relatively quick, but I'd have to refill it two to three times every now and again, whereas the big tank ones seem to last forever.

@Daniel.A If you don't mind me asking, what brand steamer do you use? I'd like to check into getting a Bigger one 

[Daniel.A]

@ServiceTech_Daniel

The first one I had provided a 6.6oz water container. By comparison, the one below has a 48 oz tank. The nice thing about this one, too, is that it has a "steam lock switch." This is a luxury after using steamers where you have to hold the button down for upwards of 30 minutes. 

https://www.amazon.com/McCulloch-MC1275-Heavy-Duty-Cleaner-Accessories/dp/B0000DF0RB/ref=psdc_510106_t1_B01JYVLF0Y?th=1

 

[a1jackc]

I use the same steamer as above

[buttler joseph]

The fastest way to defrost an evaporator is to use a hot gas defrost method. This involves redirecting hot refrigerant gas into the evaporator coils, rapidly melting the ice. 

This method is quicker than traditional methods like shutting down the system or using a steamer, striking a balance between speed and safety. It minimizes downtime and allows for a swift diagnostic or repair process.