Excessive frost buildup in freezer, items covered in snow-like frost, door difficult to close.

Safety first: Unplug the refrigerator before defrosting heavy frost.

Steps:

• 1. Check door closure: Ensure the door closes fully and that shelves or food are not blocking it.
• 2. Inspect gasket: Look for gaps or tears and repair or replace as needed.
• 3. Manual defrost: Remove food, unplug the unit, and allow frost to melt. Use towels and a hair dryer on low if needed.
• 4. Monitor: After defrosting and correcting door/gasket issues, monitor for recurrence. If frost returns quickly, test the defrost heater, thermostat, and thermistor as described in defrost-related entries.