At what temperature is a defrost cycle required for an evaporator?

The requirement for a defrost cycle for an evaporator is generally associated with the formation of frost and ice on the evaporator coils. Frost buildup can significantly hinder the efficiency of refrigeration systems. A critical temperature for initiating a defrost cycle is typically around the freezing point of water, which is 32°F.

When the temperature in the evaporator drops below this threshold, moisture in the air tends to condense and freeze on the coils. As frost accumulates, it acts as an insulator, reducing the heat exchange efficiency of the evaporator, which can impact the overall performance of the refrigeration system.

Initiating the defrost cycle at 32°F allows the system to remove this frost buildup effectively, allowing for optimum performance once again. This is why this temperature is a common standard in the refrigeration industry when determining when to activate a defrost cycle in order to maintain efficient operation and prevent damage to the system components.