Patent ID: 7089752

Claim:
A defrosting method of a refrigerator comprising the steps of: checking whether a heat exchanger temperature sensor adapted to measure a temperature of a heat exchanger, to be defrosted, is in a normal state or in a failure state; executing a first defrosting mode according to a first defrosting condition when it is determined that the heat exchanger temperature sensor is in the normal state; and executing a second defrosting mode according to a second defrosting condition when it is determined that the heat exchanger temperature sensor is in the failure state; wherein the step of executing the second defrosting mode comprises the steps of: comparing a temperature of a storage compartment, to be cooled in accordance with an operation of the heat exchanger, with a reference temperature; and if the temperature of the storage compartment is lower than the reference temperature, determining that a compressor and a storage compartment fan operate normally, and turning on a defrost heater adapted to defrost the heat exchanger for a predetermined time for a defrosting operation.