Refrigerator and Freezer Problems
In
this article are several refrigerator repair and troubleshooting guidelines to
help you get even more from the refrigerator and keep it functioning like new.
As
with any appliance, refrigerator maintenance is essential to keeping it
functioning efficiently. A lot of appliance maintenance chores are at the same
time important for safety and endurance. This information applies to most makes
and models of refrigerators.
Alert!
Appliance repair and troubleshooting might be hazardous for the typical
homeowner. Prevent risk of casualty or injury by unplugging the appliance just
before making repairs. Appliances could have sharp edges so use caution when
working inside any appliance. When unsure, get in touch with a certified appliance service professional for help and support.
Almost
all domestic refrigerators function the same. All have a compressor, condenser,
evaporator, capillary tube and a thermostat. Refrigerators capture hot air and
make it colder by removing the heat utilizing dissipation concepts.
The
compressor is definitely the hardest working area of the refrigerator and is
controlled by the thermostat. It compresses refrigerant gas, and causes it to
heat and pressurize as it circulates through the condenser coils to deplete
warmth and convert it into a liquid.
The
condenser coil is a system of small pipes going through thin pieces of steel
that look like fins. The high-pressure gas from the compressor flows into the
condenser coils and changes to liquid as the conduits transmit heat from the
coils by the fins attached to the tubes. The capillary tube controls the
compression of the refrigerant as it enters into the coils.
While
the refrigerant passes through the capillary tube the liquid heats to boiling
and then it vaporizes to become a cool, low-pressure gas. The cold gas
circulates through the evaporator coils to make it possible for the gas to
consume warmth; hence, cooling the air progressing past the coils. The fan
inside the freezer compartment circulates the air to help keep the temperature
consistent. The action carries on to repeat itself, governed by the thermostat,
to help keep frozen foods at a uniform temperature to maintain quality.
Modern-day
refrigerators have an automated defrost system that includes three main
components; the defrost timer, defrost thermostat and defrost heater. Every
6-12 hours, the defrost timer cuts the power to the compressor and switches on
the defrost heater. As the ice liquefies, it drips through a hose into a pan
where it vaporizes with the aid of a fan blowing heated air over it.
Refrigerator and Freezer Troubleshooting Tips:
Refrigerator
not operating at all: Examine the power supply. Confirm the electrical outlet
is working properly by plugging something else into it. Test fuses or breakers.
If this is not the trouble, it may be a variety of things including the
compressor, overload/relay, thermostats or circuitry.
If
the power supply is good, refer to the troubleshooting page of the manual.
Never throw this aside; read through it to learn how to take care of your
refrigerator before anything fails. Appliance manuals have preventative
maintenance pointers and operating guidelines that must be followed to assure
performance. Get in touch with a skilled appliance service expert to determine
and handle refrigerator issues if the manual fails to give you the remedy.
Food
won't freeze reliably: This is not an uncommon dilemma. First and foremost,
verify the temperature level which ought to be between -10 F and +10 F.
Refrigerator temperatures should be 36F to 45F. Calibrate the temperature
accordingly.
Consider
reorganizing the food as temperature levels can be different in various
compartments. Look for a warn gasket by putting a piece of paper between the
gasket and framework as you shut the door. If it slips out effortlessly, you
are in need of a new door gasket.
Refrigerator
is running too Much: The thermostat regulates the compressor, switching it off
and on as needed. The compressor will run until the temperature is lower than
the thermostat setting.
A
brand-new refrigerator will run for a long time, just about continuously, until
it cools enough to retain the desired temperature, approximately 24 hours.
Always keep the refrigerator at least half to two-thirds full to help maintain
a constant temperature. If you have a small household and are not able to keep
it full, fill up the space with bottles of water. The cold items inside will
help preserve the temperature as the door gets opened and closed.
Make
sure the refrigerator has air margin all around it. Refrigerators having a
condenser coil on the back must have room to emit heat away from the coils.
Make sure the light is shutting off when the door is closed as it may heat the
inside of the refrigerator. Push the button with the door open and if the light
stays on, fix or replace the switch.
The
refrigerator will certainly run more if the room is hot and humid or if you
recently placed a great deal of warm food into it. If the compressor will not
go off when the temperature is cool enough, it may well have to be replaced. A
refrigerator thermometer could help you determine an optimal setting to keep
food cold and prevent the compressor from running too much.
If
the problem is a low level of refrigerant, you will need to consult with an
appliance repair technician who is EPA certified to deal with a sealed system.
Pursuing to handle this problem yourself will void the manufacturer's warranty.