Below
are some refrigerator repair and troubleshooting pointers to help you get more
life from your refrigerator and keep it operating like new.
Like
any appliance, refrigerator care is necessary to keeping it functioning
economically. A number of appliance maintenance chores are equally necessary
for essential safety and longevity. This information relates to most brands and
styles of refrigerators.
Caution!
Appliance repair and troubleshooting might be hazardous for the common
homeowner. Reduce chance of demise or injuries by disconnecting the appliance just
before making repairs. Appliances may have sharp edges so use caution when
doing work inside the appliance. When doubtful, get in touch with a trained
appliance service professional for help and support.
The
majority of domestic refrigerators operate the same. All come with a
compressor, condenser, evaporator, capillary tube and a thermostat.
Refrigerators take warmer air and turn it into cold by removing the heat
utilizing evaporation processes.
The
compressor is really the hardest working part of the refrigerator and is
managed by the thermostat. It compresses refrigerant gas, causing it to heat
and pressurize as it circulates through the condenser coils to dissipate warmth
and condense it into a liquid.
The
condenser coil is a system of conduits going through thin pieces of metal
appearing like fins. The pressurized gas from the compressor continues into the
condenser coils and changes to liquid while the conduits transmit heat from the
coils by the fins attached to the tubes. The capillary tube controls the
pressure of the refrigerant as it penetrates the coils.
As
the refrigerant passes through the capillary tube the liquid expands until it
evaporates to develop into a cool, low-pressure gas. The cold gas progresses
through the evaporator coils to allow the gas to take in heat; thereby,
chilling the air moving past the coils. The fan inside the freezer chamber
disperses the air to help keep the temperature regular. The operation continues
to repeat itself, regulated by the thermostat, to help keep frozen foods at a
constant temperature to preserve freshness.
Modern
refrigerators have a self-regulating defrost technology that includes three
main factors; the defrost timer, defrost thermostat and defrost heater. Every
6-12 hours, the defrost timer cuts the power to the compressor and turns on the
defrost heater. As the ice liquefies, it filters through a tube into a drip pan
where it vaporizes with the help of a fan which blows heated air across it.
Refrigerator
and Freezer Troubleshooting Tips:
Refrigerator
not operating at all: Check the power supply. Ensure the electrical outlet is
functioning properly by plugging another thing into it. Check fuses or circuit
breakers. If this isn't the issue, it may be a variety of items like the
compressor, overload/relay, regulator or wiring.
If
the power source is ok, refer to the troubleshooting page of the owner's
manual. Do not set this aside; read it to learn efficient ways to care for your
refrigerator before anything happens. Appliance handbooks have preventative
maintenance tips and operating instructions that ought to be followed to ensure
operation. Talk to a qualified appliance repair specialist to analyze and
repair refrigerator issues if the manual does not give you the remedy.
Food
not frozen steadily: This is not an uncommon disorder. To begin with, verify
the temperature which needs to be anywhere between -10 F and +10 F.
Refrigerator temperatures must be 36F to 45F. Balance the temperature
appropriately.
Try
redistributing the food as temperature levels can be different in various
areas. Look for a worn out gasket by placing a sheet of paper between the
gasket and framework as you close the door. If it pulls out easily, you are in
need of a fresh door gasket.
Refrigerator
Runs far too much: The thermostat commands the compressor, turning it off and
on as required. The compressor will continue to run until the temperature level
is below the thermostat setting.
A
new refrigerator will run a long time, pretty much constantly, until it cools
enough to preserve the chosen temperature, about 24 hours. Keep the refrigerator
around half to two-thirds full to help maintain a steady temperature level. If
you have a small family and can not keep it full, fill up the space with jugs
of water. The cold things inside will help sustain the temperature as the door
gets opened and closed.
Make
sure the refrigerator has air clearance all around it. Refrigerators that have
a condenser coil on the back must have clearance to emit heat away from the
coils. Be sure the light is shutting off when the door is closed because it can
warm up the interior of the refrigerator. Press the button with the door open
and if the light remains on, fix or change the switch.
The
refrigerator will certainly run more often if the space is hot and humid or if
you just placed a great deal of warm food into it. If the compressor will not
turn off when the temperature is cold enough, it may need to be replaced. A
refrigerator thermometer can help you determine an appropriate setting to keep
food cold and protect the compressor from running too much.
If
the issue is low levels of refrigerant, you will need to get in touch with an
appliance service professional who is EPA certified to handle a sealed unit.
Undertaking to deal with this problem yourself will likely void the warranty.
Visit
our site often for updates on appliance repair and troubleshooting tips,
appliance maintenance and more. When
service is needed make an appointment with the Appliance Doctor…Call 914-343-4635