Refrigerator and Freezer Issues
Below
are several refrigerator repair and troubleshooting guidelines that can help
you get a bit more from the refrigerator and keep it working like new.
Like
any appliance, refrigerator upkeep is crucial to keeping it running
efficiently. Several appliance maintenance tasks are equally necessary for
essential safety and endurance. This information relates to most makes and
designs of refrigerators.
Caution!
Appliance repair and troubleshooting might be dangerous for the common
homeowner. Minimize risk of demise or accidental injury by unplugging the
appliance just before making repairs. Appliances might have sharp edges so take
care when doing work inside any appliance. If doubtful, get in touch with a
qualified appliance service technician for help and support.
The
majority of residential refrigerators operate the same. All come with a
compressor, condenser, evaporator, capillary tube and a thermostat.
Refrigerators remove hot air and turn it into colder by transferring the heat
applying vaporization principles.
The
compressor is the hardest working area of the refrigerator and is influenced by
the thermostat. It compresses refrigerant gas, causing it to warm and
pressurize as it flows through the condenser coils to deplete heat and convert
it into a liquid.
The
condenser coil is a system of lines going through thin pieces of steel
resembling fins. The pressurized gas from the compressor circulates into the
condenser coils and changes to liquid as the tubes transmit heat from the coils
by the fins connected to the tubes. The capillary tube regulates the pressure
of the refrigerant as it passes through the coils.
While
the refrigerant travels through the capillary tube the liquid boils and then it
dissipates to turn into a very cold, low-pressure gas. The cold gas progresses
through the evaporator coils to allow the gas to take in heat; hence, cooling
off the air rushing past the coils. The fan in the freezer compartment
disperses the air to always keep the temperature steady. The action goes on to
repeat itself, governed by the thermostat, to keep frozen foods at a uniform
temperature to maintain freshness.
Today's
refrigerators have an automatic defrost device which includes three major
components; the defrost timer, defrost thermostat and defrost heater. Every
6-12 hours, the defrost timer cuts off the power to the compressor and switches
on the defrost heater. As the ice liquefies, it filters through a line into a
drip pan where it vaporizes with the help of a fan which blows heated air
through it.
Refrigerator and Freezer Troubleshooting Tips:
Refrigerator
not functioning at all: Inspect the power supply. Make certain the outlet is
working correctly by plugging another thing into it. Take a look at fuses or
circuit breakers. If this is not the trouble, it could be a number of factors
including the compressor, overload/relay, regulator or circuitry.
If
the outlet is ok, read the troubleshooting section of the service manual. Never
toss this aside; go over it to find out how to take care of your refrigerator
before anything bad happens. Appliance guidebooks have preventative maintenance
suggestions and operating instructions that must be observed to ensure
functionality. Get in touch with a skilled appliance service specialist to
detect and repair refrigerator disorders if the manual doesn't give you the
solution.
Food
will not freeze steadily: This is not an uncommon disorder. To start with,
check the temperature level which should be between -10 F and +10 F.
Refrigerator temperatures should be 36F to 45F. Calibrate the temperature
accordingly.
Consider
reorganizing the food as conditions can vary in various areas. Check for a warn
gasket by putting a sheet of paper in between the gasket and frame as you close
the door. If it slips out easily, you really need a fresh door gasket.
Refrigerator
Runs too Much: The thermostat commands the compressor, shutting it off and on
as required. The compressor will continue to run until the temperature level is
below the thermostat setting.
A
brand-new refrigerator will run for a long time, just about continuously, until
it cools down enough to retain the desired temperature, approximately 24 hours.
Always keep the refrigerator around half to two-thirds full to help maintain a
balanced temperature. If you have a small family and can not keep it full, fill
the space with bottles of water. The cold items inside will help sustain the
temperature as the door is opened and closed.
Make
sure the refrigerator has air clearance surrounding it. Refrigerators that have
a condenser coil on the back must have clearance to radiate heat away from the
coils. Make sure the light is turning off when the door is closed because it
may warm up the interior of the refrigerator. Press the switch by having the
door open and if the light remains on, fix or switch out the switch.
The
refrigerator will definitely run more often if the area is hot and humid or if
you have just put a great deal of warm food into it. If the compressor will not
turn off when the temperature is cold enough, it may well have to be changed. A
refrigerator thermometer will be able to help you establish an ideal setting to
help keep food cold and keep the compressor from running excessively.
If
the dilemma is a shortage of refrigerant, you will need to consult with an
appliance service professional who is EPA certified to handle a sealed device.
Venturing to handle this problem yourself may void the manufacturer's warranty.
Contact
the Local Refrigerator Repair Pro at 469-208-7613 to schedule service