Refrigerator
and Freezer Matters
The
following are a few refrigerator repair and troubleshooting suggestions that
can help you get more from the refrigerator and keep it operating like new.
As
with any appliance, refrigerator upkeep is vital to keeping it working
efficiently. Several appliance maintenance chores are likewise necessary for
essential safety and longevity. This important information relates to most
brands and styles of refrigerators.
Alert!
Appliance repair and troubleshooting may be hazardous for the average
homeowner. Reduce threat of fatality or personal injury by unplugging the
appliance before making repairs. Appliances could have sharp edges so be
careful when doing work on the inside of any appliance. When in doubt, contact
a trained Flemington appliance repair expert for service.
Most
home refrigerators operate the same. All have a compressor, condenser,
evaporator, capillary tube and a thermostat. Refrigerators remove warm air and
turn it into colder by removing the heat using evaporation principles.
The
compressor is definitely the hardest working component of the refrigerator and
is regulated by the thermostat. It compresses refrigerant gas, causing it to
warm up and pressurize as it circulates through the condenser coils to consume
heat and change it into a liquid.
The
condenser coil is a system of tubes running through thin pieces of metal
resembling fins. The pressurized gas from the compressor passes into the
condenser coils and converts to liquid as the cylinders transmit heat from the
coils by the fins attached to the tubes. The capillary tube controls the
pressure of the refrigerant as it enters the coils.
As
the refrigerant travels through the capillary tube the liquid expands and
dissipates to develop into a cold, low-pressure gas. The cold gas passes
through the evaporator coils to enable the gas to take in heat; thus, chilling
the air progressing past the coils. The fan within the freezer area circulates
the air to always keep the temperature steady. The procedure carries on to
repeat itself, governed by the thermostat, to keep frozen foods at a consistent
temperature to maintain quality.
Contemporary
refrigerators have a mechanized defrost technology that includes three main
elements; the defrost timer, defrost thermostat and defrost heater. Every 6-12
hours, the defrost timer cuts off the power to the compressor and turns on the
defrost heater. As the ice thaws, it filters through a tube into a drip pan
where it vaporizes with the aid of a fan which blows hot air through it.
Refrigerator
and Freezer Troubleshooting Tips:
Refrigerator
not running at all: Check the power supply. Make sure the outlet is functioning
properly by plugging another thing into it. Check fuses or breakers. If this
isn't the issue, it may be a number of factors including the compressor,
overload/relay, thermostats or wires.
If
the power supply is ok, read the troubleshooting area of the service manual.
Never throw this aside; go over it to find out how to take care of your
refrigerator before anything bad happens. Appliance handbooks have preventative
maintenance tips and operating information that need to be observed to ensure
functionality. Call a qualified appliance repair contractor to determine and
repair refrigerator problems if the manual does not give you the solution.
Food
doesn't freeze reliably: This is not a rare disorder. To begin with, check the
temperature level which should be anywhere between -10 F and +10 F.
Refrigerator temperatures ought to be 36F to 45F. Correct the temperature
appropriately.
Consider
repositioning the food as temperature levels can fluctuate in various
compartments. Check for a damaged gasket by placing a piece of paper in between
the gasket and frame as you close the door. If it slips out easily, you need to
get a fresh door gasket.
Refrigerator
Runs far too much: The thermostat controls the compressor, turning it off and
on as needed. The compressor will run until the temperature level is below the
thermostat setting.
A
new refrigerator will run for a long time, just about constantly, until it
cools down sufficiently to sustain the chosen temperature, up to 24 hours. Keep
the refrigerator one half to two-thirds full to help maintain a balanced
temperature level. If you have a small family and are not able to keep it full,
fill the space with containers of water. The cold things inside will help
preserve the temperature as the door gets opened and closed.
Be
sure the refrigerator has air margin surrounding it. Refrigerators that have a
condenser coil on the back need space to radiate heat away from the coils.
Confirm the light is switching off when the door is closed as it can heat the
inside of the refrigerator. Press the switch by having the door open and if the
light remains on, repair or change out the switch.
The
refrigerator is going to run more often if the room is hot and humid or if you
have recently put a lot of warm food into it. If the compressor does not shut
off when the temperature is cold enough, it could have to be changed. A
refrigerator thermometer can help you ascertain an appropriate setting to
always keep food cold and prevent the compressor from running too much.
If
the dilemma is a shortage of refrigerant, you will need to contact an appliance repair professional who is EPA certified to work on a sealed device. Pursuing
to repair this situation yourself will likely void the manufacturer's warranty.
The
Appliance Master® knows that time is of the essence - when the refrigerator
breaks down, food begins to spoil, so they will send their own refrigerator
repair technician ASAP to address the problem and provide a solution.