Refrigerator Repair and Troubleshooting Info
Listed here are several refrigerator repair and
troubleshooting pointers that can help you get more life from your refrigerator
and keep it functioning like new.
Like any appliance, refrigerator upkeep is crucial to
keeping it functioning efficiently. Most appliance maintenance chores are
likewise important for essential safety and durability. This article applies to
most brands and designs of refrigerators.
Alert! Appliance repair and troubleshooting might be
dangerous for the typical homeowner. Decrease threat of casualty or injury by
disconnecting the appliance before making repairs. Appliances may have sharp
edges so take care when working on the inside of the appliance. When doubtful,
call a qualified appliance service professional for support.
Almost all household refrigerators operate the same. All
have a compressor, condenser, evaporator, capillary tube and a thermostat.
Refrigerators take warm air and make it cool by removing the heat utilizing
dissipation concepts.
The compressor is actually the hardest working area of the
refrigerator and is directed by the thermostat. It compresses refrigerant gas,
causing it to warm up and pressurize as it flows through the condenser coils to
deplete heat and condense into a liquid.
The condenser coil is a device of conduits going through
thin pieces of metal appearing like fins. The pressurized gas from the
compressor moves into the condenser coils and converts to liquid while the
cylinders emit heat from the coils by the fins connected to the tubes. The
capillary tube controls the compression of the refrigerant as it goes into the
coils.
As the refrigerant travels through the capillary tube the
liquid heats to boiling and evaporates to turn into a cool, low-pressure gas.
The cold gas passes through the evaporator coils to enable the gas to take in
heat energy; thus, cooling off the air flowing past the coils. The fan within
the freezer area disperses the air to help keep the temperature constant. The
operation carries on to repeat itself, regulated by the thermostat, to keep
frozen foods at a constant temperature to sustain quality.
Modern refrigerators have a mechanized defrost technology
consisting of three main components; the defrost timer, defrost thermostat and
defrost heater. Every 6-12 hours, the defrost timer turns off the power to the
compressor and activates the defrost heater. As the ice melts, it drips through
a tube into a receptacle where it dissipates with the aid of a fan blowing hot
air through it.
Refrigerator and Freezer Troubleshooting Tips:
Refrigerator not operating at all: Examine the power supply.
Ensure the outlet is functioning right by plugging something else into it. Look
at fuses or circuit breakers. If this is not the trouble, it may be a variety
of items including the compressor, overload/relay, regulator or wires.
If the power source is good, read the troubleshooting
section of the manual. Never toss this aside; read it to understand the best
way to maintain your refrigerator before something fails. Appliance manuals
have preventative maintenance pointers and operating directions that should be
abided by to ensure performance. Consult a competent appliance repair
technician to detect and deal with refrigerator problems if the manual does not
give you the answers.
Food not frozen reliably: This is not a rare problem. First,
verify the temperature which should be between -10 F and +10 F. Refrigerator
temperatures ought to be 36F to 45F. Correct the temperature accordingly.
Consider repositioning the food as temperature levels can be
different in different areas. Check for a worn gasket by putting a piece of
paper in between the gasket and frame as you close the door. If it pulls out
effortlessly, you are in need of a new door gasket.
Refrigerator Runs constantly: The thermostat directs the
compressor, switching it on and off as necessary. The compressor will continue
to run until the temperature is lower than the thermostat setting.
A new refrigerator will run a long time, almost
continuously, until it cools down sufficiently to maintain the chosen
temperature, about 24 hours. Keep the refrigerator one half to two-thirds full
to help maintain a balanced temperature. If you have a smaller household and cannot
keep it full, occupy the space with jugs of water. The cold items inside will
help preserve the temperature as the door gets opened and closed.
Ensure the refrigerator has air clearance surrounding it.
Refrigerators having a condenser coil on the back need room to emit heat away
from the coils. Confirm the light is turning off when the door is closed as it
can warm the inside of the refrigerator. Push the button with the door open and
if the light stays on, repair or replace the switch.
The refrigerator will run more often if the space is hot and
humid or if you recently put a lot of warm food into it. If the compressor does
not turn off when the temperature is cold enough, it may be in need of repair.
A refrigerator thermometer can certainly help you determine an ideal setting to
keep food cold and prevent the compressor from running excessively.
If the complication is a low level of refrigerant, you will
want to consult with an appliance repair technician who is EPA certified to
work on a sealed system. Venturing to fix this problem yourself will likely
void the service warranty.
We’re here when you
need us most! Refrigerator Repair is one critical service that just cannot wait...time is of the essence and food could spoil!
Call the New Orleans
Appliance Repair Professionals at 504-208-4458