Refrigerators Common Problems with Solutions

Refrigerators can vary from model to model they all operate on similar principles. Here we will identify the four main factors of refrigerator operation as well as potential problems you may encounter.

·         Refrigeration

·         Temperature control

·         Airflow

·         Defrost

1. Refrigeration

Refrigerators help store food and keep beverages cold by removing the heat from the inside of the appliance. To accomplish this refrigerator uses a sealed system that pumps refrigerants through a set of coils. The system includes a compressor, a pump which compresses the refrigerator in gas form into the condenser coils where the gas is condensed into a hot liquid the condenser coils dissipate the heat as the liquid travels through them. Besides these coils can collect dust, dirt, and hair which prevents the coils from properly dissipate the heat.

If you observe that the refrigerator is not cooling properly the condenser coils may need to be cleaned. Once the refrigerant has passed through the condenser coil and the capillary tube it travels to the evaporator coils which are located in the freezer as the refrigerant liquid enters these coils it expands into gas which makes the coil cold the gas flows through the coils to a suction line attached to the compressor .the compressor converts the gas back into a liquid and then cooling cycle continues.

You can determine if there is a cooling problem with this system by observing the evaporator coils while the refrigerator is running if the system is operating properly there should be a consistent frost pattern on all of the evaporated coils .if only one or two rows contain frost and the rest do not it’s likely that the sealed system has developed a restriction or a leak.

Be aware that any repairs to the system must be performed by a certified technician.

2. Temperature Control

·         The temperature within the refrigerator should be between 35 to 40 degrees   Fahrenheit.

·         The temperature in the freezer must be zero degrees Fahrenheit.

The temperature is maintained by the refrigerator control, depending on the model the control may be a thermostat switch and sensing bulb assembly or electronic control board that works with one or more sensors. Be conscious that some models will have a separate control for the freezer.

To cool about the refrigerator and freezer the control allows the voltage to travel to the start relay and compressor as well as to the condenser fan motor and evaporator fan motor .once the proper temperatures have reached the control shuts off the voltage to the cooling system.

If the refrigerator is not cooling then check the temperature setting by following the user manual book for  endorsed refrigerator and freezer coolness settings and then reset the thermostat accordingly.

Keep in mind that it’s normal for the temperature to vary throughout the cycle.

3. Airflow    

Airflow is vital for refrigerators to work properly to cool the condenser coils the condenser fan draws in air from the front of the appliance sends it through the condenser itself and then circulates the air back out the grill. At the same time, the evaporator fan draws air from the refrigerator into the freezer the air passes through the evaporator coils which removes the heat from the air. The air then flows back into the refrigerator continuing the cycle.

Most models will have damper door to control from the freezer to the refrigerator this damper may be automatically controlled by temperature control or manually controlled by the user.

If the food or beverages in the refrigerator compartment starts to freeze the damper door could be stuck open. if the refrigerator will nor cool properly but the freezer appears to be working the door could be stuck closed or the evaporator fan may have failed and will need to be replaced.

4. Defrost

As we discussed earlier the evaporator coils collect frost as the air from the refrigerator passes through them since frost build-up can cause airflow problems the coils require periodic defrosting older models needed to be defrosted manually but most of today’s models use an automatic defrost system.

The basic components in this system are

• Defrost heater
• Defrost thermostat
• Defrost control

Depending on the model the control may be a defrost  timer or a defrost control board.

A defrost timer sets the heater on for about 25 minutes two or three times a day to prevent the evaporator coils from frosting over.

A defrost control board will also turn the heater on periodically but will regulate more efficiently.

If the control thermostat or heater breaks the evaporator coils will likely frost over causing poor cooling in the refrigerator .you can test both the thermostat and heater for continuity to determine if a continuous electric path is present. if both thermostat and heater test positive for continuity it’s likely that the controller is defective and will need to be replaced.

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