Refrigerator

The Refrigerator

Refrigerators have separate systems that are responsible for different features. However, not all refrigerators have all systems.

Defrost timer
The timer is like a clock. It continually advances, 24 hours a day. Every 6 to 8 hours, the timer turns off the cooling system of the refrigerator and turns on the defrost heater.

Defrost heater
The defrost heater is similar to the burners on an electric stove. It's located just beneath the cooling coils, which are concealed behind a panel in the freezer compartment. The heater gets hot. And, because it's close to the cooling coils, any ice or frost build-up melts.

Defrost thermostat
The process ends after either the amount of time specified on the timer or when the defrost thermostat near the cooling coils senses that the heat near the coils has reached a specific temperature.

Compressor
The compressor is the motor (or engine) of the cooling system. it is normally at the bottom of the refrigerator in the back. It's almost always black and about the size of a football. If the refrigerator is self-defrosting, the compressor may be behind a thin panel. The compressor runs whenever the refrigerator thermostat calls for cooling.

Condenser
The condenser is a series of tubes with fins attached to them, similar to a radiator. It's always somewhere on the outside of the refrigerator. It maybe on the back of the refrigerator or underneath close to the compressor

Metering Device (Capillary Tube)
The metering device in most household refrigerators is a capillary tube, a tiny copper tube. The capillary tube is attached from the end of the condenser to the beginning of the evaporator. The capillary tube controls the pressure and flow of the refrigerant as it enters the evaporator.

Evaporator
The evaporator is always located on the inside of the refrigerator, usually inside the freezer compartment. It also resembles a radiator. Because the evaporator is absorbing heat, it is very cold to the touch.

Temperature control
All refrigerators have a thermostat to maintain the proper temperature. These are usually very simple devices. When the refrigerator reaches the set temperature, the thermostat interrupts the electricity flow to the compressor, which stops cooling.

Evaporator Fans
Most evaporator units will have a fan usually locate in the freeze section.

Condenser Fan
If the condenser is underneath the refrigerator, the unit will have a condenser fan for removing heat away from the condenser and compressor.

You may not be able to make repairs, but if you call a repairman, then you will have an idea of what they should be checking and general idea as to costs of repairs.

Some general rules to start:
Never have a refrigerator place where the temperature is below 60 degrees F or in a place where direct sunlight hits the refrigerator.

If the refrigerator is not cooling as much as it has normally, open the freeze and if it is self defrosting, there should be NO frost build up. If there is frost, this can an indication that the defrost heaters are not working properly, a drain is stopped up, or the the timer is not working as it should.

If it is not a self defroster, there should not an excess build up of frost. If there is excess buildup of frost, cooling can be impaired. This type refrigerator should be manually defrosted on a regular basis.

If the refrigerator stops cooling as normally has, DO NOT turn the thermostat to a colder setting. This usually only aggravates the problem. Turn the cold control up and then down. If the compressor doesn't shut off, the temperature control may be malfunctioning.

If the compressor is NOT running, and you hear a clicking noise from the compressor area, this can indicate a bad compressor, improper air flow around the condenser coils (requiring cleaning), or a bad relay.

On most refrigerators the compressor is underneath, along with the confessor fan and condenser (coils). Check the condenser coils, located at the bottom of the refrigerator beneath the kick plate, at the top, or at the back. Clean the coils if they are dirty.

Defrost the refrigerator manually with a hair dryer, if you have access to the cooling coils in the freezer. Don't stand in a water puddle when holding the hair dryer and keep the dryer moving so you don't melt the refrigerator's plastic parts.

Make sure that the drain line under the evaporator coils, which goes to a pan underneath, is not plugged (water should drip into the pan when the refrigerator is defrosting).

Over 95% of all refrigerator repairs have nothing to do with Freon!

Refrigerator Care

Locate refrigerators away from heat sources like range, radiator, or sunny window.

Never run frost-free refrigerators with freezer compartments in unheated areas with air temperature below 60 F.

For short vacations, leave refrigerator on but use up or discard perishable food, and if you have an ice maker, turn off the mechanism and water line following your manual directions.

Do not cram refrigerator so full that cold air can't circulate freely to chill food. Cover or wrap all foods stored, especially in frost-free models, to prevent drying out, and transfer of odors.

Clean refrigerator compartment regularly, even though it does not require defrosting. Turn it off and unplug. Remove all food and removable interior parts. Wash with a solution of 1-2 tablespoons baking soda in 1 quart warm water. Rinse and wipe dry.

Wash exterior of cabinet with detergent solution; rinse and dry. A creamy appliance wax may be used occasionally to protect painted exterior and make spots easier to wipe off.

Wipe up spills in the refrigerator promptly to avoid staining and odors.