Refrigerator Repair troubleshooting and common issues
The refrigeration operation is possible because of a phenomenon known as sublimation, by which some substances can pass from a solid to a gaseous state without going through an intermediate liquid state. In this application it works this way: when the door to a freezer compartment is opened, water vapor in the air condenses upon the much colder surfaces inside, just as it does on a glass of iced tea in the summer. In the freezer compartment, this moisture freezes to the inner door panels, compartment liner, and even food packages, forming a thin film or coating each time the door is opened. Through sublimation this moisture will migrate to the coldest surface within the compartment, the evaporator coil itself. The process is greatly speeded up by the constant flow of air across the packages and surfaces of the compartment. This deposit of frost builds up on the evaporator until removed during the defrost cycle at regular intervals.
First care in handling and working with any refrigerator, especially when it’s necessary to move components and bend tubing. A kink or split in the refrigerant tubing can damage the refrigerator and cause an expensive repair job by a refrigeration technician. Should a leak develop in the system, there are certain precautions which should be taken. While the refrigerant itself should be nontoxic in such small concentrations, it can form phosgene, a poisonous, in the presence of an open flame. Under such conditions, the highly irritating odor will give you plenty of warning to leave the area. For sure shut off pilot lights on gas dryers or ranges, or any burning pilots on gas appliances. Open windows for ventilation. Any repairs within the refrigerator system itself require expensive and specialized equipment to do the job correctly but this is a problem you’re unlikely to encounter when a piece of refrigeration equipment fails to function. You should be able to handle other job yourself. Before attempting any refrigerator repair, unplug the refrigerator.
TEMPERATURE TESTS
When diagnosing a fault in a refrigerator or freezer, take exact temperature readings of the sections that seem too warm or too cold. Check them carefully with an accurate thermometer. A dial thermometer is easy to use. For make temperature readings, place the sensing end of the thermometer in a glass of water that has been inside the compartment for at least eight hours simply placing the thermometer on a shelf is not a good test doesn’t sense the true average temperature, and opening refrigerator door to read the thermometer call influence the reading.
• Operate at recommended control temperatures. When varying these needs or conditions, allow twenty-four hours between changes for system to comply.
• Never let frost in freezer compartment build up more than 1/4 inch.
• Clean refrigerator interior regularly with a solution of baking soda and water; clean exteriors with lukewarm sudsy water. Occasionally use wax on painted exterior surfaces.
• Vacuum the refrigerator condenser as frequently as advised in the refrigerator manual, using the crevice tool attachment of your vacuum or a long-handle brush. Clean more frequently if house has unusual dust conditions or shedding pets. Signs of dirty con-denser coils are: temperatures inside refrigerator begin to raise running time increases vibration noises increase or the refrigerator cabinet exterior becomes warm.
• Cover foods tightly to prevent drying and spreading odors,
• Refrigerate foods as soon as possible after preparation or purchase.
• Use special storage areas for their intended purpose.
• Do not overload a freezer at one time with unfrozen food. This slows the freezing process. A good guideline is never to add more than 10 percent of freezer’s capacity at a time.
• Defrost non frost free freezer models before more than ½ inch of frost forms.
SAFETY NOTE: When disposing of an old refrigerator or freezer, be sure the door or lid is removed as soon as it is taken out of service to avoid child entrapment.