How to Repair a Refrigerator
The refrigerator is a household appliance that has become absolutely essential to us. Refrigerators are one of the few appliances that run all day and all night long – 365 days per year. For the most part, refrigerators are quite effective at what they do and while an occasional problem can occur, it is amazing that the refrigerator is so reliable.
For the most part, problems that occur to refrigerators can be fixed quickly and easily. However, there are certain issues that a novice should not try; these problems should be left to a professional repair technician. Before you learn how to fix common problems, it is a good idea to acquaint yourself with the refrigerator and its working.
How a Refrigerator Works
Refrigerators (including freezers) have two main components. They include an evaporator coil and a condenser coil. In a refrigerator, a liquid coolant circulates through the condenser and evaporator coils. A compressor and a motor help push liquids through these coils. This liquid is cooled first in the condenser, once cooled, it leaves the condenser coils and flows to the evaporator coils. As liquid circulates through the evaporator coil, air in the refrigerator is cooled as it comes in contact with the liquid filled coil. You can spot the condenser coil on your refrigerator easily; it is located on the outside of the unit. The evaporator coil is located inside the unit. The compressor and motor are usually located on the bottom of the unit and are usually factory sealed.
It should also be noted that the majority of refrigerators sold today are frost-free. In a frost-free refrigerator, a heater is used to melt the frost within the unit. The heater turns on automatically and the heater is active in several different locations of the unit. The heater automatically turns off and on with the help of a timer. However once the frost is completely melted, the thermostat (also located within the unit) switches to the refrigerators cooling cycle. This ensures that the refrigerator maintains a freezing or very cool temperature and that frost does not build up.
It should be noted that before you do any repairs on your refrigerator you should unplug the refrigerator. In addition, you might have to discharge the capacitor if your refrigerator is equipped with one. Since capacitors store electricity, even if you unplug the refrigerator, you could still receive a severe shock from a capacitor that hasn’t been discharged fully.
Repairing Common Refrigerator Leaks
Generally speaking, refrigerator leaks are caused in three specific areas; condensation by the door, a damaged or improperly placed drain pan and an ice maker leak. Refrigerator leaks are usually very easy to fix and do not require lots of money or time to do so.
Please refer to How to Repair a Leaking Refrigerator for more information on repairing refrigerator leaks.
Repairing the Refrigerator Light
When the refrigerator or freezer door opens, the refrigerator light should come on immediately. If it doesn’t, it could be due to a variety of issues. First off, make sure that the light bulb hasn’t blown out. You can usually look at the filament or simply replace it with a new bulb. If the bulb is not the culprit, make sure that the light switch is not stuck. The light switch is usually a small switch that is depressed by the refrigerator door when closed. Sometimes grime or caked on food can keep the switch in the off position. If the light switch easily moves back and forth, then it is possible that the light switch itself is malfunctioning. You should remove the light switch and replace it with a new one.
Repairing a Thermostat
If your refrigerator comes equipped with a defroster, then you will have a thermostat in the unit. One of the signs that a thermostat is malfunctioning is the compressor running all the time. One way to check if it is in fact the thermostat is to turn the control knob to the OFF position. If the compressor stops running, then it is not likely to be the thermostat. However, if the compressor continues to run, it may well be the compressor and you may want to carry out the following steps.
One way to find out whether the thermostat is indeed faulty is to unplug the refrigerator and remove the thermostat. Now plug it back in. At this time, the compressor should run even without a thermostat in place. If it doesn’t run then you should replace the thermostat.
Repairing the Condenser Fan
One of the reasons that your refrigerator may not cool properly is the condenser fan malfunctioning. The condenser fan is located on the bottom of the unit. Inspect the fan to make sure that the blades are in good condition and that it is turning with no obstructions. If the fan is not working or is damaged, simply disconnect the wiring and the fan by unscrewing it and replacing it with a new unit.
Repairing a Coolant Leak
While rare, a coolant leak can happen to older refrigerators or refrigerators that have been damaged. You can usually tell immediately if the problem is a coolant leak because of the acrid smell of the coolant. A novice should not fix coolant leaks. These issues are best repaired by professionals.
Repairing a Compressor or Motor Problem
A compressor or motor problem usually occurs in older refrigerators; however, no refrigerator is immune from motor and compressor issues. Unfortunately, most refrigerators seal both the motor and the compressor making it necessary to call a professional to fix the problem.
Refrigerators are extremely hard working appliances, however like all mechanical items, they break down. For the most part, most issues regarding refrigerators can be easily and inexpensively fixed, however if your encounter a difficult problem, don’t take a chance on fixing it yourself, call a professional.