Very often, happy owners of a new (or not quite new) refrigerator suddenly discover that their refrigeration equipment no longer cools at all, and the freezer, on the contrary, is completely covered in ice and hoarfrost. Unfortunately, such a breakdown can indicate a serious malfunction that needs to be found in a short time, otherwise you can lose all the equipment and even the warranty on the household appliance. Why is this happening, is it possible to detect and correct the causes of the breakdown on your own? Why the refrigerator does not work, but the freezer works - we will find out today. In addition, consider the main causes of breakdowns and how to eliminate them.
Read in the article
- 1 Refrigerator device
- 2 Breakdown diagnostics
- 3 Reasons for the lack of cold and how to fix the problem
- 3.1 Breakdowns in conductive systems
- 3.2 Problems with automation, electronics
- 3.3 Refrigerant leak from the system
- 3.4 Malfunction of one of the compressors
- 3.5 Defrost valve sticking
- 3.6 Broken thermostats
- 3.7 Breakdown of the thermostat
- 3.8 Rubber band problems
- 3.9 Oxidation and rust on pipes
- 3.10 Airflow problems in No Frost
- 3.11 Problems with the control board
- 3.12 Wrong installation
- 3.13 Damage in transit
- 3.14 Other issues
Refrigerator device
The refrigerator has a simple device, but if even one part fails, it can completely fail. The main element of refrigeration equipment is a compressor, which pumps freon gas under pressure into the condensate unit. There it (gas) passes into a liquid state and is baked through pipes, where it again takes on a gaseous state, and once in the evaporation unit, it boils. In the corrector, the gas again completes its circulation and returns to the compressor.
For the user, the first call may be boiling and overheating of the compressor. Modern refrigerators are designed in such a way that first cooling takes place in the freezer, and only then in the refrigerator. Thus, even when the light is turned off, the safety of food in the freezer is guaranteed for some time.
Breakdown diagnostics
If you have any doubts about the correct cooling of the refrigerator compartment, defrost the refrigerator and examine the condition of the compressor and supply pipes. Sometimes, during defrosting, not very scrupulous owners pry the ice with a sharp fork or even a knife to speed up the melting of the ice. This is absolutely impossible to do!
It is important to correctly establish which of the chambers does not receive cold. Very often refrigerators are placed next to heating radiators, but this cannot be done. If you have the ability to cut the radiator pipe to a minimum in the kitchen, do it. Also, do not put the refrigerator on a warm floor. Then, to compensate for the cooling, the device will run at maximum speed and burn out sooner or later!
Often, food crumbs or products get into the rubber seal, so it is best to wipe all these problem areas daily with a cloth dipped in soda.
In addition, it is important to find out whether the rubber seal retains its tightness. After all, very often pieces of food and products fall into it.
Reasons for the lack of cold and how to fix the problem
There can be many reasons for major breakdowns. Before diagnosing, check if there is voltage in the network by opening and closing the refrigerator. If the light bulb was working, and now it does not light up, it is quite possible that your electricity was turned off. Also one of the frequent problems is the loose closing of the door. In addition, the refrigerator compartment may not cool down if you defrost it very infrequently.
Surround the place of possible leakage of melt water with highly absorbent rags. Make sure that moisture does not get into carriers or other electrical appliances. For proper defrosting, it is necessary to completely empty the refrigerator, rinse the shelves and the refrigerator itself.
Another reason is overloading the freezer, and this is fraught with compressor failure.
Breakdowns in conductive systems
Sometimes the reason for the poor performance of the refrigerator compartment is a blockage in the capillary system. This is usually due to oil or ice intrusion. The reason may be banal - dirty filters.
At home, some home craftsmen carefully tap the piping cables. But this must be done as carefully as possible. This method can solve the problem if it is not possible to promptly invite the master. Otherwise, you will have to wait for a specialist who will clean the filters and at the same time pump up the cooling gas.
The drainage system can also become clogged. Condensation often accumulates on the back wall, which slowly flows into the drainage hole.
You can clean the drainage system by pouring boiling water there with a syringe. It is important to provide access to the tray in order to clear the blockage that has arisen in the drainage system. For cleaning, you can use a hand pump for a car or bicycle, and ordinary wire will do. The tip of the wire is bent into a loop and inserted into the drain hole. Make sure that the wire does not get stuck in the drain pipe. To check the quality of cleaning, you can pour boiling water into the drainage system. If the water still does not go away, repeat the procedure.
Problems with automation, electronics
New refrigerators are equipped with entire systems that automatically work when a number of problems are detected. For example, a temperature detector (installed in modern refrigerators) is a rather capricious thing that only a professional master can set up correctly. In the event that the detector is damaged, there may be interruptions in the cooling of the system. To solve the problem, you need to install a new module.
Keep in mind that repairing a warranty refrigerator on your own does not make sense, because most breakdowns are included in warranty repairs. If you bought an electronic refrigerator, it is best to entrust the repair of units to specialists. If it is equipped with a compressor and a No Frost system, the problem may be caused by a stuck chamber cooling regulator. If this occurs at maximum cold level, the compressor cannot handle the high load. The solution is to replace the valve.
Refrigerant leak from the system
One of the most common causes of breakdowns in refrigeration equipment. If you often used caustic substances when washing labor-conducting or, God forbid, accelerated freezing process, breaking off the ice, then sooner or later the cooling tubes of your refrigerator will come out building.
Important! Sometimes the damage is so critical that the repair of the refrigerator is so expensive that it is easier to buy a new one.
Very often, the cause of breakdowns in the cooling system is microcracks in the coolant pipes. As a rule, such cracks occur due to improper defrosting and the use of solid objects to scrape ice. Remember that these tubes are the most important element in the entire cooling system.
Malfunction of one of the compressors
If your refrigerator is a budget model, it most likely has one compressor. If you have a more modern model, then there are two of them: one is responsible for the frost in the refrigerator, the other in the freezer. Compressors can overheat due to lack of cooling. Very often, the compressor is cooled by a commonplace - liquid that flows down the drain tube. If the container is tilted, the liquid will simply drain to the wrong place, not fulfilling its function.
Defrost valve sticking
Refrigerators with one compressor and two circuits have a defrost valve. It is used to switch between circuits. As wear occurs, the defrost valve may stick (jam). In this case, the compressor will work only on one circuit.
Broken thermostats
Typically, thermal sensors fail for several reasons. This may be a voltage drop, capillary obstruction, overheating or physical wear. In any case, this element is considered one of the most frequently broken in modern refrigeration systems. To eliminate power surges in the event of such a problem, a voltage stabilizer should be installed.
Typically, replacing the temperature sensor does not take much time. A professional master will cope with this breakdown in a few minutes.
Breakdown of the thermostat
Refrigerators with one compressor have a common freon circuit. They have two evaporators: one cools the freezer, the second - the main one. To prevent the refrigerator from cooling below the desired temperature, a thermostat (thermostat) is installed between them.
The main element of the thermostat is a special spring. If it loses elasticity, the thermostat may work less efficiently.
Rubber band problems
Very often, the reason for the decrease in the cooling function of the freezer is a loose fit of the sealing gum. Usually this is easily eliminated by the usual gluing of such areas. If the rubber is dry, it can be dismantled.
Oxidation and rust on pipes
Rust on pipes usually appears due to improper maintenance and excessive condensation. It's not that big of a problem. Rust can be cleaned or carefully removed with special solvents, and then clean the surface of the pipes from the chemical. If you want to protect pipes from re-rusting, you can paint them with a special paint.
Airflow problems in No Frost
New refrigerators with No Frost systems make life easier for housewives, but if the blower system fails, they can bring a lot of trouble. Typically, refrigerators of this type provide for the presence of special blowing fans, and now they can just fail. In this case, the master checks the No Frost defrost system, finds out which nodes are out of order, and replaces them with new ones.
There is another breakdown that is typical for refrigerators of this type - incorrect operation of the thermal electric heater. It is needed to defrost the cooling radiator, and if it malfunctions, you will find that the fan is frozen to ice. First of all, you need to defrost the refrigerator and check the heating elements. If necessary, replace them with working ones.
Problems with the control board
The control board is a type of breakdown that can only be repaired by a specialist. In modern models, they are very difficult to diagnose on their own. The board controls the operation of all systems, and a small failure can cause all nodes to malfunction. Only a specialist with experience, specific knowledge and skills can determine its malfunction.
Wrong installation
One of the easiest troubleshooting options to solve. Remember: refrigeration equipment must be installed on a flat surface, in a well-ventilated area with technical clearances for proper ventilation and evaporation.
Simple rules will help to avoid serious problems:
- technical distances must be at least 10 cm;
- you can not put the refrigerator directly at the heating devices, namely at the stove or heating radiator;
- do not hang cabinets and shelves above the refrigerator and do not place microwave ovens;
- before installing, make sure that it is level, otherwise the freon in the tubes may spread unevenly.
Damage in transit
One of the reasons for the refrigerator to malfunction is damage to the heat exchanger or heating elements during transportation, so it is important to inspect all important components of the refrigerator before installation. In the compressor area, pay special attention to the condition of the copper pipes. Use protective boxes and film during transportation, especially if you plan to lift the equipment manually.
Other issues
If the refrigerator has received external damage, this may contribute to corrosion, which in the future may lead to depressurization and reduced operational functions. Examine the physical damage to the skin very carefully; in some cases, repairs can be made using special grouts or sealants.
Do not store caustic foods in the refrigerator and carry out regular cleaning, and regularly clean defrosting marks with non-caustic substances. Also, do not store food in easily torn packages and bags.
Remember that after transporting and turning on the refrigerator in winter, at least 2 hours must pass. Before switching on again, do this no earlier than after 10–15 minutes.
It is very important not to forget that refrigeration equipment requires careful handling, proper operation and careful monitoring. The failure of a particular part can lead to the failure of the entire system and an increase in the cost of further repairs. Take care of the equipment, and it will serve you faithfully for many years. If you have any questions, please ask us in the comments to the article.
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