Refrigerators

Refrigerators

• Giving conscientious routine care, a refrigerator will usually perform its tasks for years with a minimum of problems. Refrigerators are categorized according to the way frost is removed from them.
• Standard Refrigerator – Defrosts when the power is turned off and the frost is permitted to melt slowly away on it’s own or with the aid of pans of hot water placed in the freezer.
• Cycle-Defrost Model – A heater that is turned on when the temperature on the evaporator reaches a pre-set point, keeps the refrigerator compartment free of frost, but the freezer requires manual defrosting every few months.
• Frost-Free Refrigerator – Frost from both compartments is continually melted away by a heater that turns on for 20 -30 minutes, two or three times a day.

Keeping the Drain Pan Clean 

• In automatically defrosted models, water from the melting frost flows out a drain in the floor of the refrigerator and into a pan, where it evaporates. Food particles can be carried along, clogging the drain and causing odours. Clean the drain regularly by following these steps:
  • Remove the stopper.
  • Use a pipe cleaner or similar device to push any accumulations through to the drain pan below.
  • Force a solution made from soap, ammonia, and water through the drain.
  • Empty the pan and wash it.

Refrigerator Door Gasket

• The door gasket, if washed often with soapy water, will usually last as long as the refrigerator. Check to see if it is sealing well by closing a small piece of paper in the door. If you feel a resistance when you pull it out, the gasket is holding. Repeat the test in several places. If your gasket does not pass this test, it should be replaced.

Refrigerator Temperature Settings

• Temperature settings for refrigerator and freezer compartments are given arbitrary numbers for example (1 through 9, warmest to coldest) by manufacturers, but generally 4 degrees C is ideal for the refrigerator compartment and -18 degrees C for the freezer. If you suspect a problem, test the temperatures with a refrigerator or outdoor thermometer.

The refrigerator has stopped running. No sound can be heard and the light is out.

• Possible Problems :
  • No power at the outlet.
  • Damaged power cord.
• Possible solutions :
  • Check the fuse box/circuit breaker.
  • If refrigerator blows fuses.
  • Call for service.

The refrigerator has stopped running, the light is on and you hear occasional clicking.

• Possible Problems :
  • Defective compressor.
  • Staring device.
• Possible solutions :
  • Call for service.

The refrigerator doesn’t cool well or runs all the time.

• Possible Problems :
  • Thermostat on wrong setting.
  • Damaged door gasket.
  • Heavy frost accumulation.
  • Damaged evaporator fan.
  • Damaged condenser fan
  • Defective defrost timer.
  • The refrigerant has leaked out.
• Possible solutions :
  • Change the thermostat temperature.
  • Check the gaskets.
  • Check the fan for damage.
  • Call for service.

Frost forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost at all.

• Possible Problems :
  • Door open too much.
  • Damaged door gasket.
  • Clogged drains.
  • Damaged defrost timer, heater, or thermostat.
• Possible solutions :
  • Open the door as little as possible.
  • Straighten the door.
  • Test the gasket and replace it.
  • Cover or seal all foods, especially liquids.
  • Open and clean all drains.
  • Check the timer, heater and thermostat for defects.

The refrigerator makes an unusual noise.

• Possible Problems :
  • Unit is not sitting level.
  • Rattling drain pan.
  • Hard or broken compressor mounts.
  • Blocked fan blades.
• Possible solutions :
  • Adjust the position of the unit.
  • Move the pan so it doesn’t touch sides of the unit.
  • Replace the mounts.
  • Check the evaporator and compressor fans for obstructions.
  • Call for service.