A well-functioning fridge keeps food fresh and at the right temperature for a long time. If it does not freeze properly, it not only spoils the mood of its owners but can also cause food to spoil.   There are many reasons that cause a fridge to freeze badly. Let’s consider the most basic ones.    1 The refrigerator is not installed correctly Excess heat from the refrigerator compartment is led to the outside through a heat exchanger in the back. A unit installed near a radiator or radiator will not freeze properly, so a few rules must be observed when installing it:  

• There must be a distance of 10 cm or more between the rear wall and the heat exchanger;
• Do not hang cupboards above the refrigerator;
• Do not install the unit in a corner.

The instructions for the appliance always state the requirements and distances to walls.    

2. Freon leaking from the cooling circuit

Refrigerators with one or two compressors have two separate cooling circuits containing the refrigerant. If there is a crack in the circuit, freon is wasted. There are several indications of such a malfunction:  

• the circuit tubes (or one of them) are warm;
• the compressor operates without stopping.

   

3. Defrost valve stuck

The single-compressor units have a defrost valve, which is responsible for switching between the cooling circuits. In some cases, this valve becomes jammed, and only one circuit is cooled. In this case, the second circuit is getting warmer. In this case, the fault can only be rectified by replacing the old valve with a new one.  

4. Compressor unit defective

There are two types of compressors: regular compressors, which run alternately on and off, and inverter compressors, which run without stopping but at different speeds.   If you open the door and the compressor starts to vibrate during operation, the problem of poor cooling in the compartment lies in the compressor.  

5. Temperature sensor defective

The temperature sensor located inside the chamber is responsible for sending signals to the board, which in turn is responsible for running the compressor. If the temperature sensor is broken, it stops sending signals or measures the temperature in the chamber incorrectly.    

6. Thermostat not working

The thermostat is a mechanical type of device, responsible for controlling the flow of refrigerant from the evaporator of the freezer compartment to the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment. The element in the form of a tensioned metal spring is the main working element of the thermostat. If the spring loses its elasticity over time, the device itself will not work properly, supplying insufficient refrigerant to the cooling compartment.  

7. Plugged tubes

  The evaporator and capillary tube can become clogged over time. There are several reasons for this:   Compressor oil or Freon of poor quality – when the refrigeration oil decomposes, solid particles may form which adhere to the evaporator walls, the thermostat, and capillary tubes. Also, the water contained in the low-quality Freon crystallizes turns to ice, and prevents the passage of the refrigerant;  Debris that has entered the tubes during repairs to the unit, soldering of the tubes, or replacement of the freon. If the evaporator is dirty, it will need to be replaced with a new one. Sometimes the dirt in the tubes can be removed without installing new ones.  

8. Breakdown of the control board

The control board in modern refrigerators is responsible for regulating the operation of the unit as a whole and is responsible for each individual option. Therefore, only a qualified technician can determine the exact fault of this element.  

9. Frozen ice on the evaporator

In drip freezers, as well as in No Frost appliances, there is often a malfunction in the automatic defrosting system. In these cases, an ice sheet forms on the evaporator, which prevents the freon in the cooling tubes from absorbing heat. This causes the temperature in the cooling compartment to rise and the refrigerator does not freeze properly. To determine this malfunction, the evaporator must be visually inspected and, if necessary, the unit defrosted.  

10. No power supply

The compressor, thermostat, and temperature sensor may be missing power, causing the fridge to malfunction. You can check the power supply to the main elements which are responsible for maintaining the temperature in the compartment using a screwdriver.   If you notice any faults in your refrigerator, you should call a service technician in good time. In this way, you will be able to keep your appliance in good working order and extend its service life. At an appliance repair service in San Diego County, you can call in a professional appliance repair technician.   Contact us (619) 719-5005 [email protected]