As with all appliances, refrigerators – or at least the components therein – have a relatively finite lifespan. This can be enhanced by taking suitable steps to lengthen the longevity of your fridge and, in some instances, enlisting a qualified appliance specialist to make necessary repairs to your refrigerator. Unlike many other appliances, fridges are running constantly to preserve food and this means that any mechanical or electrical issue – however minor – will be compounded the longer it is left unmitigated. This guide seeks to outline some of the more common issues that are encountered with refrigerators and provide a number of ways in which to address such issues and ultimately get the most out of your fridge.
Common causes of a faulty fridge
A majority of the issues most frequently found in fridges are a result of user error. The manner in which you use and maintain your fridge will have considerable bearing on its condition and lifespan. Listed below are a few of the more common mistakes made by fridge owners.
- Overburdening the compressor
Contrary to popular opinion, there is a limit to the number of goods that ought to be stored in a refrigerator at any given time. Every item that is placed in a fridge puts a burden on the fridge’s compressor. When refrigerant is vaporised the compressor constricts the vapour and forces it into the coils on the refrigerator’s exterior, in which it condenses and creates a cooling system. As such, the compressor is a vital component of the fridge and is designed to maintain a specific temperature setting. In doing so, it will account for a rise in temperature by operating at a higher rate. Every item that is placed in a fridge will increase its internal temperature, forcing the compressor to work harder. Additionally, the thermodynamic nature of solids and liquids is such that they require more energy to cool down than air alone. This furthers the burden on the compressor and will quite often result in a breakage or decrease in efficiency – primarily when the overloading is consistent and over a prolonged timeframe.
- Not closing the door properly
This might seem an obvious mistake with regard to fridge operation, however it is one that can very easily be overlooked and it is capable of doing considerable harm to your fridge and the food therein. Similarly to overburdening your fridge, leaving the door open will increase the temperature significantly and force the compressor to work at a much higher rate just to sustain a low temperature. As well as this, the warm air meeting the cold internals of the fridge will create a great deal of condensation, which is capable of penetrating the internal mechanisms of the appliance. Fridges are electrical appliances and as such, moisture can do substantial damage to the electrical components. In most cases, condensation within the fridge’s motor will cause it to stop working completely. This is an electrical hazard and is not only likely to destroy your fridge, but also creates an environment in which users are at risk of electrical shocks. This is likely to occur only under somewhat extreme circumstances, but taking basic precautions to ensure that your fridge is closed correctly with a functioning seal, can alleviate the risk altogether.
How to address these issues
These issues can be addressed easily by monitoring the number of products that you put in your fridge and ensuring that adequate care is taken to maintain the fridge and its seals. It is advisable that you consult the fridge manual to determine the amount of food that your fridge is capable of storing whilst still operating to its fullest possible extent. Should your fridge experience any of the abovementioned problems or simply run in a suboptimal manner, it is best to consult a qualified appliance technician. Undertaking tasks of this technicality is not advised, as fridges contain toxic coolants and other such substances that are pressurised and surrounded by electrical components. Attempting refrigerator repairs without sufficient experience can not only destroy your fridge, but also subject you to possible harm and as a result, it is suggested that you consult Albion Appliances,an expert in this field.
