Refrigerators
Keeping
the Drain Pan Clean
Refrigerator Door Gasket
Refrigerator Temperature
Setting
Troubleshooting Refrigerators
Refrigerator isn't running,
no sound can be heard and the light is out
Refrigerator isn't
running, the light is on and you hear occasional
clicking
Refrigerator constantly cycles
on and off
Refrigerator doesn't cool
well or runs all the time
Frost forms rapidly or the unit
does not defrost at all
Refrigerator makes an unusual
noise
Refrigerator smells unusual
Water is leaking underneath
or inside the unit
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
preset 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. Clearly, this type of refrigerator offers
the ultimate in convenience, though it's somewhat
more prone to problems and is considered less
energy-efficient.
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 odors. 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 dollar bill 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
37 degrees F is ideal for the refrigerator compartment
and 0 degrees F for the freezer. If you suspect
a problem, test the temperatures with a refrigerator
or outdoor thermometer.
Troubleshooting
Refrigerators
The
refrigerator has stopped running. No sound can
be heard and the light is out.
Check
for:
- No
power at the outlet.
- Damaged
power cord.
Remedies:
- Check
the fuse box/circuit breaker.
- Check
the outlet with a VOM or lamp.
- If
refrigerator blows fuses, put it on its own
circuit.
- Replace
the cord.
The
refrigerator has stopped running, the light is
on and you hear occasional clicking.
Check
for:
- Dirty
condenser coils.
- Defective
condenser fan. (frost-free types)
- Incorrect
voltage reaching the unit.
- Defective
thermostat.
- Defective
compressor.
Remedies:
- Clean
the coils.
- Check
the fan.
- Check
the voltage with a VOM, then call the power
company if it's not between 105 and 125 volts.
- Test
the thermostat and replace if necessary.
- Call
a qualified contractor.
The
refrigerator constantly cycles on and off.
Check
for:
- Wrong
voltage reaching the unit.
- Defective
compressor.
- Leaking
refrigerant.
- Dirty
condenser coils.
Remedies:
- Run
the unit its own circuit and check the voltage
at the outlet.
- Call
a qualified contractor.
- Call
a qualified contractor.
- Clean
the coils.
The
refrigerator doesn't cool well or runs all the
time.
Check
for:
- Thermostat
on wrong setting.
- Dirty
condenser coils.
- Damaged
door gasket.
- Sagging
door.
- Heavy
frost accumulation.
- Door
is open too much.
- Hot
and humid weather.
- Inside
light on.
- Wet
insulation in the door and sides
- Room
too warm.
- Damaged
evaporator fan.
- Damaged
condenser fan
- Defective
defrost timer.
- The
refrigerant has leaked out.
Remedies:
- Change
the thermostat temperature.
- Clean
the coils.
- Check
the gaskets.
- Straighten
the door.
- Defrost
the unit more often.
- Open
the door as little as possible.
- If
the unit runs continuously, but cools well,
there is no problem.
- Check
the door switch.
- Open
the unit on a dry day and let it dry out. Also,
repair or replace cracked door jambs and panels.
- Move
the refrigerator to a cooler place or start
cooling the room.
- Check
the fan for damage.
- Check
the fan for damage.
- Check
the timer for defects.
- Call
a qualified contractor.
Frost
forms rapidly or the unit does not defrost at
all.
Check
for:
- Door
open too much.
- Sagging
door.
- Damaged
door gasket
- Uncovered
food.
- Clogged
drains.
- Damaged
defrost timer, heater, or thermostat.
Remedies:
- 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.
Check
for:
- Unit
is not sitting level.
- Rattling
drain pan.
- Hard
or broken compressor mounts
- Blocked
fan blades.
Remedies:
- 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.
The
refrigerator smells unusual.
Check
for:
- Clogged
drains.
- Dirty
drain pan.
Remedies:
- Open
the drains and flush them.
- Clean
the pan and disinfect it.
Water
is leaking underneath or inside the unit.
Check
for:
- Broken
drain hose or drain pan.
- Clogged
drains or full pan.
Remedies:
- Replace
the broken parts.
- Open
the drains or empty the drain pan.
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