How To Fix A Refrigerator And Freezer That's Too Warm

Most homeowners consider the refrigerator as one of the hardest working appliances in their home. Today, it is difficult to imagine a life without a refrigeration appliance. However, if the fridge or the freezer is too warm, it becomes difficult to store the fruits and vegetables in the refrigerator.

There are several parts that can cause the freezer and the fridge to become too warm. To rectify the problem and ensure a properly done fridge repair, you must inspect each part carefully and replace the problem part.

Here are a few tips to identify and repair these parts when fridge is too warm:

1. Evaporator Fan Motor
2. Cold Controls
3. Control Board
4. Defrost Timer
5. Temperature Sensor
6. Defrost Thermostat
7. Condenser Fan Motor
8. Defrost Heater

refrigeration unit

Here are a few tips to identify and repair these parts when fridge is too warm:

1. Evaporator Fan Motor
2. Cold Controls
3. Control Board
4. Defrost Timer
5. Temperature Sensor
6. Defrost Thermostat
7. Condenser Fan Motor
8. Defrost Heater

refrigeration unit

How To Fix An Evaporator Fan Motor

You can find the evaporator fan motor in the freezer compartment. The evaporator fan is used to circulate the cold air throughout the refrigerator. If the fan is damaged or defective, the temperature in the freezer section will increase slowly. This will force the compressor to run longer and more frequently. This can affect the cooling efficiency of the refrigerator.

If the evaporator fan is not working properly, you must remove the power supply to the machine. You must then remove the cover and check to see if the motor is turning freely and the fan blades are attached securely. If both the fan and the motor are functioning normally, you must verify whether power is supplied to the evaporator motor when the compressor is running. Checking the condition of the fan and motor is not easy, as it requires live voltage checks. It is in your interest to allow a qualified service technician to perform these tests. If a power supply is present, then the motor must be defective. You can use a multi-meter to check the condition of the motor.

How To Fix Cold Controls

The cold control is a switch that supplies power to the fan circuits and the compressor. If the fan and compressor are operating normally, it means that they are not running long enough to maintain the correct temperature in the fridge and freezer section. The temperature controlled switch that supplies power to these parts me be out of calibration or defective. You can also check whether the sensing bulb or capillary tube is not out of position or damaged. At times, the wire terminals are corroded or wire terminals which can affect the power supply to the compressor and circuits. You can check the continuity using a multi-meter. Before you check these parts, make sure you remove the power supply from the appliance.

How To Fix Control Board

Most new models of refrigerators use electronic boards to control the temperature. The temperature sensors or thermistors are connected to these control boards and are used to monitor the temperatures in the freezer and fresh fruits compartment. This information is used by the control board to monitor and control the operations of the fan motor, compressor, and defrost system. If the temperature of the freezer or fruit compartment is too warm, it is an indication that there could be a problem with electronic controls. The electronic controls of the refrigerator are expensive and complex, so make sure you check the condition of the other components like the fan, sensors, and compressor before you replace the controls. Some manufacturers include specific information in the manual that will help in diagnosing defective controls.
Maytag stainless steel fridge

How Long Does A Refrigerator Run

The defrost timer is a small electro-mechanical device that controls the defrost heater circuit and the compressor circuit. Most defrost timers will activate the defrost cycle every 7-10 hours of the compressors run time. This means that modern refrigerators will defrost once every 24 or 36 hours. The defrost cycle will run for 20 to 30 minutes, and when the cycle stops, the compressor and fan will start working once again.

The timer is found in the control panel of the refrigerator. This control panel is usually located in the bottom of the fridge. If you have a side-by-side refrigeration unit, you should look for the control panel behind the refrigerator. You can use the wiring diagram of the refrigerator to identify the terminals, switch, and the harness you must check. Before you perform these checks, make sure you disconnect the power supply to the machine. Live checks must only be performed by qualified technicians.

How To Fix A Temperature Sensor

Most modern refrigerators use temperature sensors to monitor the temperature of the freezer and fresh fruits. It is a small capsule shaped device that is protected by a thick plastic shield, and its resistance varies depending on the temperature. The control board uses the information provided by the sensors to turn on the fan circuit and the compressor. In some models, the compressor operates the damper control using this information.

If the sensor is damaged, it may send incorrect signals to the electronic control board. This may force the control board to switch off the fans and compressor which can result in warmer temperature in the freezer and fruits compartment. Testing the condition of the sensors is not easy, as you may require special knowledge and tools to check their condition. You can approach a reliable home appliance repair company for inspecting the condition of the sensor and replacing it, if necessary.

How Warm Should A Refrigerator Get During Defrost Cycle

This thermostat is a safety device that terminates the defrost cycle when the evaporator reaches the certain temperature. The defrost thermostat is mounted on the evaporator tubing and is a closed circuit when the temperature falls below 15 degrees Fahrenheit. If there is a problem with the thermostat, the defrost heater will not start, and no defrosting will take place. You can check the condition of the defrost thermostat using a multi-meter. Before performing this test, disconnect the power supply to the machine.

How To Fix A Condenser Fan Motor

Most modern refrigerators are equipped with fan cooled condenser coil. This coil is normally located near the compressor. The condenser fan removes heat by circulating air through the coil. If the refrigerator is not cooling normally and the compressor is running continuously, the condenser fan motor could be faulty.

To inspect the condenser fan, you must disconnect the power supply to the machine and remove the access panel located on the rear side of the refrigerator. If you notice any debris on the fan, remove it immediately as it can prevent the fan from moving freeing. You can use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris from condenser fan. If the fan does not move freely after removing the debris, the motor is seized, and you must replace it. Before you get a new motor, make sure you check its condition using a multi-meter.
refrigerator repair service

What To Do When The Refrigerator Is Not Defrosting

This device melts the frost and ice frost from the evaporator coils. The heater is located beneath the evaporator coils. The wire filament usually contained in aluminum or glass tube. The refrigerator may have more than one heater depending on the model and the shape of the evaporator. You can access the heater by removing the evaporator cover. Before attempting to repair the heater, you must disconnect the power supply to the appliance.

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