A properly functioning refrigerator that constantly maintains a set temperature ensures the freshness of products and a long shelf life. If the unit starts to freeze poorly, this not only spoils the mood of its owners, but can also cause spoilage of products.
There are many reasons why a refrigerator does not freeze well. Let’s look at the most basic ones. Conventionally, all reasons can be divided into 2 large groups.
- Simple – those that are easily identified and eliminated without calling a specialist. These include:
- a door that does not fit tightly when closed;
- damaged/worn rubber seal;
- incorrectly set temperature in the chamber;
- The refrigerator hasn’t been defrosted for a long time.
- Complex – usually concern internal breakdowns of the unit. Only a qualified specialist can accurately determine and fix them.
10 Main Reasons Why Your Refrigerator Doesn’t Freeze
1. The refrigerator is installed incorrectly.
Excess heat from the refrigerator chamber is released to the outside through the heat exchanger located at the back. A unit installed near a battery or radiator will not be able to freeze properly, so several rules should be followed when installing it:
- there should be a distance of 10 cm or more between the back wall and the heat exchanger;
- You can’t hang cabinets above the refrigerator;
- It is not recommended to install the unit in a corner.
The instructions for the device always indicate the requirements and distances to the walls.
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2. Freon has leaked from the cooling circuit.
Refrigerators that operate on one or two compressors have two separate cooling circuits that contain refrigerant. If a crack appears in the circuit, the freon is leaking in vain. This malfunction can be identified by several signs:
- the circuit tubes (or one of them) are warm;
- The compressor runs non-stop.
3. Defrost valve is jammed
Single-compressor units have a defrost valve that is responsible for switching between cooling circuits. In some cases, this valve gets jammed and cooling is carried out only by one circuit. At the same time, the second one gets warmer. In this case, the malfunction can only be eliminated by replacing the old valve with a new one.
4. The compressor is out of order
Compressors can be conventional, the operating mode of which is characterized by alternating on/off switching, and inverter, which operate without stopping, but at different speeds.
If you open the door and the compressor starts to vibrate while working, then the problem of poor cooling in the chamber lies in it.
5. The temperature sensor is faulty
The temperature sensor located inside the chamber is responsible for sending signals to the board, which in turn is responsible for the compressor. If the temperature sensor breaks, it stops sending signals or measures the temperature in the chamber incorrectly.
6. The thermostat does not work
The thermostat or temperature controller is a mechanical device that controls the amount of coolant supplied from the freezer compartment evaporator to the refrigeration chamber evaporator. The element in the form of a tension metal spring is the main working element of the thermostat. If the spring loses its elasticity over time, the device itself begins to work incorrectly, supplying an insufficient amount of coolant to the refrigeration chamber.
7. Clogged pipes
The evaporator and capillary tube can become clogged over time. There are several reasons for this:
- compressor oil or poor-quality freon – when refrigeration oil decomposes, solid particles may form that stick to the walls of the evaporator, thermostat and capillary tubes. Also, the water contained in low-quality freon crystallizes, turns into ice and prevents the passage of the refrigerant;
- debris that got into the tubes during repairs to the unit, when soldering the tubes, or when replacing freon.
If the evaporator is dirty, it will need to be replaced with a new one. Sometimes dirt in the tubes can be removed without installing new ones.
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8. Control board failure
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 specialist can determine the exact malfunction of this element.
9. Ice build-up on the evaporator
In drip refrigerators, as well as in No Frost units, there is often a malfunction in the automatic defrosting system. In such cases, an ice shield forms on the evaporator, which prevents the freon from absorbing heat in the cooling tubes. Because of this, the temperature in the refrigeration chamber rises and the refrigerator does not freeze well.
To determine this malfunction, you need to visually inspect the evaporator and, if necessary, defrost the unit.
10. No power supply
The compressor, thermostat and temperature sensor may not have power, which causes the refrigerator to operate incorrectly. You can check the power supply of the main elements responsible for maintaining the temperature in the chamber using an indicator screwdriver.
If you detect any malfunction in the refrigerator, you should call the technicians in a timely manner. This will help maintain the unit’s functionality and extend its service life. In Glenside PA, you can order a visit from a home appliance repair specialist by calling 267-865-6643.
