Generation of cold is a key and one of the most vulnerable functions in the operation of a refrigerator. He can stop freezing entirely or only in one chamber. A similar breakdown is typical for any type of refrigerator. In some cases, the malfunction can be eliminated independently if the cause is correctly identified.
Why the refrigerator does not freeze: simple reasons that are easy to eliminate
One of the popular reasons for the lack of refrigeration is power supply problems. First of all, check if the plug is firmly plugged into the outlet. It is quite possible to deal with this on your own.
The option of failure of the outlet itself is possible, for example, from a power surge in the network. In this case, the assistance of a qualified electrician may be required.
The rubber band on the refrigerator door wears out over time, even with careful use. As a result, warm air from the house flows inside. The solution to this problem comes down to replacing the seal. You can do this with your own hands: you need to remove the door, clean the circuit from the broken rubber band, and then mount a new one.
The refrigerator may stop cooling due to the lack of scheduled defrosts. This does not apply to models with the No Frost system. The problem can be easily eliminated at home - it is enough to defrost the refrigerator well and turn it on again after a day. It is better to do this in a phased way: unplug it from the network, open it wide, pull out the contents and wait for it to defrost in a natural way. It is forbidden to add any accelerators of the process.
It can hardly be called a breakdown. Squeezing the defrost button usually occurs due to a person's carelessness, most often food is simply placed close to it, which is why it turns off.
The refrigerator does not freeze: reasons requiring the help of a master
Freon is a refrigerant. From the point of view of chemistry, it belongs to the group of fluorinated hydrocarbons. There are several types of freons (isobutane, tetrafluoroethane, etc.), but they have the same function - the generation of ice. In refrigeration plants, freon is in liquid or gaseous form.
Its leakage from the refrigeration system of the refrigerator can occur for various reasons, among the common:
- damage to the freezer;
- corrosion of metal tubes through which freon circulates.
The freezer can be damaged by mechanical means, for example by breaking ice during defrosting. Metal tubes corrode over time. This is a natural process that is difficult to do anything about.
Many types of freons are characterized by high fluidity. Thanks to this, they can easily seep through the micro-holes. Because of this, finding a leak can be problematic, and it is difficult to eliminate such a malfunction with your own hands. An ordinary person can understand whether a freon leak has occurred or not.
The first thing that should be alarming is the drop in temperature. Some modern refrigerator models indicate this by flashing an external indicator or a sound signal. Other signs include constant compressor operation. In the event of a refrigerant leak, the refrigerator cannot reach the desired temperature, so it tries to compensate for the lack of cold by constant work. A swelling of the wall or obvious non-uniform frost in the chamber also speaks of a freon leak.
Over time, tubes with freon not only corrode, but also clog. It is better to entrust the identification and elimination of such a malfunction to a professional, since this requires special equipment. If the blockage is not critical, then a light tapping on the tube will move the plug and freon will begin to circulate unhindered. At the same time, keep in mind that an independent, not entirely successful intervention in the cooling system is fraught with the release of freon.
The problem is typical for models with the No Frost system. The classic reason for fan freezing is failure of heating elements. For specialists, the elimination of such a problem is usually not difficult.
There is a temperature detector inside the refrigerator. It can fail due to food fluids spilling onto it. When the sensor shows incorrect data, the compressor runs at high power and breaks down quickly. It can fail for other reasons, for example, due to an ordinary freon leak or a factory defect.
Prevention measures
Often the refrigerator stops freezing due to improper care and neglect of basic operating rules. To minimize the risk of such a malfunction, follow simple rules.
- Use a surge protector. It will protect the refrigerator from sudden power surges that can damage the compressor.
- Avoid using harsh acidic cleaners when defrosting. The benefits of them are extremely dubious. Acidic cleaners damage the cooling system as well as the door seal.
- Do not put hot pots or other containers in the refrigerator. This prepares the cooling system for certain death.
- Install the refrigerator in the right place: not close to the wall and away from radiators and other heating devices. Otherwise, the heat from the device will not be fully removed. It will also increase energy costs, as the compressor will be forced to work in a boosted mode.
