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Maintenance Service and Troubleshooting
5. Normal Refrigerator Functions
A domestic refrigerator not only does it have a complicated electrical control
system, but also a refrigerating system that sometimes makes it difficult to figure
out if it is in good working condition. Both systems work in tandem and affect
each other. If one malfunctions, this can decrease efficiency or operation or even
lead to complete breakdown of the unit.
Since refrigerators are generally big, it’s not always practical to send them to
a service department over small issues. Sometimes these issues are normal and
not a sign of real malfunction. Therefore, before dealing with actual problems,
below is a brief account of some normal occurrences that might happen to the
unit. There is no need to worry; they can usually be fixed easily.
Normal Functions:
A. When the compressor has just stopped running, a rumbling sound can be
heard from inside the evaporator, which is caused by refrigerant flowing in
the evaporator tubing. Since the pressure difference is still greater after
the compressor has stopped running, the refrigerant will flow for some time,
so this sound is normal.
B. When the compressor starts running, a clicking sound can often be heard,
which is produced by the motion of deadweight start relay. The
compressor motor will produce a slight and uniform sound while it is
running. This sound is not easy to hear in the daytime, but it can be heard
at night.
C. The compressor consists of an electric motor and a compressing device.
During normal operation, the motor's stator core and windings will rise to a
temperature in the range of 212°F–230°F, and the temperature of the
piston and cylinder can reach as high as 212°F due to the heat produced
by the compressing refrigerant. Most of the heat escapes through the
compressor casing; therefore, its casing is generally at a temperature
between 185°F–194°F. It is extremely hot, particularly in summer when the
ambient temperature is higher.
D. For a direct cool refrigerator, an irregular cracking sound can often be
heard when the compressor is running for a prolonged period of time or
has just stopped running. This sound is caused by the tension from the
expansion and contraction when there is a temperature change, and it will
not affect the refrigerator’s normal operation.
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