When it comes to appliances, most people have a tendency to pay more attention to anything else when they shop: price. Unfortunately, finding cheap appliances doesn't always mean you will find good appliances. As an income property owner, I have purchased several different appliances over the years, and I can tell you first hand that not all brands are created equal. My blog is dedicated to helping you to find appliances that you will actually be able to use, abuse, and love for a long time. Check out my blog for information on what to look for, how to shop, and where to get great deals.
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If you're like most modern consumers, you don't think about your refrigerator much until something goes wrong, and it stops functioning as designed — perhaps you reach for a cold beverage and discover that it's lukewarm, or maybe the freezing compartment isn't keeping foods frozen. However, understanding the various parts of your refrigerator can empower you to spot potential issues early, extend the life of the appliance, and maximize its performance. Here's what you need to know:
Start with the Compressor
Regarded as the heart of your refrigerator, the compressor has a pivotal role. It's responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the system. As the name implies, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, causing it to become hot and pressurized. This heat is then expelled out the back of the refrigerator, allowing the interior to stay cool.
Follow the Flow to the Condenser Coils
Once the hot gas leaves the compressor, it flows into the condenser coils, located at the back of your refrigerator. These coils act like a radiator, dissipating the heat into the surrounding air and causing the refrigerant to cool and turn back into a liquid.
Now, the Evaporator Coils
Once the refrigerant has condensed, it travels into the evaporator coils, usually found inside the freezer compartment. As the refrigerant evaporates, it absorbs heat from the interior of the refrigerator, cooling it down. The fan inside the freezer helps circulate this cool air to the refrigerator's other sections.
Meet the Thermostat
Your refrigerator's thermostat regulates the temperature within the appliance. If the temperature rises above a set level, the thermostat signals the compressor to start working. It stops the compressor once the desired temperature is achieved.
Recognize the Importance of the Door Seals
The door seals, often overlooked, are one of the most critical parts of your refrigerator. These seals keep the cold air inside and prevent the warm air from entering. Over time, they can wear down or get damaged, causing your refrigerator to work harder to maintain its temperature, leading to increased energy consumption.
Don't Forget the Defrost System
Last but not least, there's the defrost system. Most modern refrigerators are equipped with an automatic defrost system to prevent frost from building up in the freezer. This system comprises the defrost heater, defrost thermostat, and defrost timer. The heater melts the frost, the thermostat monitors the temperature to avoid overheating, and the timer regulates the intervals between each defrost cycle.
Your local appliance parts specialist can provide you with more information about the various parts of your refrigerator and those of other household appliances.
Reach out to a local service, such as Andy's Appliance Repair, to learn more.
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