Refrigerator Repairs – Save Money!
ALL ABOUT REFRIGERATOR REPAIRS
HOW DOES A FRIG WORK?
The kitchen refrigerator is one of the homes most valuable appliances. It is also one of the misunderstood and overworked of all kitchen appliances.
Many think of it as something that cools down everything inside, however actually it is all about heat transfer. It transfers heat of the material and air inside to leave only the cold, and cold therefore is the absence of heat.
Refrigeration uses the evaporation of a liquid to absorb heat. You know how cool you feel when you splash water on your face on a hot day and it cools you as the water evaporates, same principle!
A refrigerant is used to remove the heat. A refrigerant is converted to a gas and back into a liquid. What happens is the following
1. You set the thermostat setting to the required temperature
2. When the frig is switched on, and the thermostat switches on as temperature is too high, the compressor starts to run and compresses the refrigerant gas. This raises both the pressure and temperature and the serpentine heat exchanging piping coils at the back of the frig cools this gas or condenses it so that it becomes liquid as it cools down.
3. The liquid refrigerant flows through an expansion valve and this changes the pressure from high pressure to low pressure so that it expands and evaporates When this happens the internal cooling coils absorb the heat within the refrigeration space and make the space cool.
4. The cycle continues until the temperature set by the thermostat is reached, then the frig cycles on and off as the thermostat detects that temperature is too high or too low and operates compressor to maintain it.
HOW TO SELECT A REFRIGERATOR You know when you splash cold water on your face on a hot day and as it evaporates it makes you cooler? that is the answer. There are many models to choose from however they are manufactured by only a relative few companies, and often very similar models are sold under different brand names. The big and well known manufacturers include General Electric, Kenmore, Frigidaire and Whirlpool and they claim around 75% of the US top freezer market. When you opt for side-by-side models, that is one side freezer and the other frig, the same brands plus Maytag are the majority market holders. Bottom freezer models are marketed by the above plus Amana, Fisher-Paykel, Jenn-Air, KitchenAid, Sub-Zero, Thermador, Viking and Korean makers LG and Samsung. Most manufacturers also offer premium market end products and built-in refrigerators are also made Top-freezer refrigerators These make up around 50% of all refrigerator models sold. They are space saving, and relatively inexpensive to operate, and the eye level freezer is a big plus. Typical appliance widths are in the range 24-36 inches. They have rather wide shelves and reaching in the back is also easy, however the vegetable drawers are at the bottom, it is all a compromise Side-by-Side refrigerators These kitchen appliances generally have a full range of additional features that include front door ice and water dispensers. They also have temperature-controlled bins and rapid ice-making cycles. They are however more expensive than an equivalent sized top-freezer type and are less energy efficient. Bottom-freezer refrigerators These are quite popular for those that use the freezer less and want easier access to general refrigerated food. Having owned one of these types I found it quite good. They do cost more than a top freezer type refrigerator. Built-in refrigerators These are generally either bottom freezer or side-by-side type. They also tend to have less features than a free standing side-by-side refrigerator as well as reduced soundproofing. They also tend to be taller as the refrigeration equipment is installed at the top. They are also more expensive than the freestanding units
Refrigerator Buying Features Checklist 1. Check the versatility and flexibility of the shelving positions that allow you to maximize on space inside, or move to accommodate the left over Christmas turkey or stack food for a party or lots of drink bottles. Some even have a wine rack which is useful for that Chardonnay. 2. Are they glass shelves or wire? Glass is very much easier to clean so is more hygienic. Also spill-proof glass shelves should have a raised or sealed rim to prevent spillages dripping down. 3. Is the temperature control a mechanical knob control or touchpad with digital display showing frig temperature and set-point. 4. Is their a temperature controlled drawer for control and storing of meat and fish at a different temperature? And are they transparent to save needless pulling out to view contents. 5. Does the vegetable and salad crisper have a separate humidity control? A useful feature for maximizing food storage life 6. Is there a separate ice-maker in the freezer? They do take up valuable space so it’s a tradeoff again. Typically they make between 6-10 pounds of ice, if you really don’t need a lot of ice then a small one if any is recommended, it saves energy plus gives more freezer space. This feature will add about $100 to the cost. 7. Is there a water dispenser and do you need one? Again they take up valuable space and make the refrigerator less efficient. Some water and ice making features also have water filters that will require some replacement at some stage if you want to maintain the water quality that one gives. This feature will add about $100 to the cost. 8. How efficient is the refrigerator? Some countries and in particular Europe and UK have a star rating for energy consumption. They are becoming significantly more efficient over the years and if expenditure isn’t an issue then select based on your required features. 9. How much refrigerator and freezer space do you need? Everyone has differing demands. Is it auto defrosting? These days most are. 10. Check your frig sizes, and make sure it will fit where you are planning. Make sure you can get it through the doorways. Carefully check claimed useable space declarations and be sure they are what they say. Each added feature such as icemaker will increase the overall repair costs. 11. How quiet is the frig? Select one that is quiet otherwise you will hear it at night. 12. Different brands have varying reliability records. In general a top and bottom freezer only model is the most reliable, add an icemaker or iced water dispenser to that or a side-by-side reduces that somewhat. The built-in frig has the highest failure rates 13. Last of all choose your décor and finish. There are many styles to choose from, stainless to many colors. 14. About installing your new frig. Click here for useful information on proper installation 15. Do you have odors in your refrigerator? About odor control in your frig. Click here for useful information 17. Your refrigerator is not working properly. Click here for useful information and what you can do before you call out the expensive serviceman
RESOURCES
Appliance and Refrigerator Repairs in Maryland
Seafood At Your Door We sell and deliver fresh and frozen quality seafood to peoples homes. We have pasta and chicken as well. We also offer wholesale pricing on all of our items
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