Although the refrigerator was invented nearly a century ago, it has undergone many changes that have seen it become more efficient and reliable in offering excellent services at home. It is an essential home appliance that helps keep food in good condition. Even though it has undergone numerous changes for upgrading purposes, little has changed significantly regarding its main functioning parts. The functioning of a refrigerator is synonymous to the functioning of an air conditioner. The only difference is that refrigerators release cool air in a perfectly insulated box to maintain a constant cold temperature required to keep food. The following are some of the elements of the refrigerator that contribute to effective performance.
Refrigerant
The refrigerant is a fluid that flows through the internal parts of the refrigerator in different forms. More often than not, it starts off as a gas and turns into liquid. As it goes through the internal parts of the refrigerator, it turns into gas again. Most refrigerators rely on a compound that forms a good refrigerant vapor. The most commonly used refrigerant is the HFC-134a.
Compressor
At the bottom-back end of the refrigerator, you will find the compressor. The compressor is driven by a motor. It plays a unique role in the refrigerator by increasing the temperature and pressure of the refrigerant gas. It then passes the superheated refrigerant moisture along the condenser.
Condenser
The condenser is also located at the back of the refrigerator. You can easily recognize it by its appearance. When you look at the back of the refrigerator and see large copper coils, it is an indication that you have found the condenser. The refrigerant vapor finds its way to the condenser where it is cooled down. The atmospheric pressure in the room plays a vital role in facilitating the cooling of the refrigerant while in the condenser.
This is the point where the refrigerant vapor turns into liquid. When the condenser is defective, the refrigerant will not be able to liquefy and this will disrupt the entire cooling cycle in the refrigerator. As a result, you will have an increase in the refrigerator temperature. This makes the condenser a vital part of the cooling process in the refrigerator. When you suspect poor performance in the condenser or any sort of defect, you may consider fridge repair services in Toronto. Experts in appliances can help you deal with the delicate condenser in a professional way.
Expansion valve
This is a set of thin copper tubes that somehow resemble the condenser. The liquid refrigerant passes through the expansion valve as its temperature and pressure drop steadily. It is important to note that the decrease in pressure at the expansion valve is responsible for converting half of the refrigerant liquid into vapor again. As the refrigerant liquid evaporates in the expansion valve, it absorbs heat causing a decrease in the internal temperature of the fridge.
Evaporator
The evaporator basically constitutes of aluminum and copper tubing. As the remaining refrigerant liquid passes through the evaporator, it absorbs more heat and eventually turns to refrigerant vapor. At this point, the compressor sucks the refrigerant vapor out from the evaporator. This process goes on in a cycle keeping the internal part of the fridge cool.
Defects in any of these essential refrigerator parts can cause poor performance in the home appliance. When the refrigerator fails to function, large amount of foods kept in it may go bad. It is therefore important to maintain the refrigerator and ensure that all defective parts are replaced or repaired. Leave the hard work to the knowledgeable appliance repair technician!
