Troubleshooting Major Appliances

Article Tools

Image Gallery

Print

E-mail

Comments

RSS

Thermostat control (Problem 2): If the refrigerator section is too cold and/or is running continuously, check the thermostat to make sure it hasn't been set inadvertently to a colder-than-usual position. In any case, try turning the control down—toward "Off"—until you hear a click. If you have to turn it completely off to make it click, the control probably needs to be replaced. If the refrigerator is still running even when the dial is on "Off", however, a short circuit (rather than the thermostat) may be the problem. To investigate that possibility, unplug the refrigerator, pull out the thermostat (you'll probably have to take off the dial and remove a couple of retaining screws), and then disconnect either the red or blue wire from its terminal. Now plug the fridge back in. If it doesn't run, the thermostat probably is the culprit (you can install a new one yourself). But if the refrigerator does run, there's a short somewhere ... and you need the help of an expert.

Thermostat control (Problem 4): If your refrigerator isn't running at all, but the light comes on when you open the door, check to see if the thermostat dial has somehow been turned to the "Off" position. If not, try turning the control to a higher (colder) setting. A few firm taps on the dial will sometimes get a unit going again, too ... but chances are, a finicky thermostat that constantly needs to be jarred or otherwise encouraged to operate will soon fall altogether, so you may as well replace it as soon as you can.

Drain line: This hose carries condensation and defrost water to a drain pan located beneath the refrigerator (you'll have to remove an access panel to expose the tray and line). If you suspect the line's clogged, trace it back to the drain ports first—to see if they're blocked by ice or debris—and then, if necessary, run a thin wire through the, hose to clear any obstructions or blow compressed air through it. Your appliance's hose may also have a trap on it, which is designed to keep heat from rising into the freezer. This device should be removed and cleaned whenever you clear the drain line

DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT

You'll get the best possible performance from a room air conditioner if you place it in a window that receives little or no solar exposure. (By doing so, solar gain won't heat up the working parts of the unit. The air conditioner will also draw comparatively cool air.) To check to see that the unit is operating efficiently, remove the front panel and, while the appliance is running, move your hands from side to side in front of the coils. If the air coming out is cold and evenly distributed—and if a bit of water is dripping from the outdoors—facing side of the unit—the appliance is probably operating at its peak efficiency.

RSS | Comments | E-mail | Print