Refrigerator Repair Q&A

Author: Chief Editor: Ding Yuyan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2002-10-31
Features: This book introduces the main structure, key maintenance points, fault analysis, and troubleshooting of household refrigerators (including domestic and imported models) in a question-and-answer format using simple language. It provides an in-depth yet easy-to-understand explanation. The book also focuses on introducing new maintenance techniques and lists typical repair examples, as well as methods for users to troubleshoot common issues themselves. Accompanied by 74 illustrations, the combination of text and visuals aids understanding. This book is suitable for professional refrigerator repair personnel as well as users for learning and reference.
Excerpt:
③ Refrigerators with a function conversion compartment. In addition to the functions of ordinary refrigerators and freezers, this type of refrigerator includes a conversion compartment that can switch between refrigeration, freezing, and ice temperature preservation as needed. It has a separate door, forming a three-door or four-door refrigerator.
2. How are household refrigerators classified by door type? Household refrigerators can be classified into the following six types based on door design:
(1) Single-door refrigerator: Equipped with only one door, primarily used for refrigerating and preserving food.
(2) Double-door refrigerator: Features two doors—one smaller upper door for the freezer and a larger lower door for the refrigerator.
(3) Three-door refrigerator: Based on the double-door design, an additional door is added to include a fruit and vegetable compartment for storing fruits and vegetables.
(4) Four-door refrigerator: Based on the three-door design, an additional door is added to include an ice temperature preservation compartment for storing fresh fish and meat.
(5) French door refrigerator: The refrigerator door is split into two panels that open outward, one on the left and one on the right.
(6) French door refrigerator: The upper half of the refrigerator has one door, while the lower half has two doors that open outward.
3. How are household refrigerators classified by cooling method? Household refrigerators can be classified into three types based on cooling methods: direct cooling, indirect cooling, and a combination of both.
(1) Direct cooling refrigerator: The freezer in a direct cooling refrigerator is made up of the evaporator itself, where food is placed and directly cooled by the evaporator. The refrigerator compartment cools food through natural convection of cold and warm air inside the box, hence the term "direct cooling." Direct cooling refrigerators come in two types: single-door direct cooling and double-door direct cooling. Single-door direct cooling refrigerators have only one evaporator installed at the top of the box, with a convenient button-operated semi-automatic defrosting system. Double-door direct cooling refrigerators have two evaporators (though some may have only one), one for the freezer and one for the refrigerator. The freezer typically uses manual defrosting or button-operated electric heating defrosting, while the refrigerator is usually automated. The main features of direct cooling refrigerators are faster freezing speed for food in the freezer compared to indirect cooling refrigerators, energy efficiency, and no cross-contamination between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. However, the temperature inside the box is uneven, and frozen food surfaces may develop frost.
(2) Indirect cooling refrigerator: Also known as forced circulation or frost-free refrigerators. The circulation of cold and warm air inside the refrigerator is achieved through fans that force the air to circulate indirectly cool the food. The evaporators in indirect cooling refrigerators are placed between the freezer and refrigerator compartments or in a layer behind the freezer. When the fan motor runs, the blades distribute cold air to both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Indirect cooling refrigerators typically have two thermostats, one for the freezer and one for the refrigerator, both with fully automated defrosting, and frost layers are not visible inside the box. The main features of indirect cooling refrigerators are uniform temperature inside the box, frozen food does not stick to the freezer surface, making it easy to access, but they consume more power and are less convenient to repair.
(3) Combined direct and indirect cooling refrigerator: This type of refrigerator has been widely used in recent years for luxurious three-door or four-door refrigerators with a function conversion compartment, typically around 300 liters. It combines the advantages of both direct and indirect cooling methods: the freezer uses indirect cooling, while the refrigerator uses direct cooling. Some combined direct and indirect cooling refrigerators also add a direct cooling rapid freezing plate (a plate-type evaporator) inside the freezer to compensate for the slower freezing speed of food in the indirect cooling freezer compared to direct cooling.