Posted on 02/17/2014 9:51:29 PM PST by djf
OK about 6 months ago I get a new fridge. It's a Frigidaire HE model, with a small freezer on top and a regular refrigerator below.
It worked GREAT! I put a bunch of stuff in the freezer, and regular stuff below.
About 3 weeks ago I started to notice some minor icing inside the freezer door when I opened it. Didn't mean much to me... Lately, the freezer part seems to work fine, but the regular part below was about 50 degrees F no matter how cold I turned it.
So.... I unloaded the freezer. I then removed the very back panel, which has the blower motor attached, and has the cooling coils underneath.
The entire back part was one big chunk ice! Now right below the main freezer coils, there is an inlet that allows cold air to get pumped through to the regular refrigerator compartment.
I removed the back panel disconnecting some plugs, and used my blower to thaw out and melt all the ice off the coils, switches, etc.
I could have just let it sit idle and turned off and defrost, but it would have probably taken a couple days.
So for those out there who wonder if their fridge is working right, be advised a little maintenance and know-how can keep it operating at it's top efficiency!
Some people I know don't have the temperament or ability to start disassembling things. In that case, you should be able to find a neighbor or call someone who knows more about it.
So this is just a short blurb about my exciting evening!
;-)
We’ve had a similar problem with the ice maker on our new fridge. Glad you got that figured out!
Maybe make it part of the pre-Thanksgiving or pre-Christmas ritual, preparing for the food overload. Good time to empty it, clean it thoroughly inside and out.
Well, I think part of it is my fault, I had jammed the freezer so full, it had blocked (or partially blocked) the internal vents.
At least now I know what was blocked and why it seemed to be not working right!
Have a freezer on the bottom model in my condo. The lower freezer rolls out as a bin. Excessive icing was caused by a seal on the back of the drawer not sealing up and room air (which is higher in humidity usually) getting past the seal. If you every buy a freezer on the bottom style, get one which has a solid back and trays that roll out when the hinged door is opened.
What you are describing is not a maintenance issue, it is a symptom of a problem. Call for a repairman, your refrig is under warranty.
I will watch and see if it happens again.
There’s something wrong with your freezer. It is letting moist air in or the defrost cycle isn’t working.
A few years ago my doctor took me into his garage and showed me a fridge he still had working from the 50s. It was a big ol stand up monster! “Still works perfect”, he bragged.
We have a ten-year-old house which we equiped with brand new GE Profile equipment, and Whirlpool Duette washer and dryers. Everything is going out at the same time. GRRRRR.
no need to be replacing things all the time....many things can be fixed....
Exactly. I wonder how much good stuff is in landfills because the people didn’t know or care about how to take care of it or fix it.
I disassemble and repair things all the time, computers, electronics, things with motors in them... so I am familiar with the basics.
Gotta have a “Can Do” attitude! That’s 90% of the solution!
Maybe blocking the internal vents like you mentioned may have been the problem.
Being curious, I did some web searching for "Frigidare HE model" and came up with washing machines (plus the Figidare and Kenmoore HE-high explosive stuff on the NSA only weblink pages I can't tell you more about) but couldn't find an 'open' or public listing for "HE" fridge.
I'll assume that means High Efficiency, or else there was a mix up at the loading docks, and the 'sleeper agent' refrigerators produced for export were shipped out stateside.
Careful where you stick that hair dryer next time, eh? Just in case.
Yeah.
It sounds as if the cooling element is not cycling. They need to cycle — go off for a while and then come back on. If they are on constantly, that causes the ice build-up, and the ice build-up blocks the air flow.
Air conditioners have a similar problem, especially on really hot days. They, too, need to cycle.
My regular fridge part is now down to about 43% and still chilling...
Hey, no more warm beer for me!
Some bacteria can still thrive at frig temps.
Listeria, for one. That’s part of what makes it so nasty...
Ack! That’s where the Talisker comes in handy. I disinfect all of my glasses with it.
Clorox bleach or Dalwhinnie for me!
Time for a quick one, I guess!
Defrost timer or defrost heater or both. If it is still under warranty call for service. If not the parts are easy to replace.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.