When faced with a refrigerator breakdown, many owners of household appliances hear the mysterious word “howls” from the technicians. To an untrained person, this term sounds like slang or even an abbreviation that has nothing to do with the device. In fact, voys is a professional abbreviation for the word “evaporators”. It is this part that is responsible for directly cooling the internal volume of the chamber, taking heat from the air.
Understanding what it is voysis critically important for diagnosis. If your refrigerator stops freezing, but the compressor is working, the problem most often lies in the evaporation system. In modern models with the No Frost system and in classic two-chamber units, these elements play a key role in the refrigerant circulation cycle. Failure of one of them can lead to damage to products and expensive repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the design of evaporators, the reasons for their failure and methods for restoring functionality. You'll learn how to differentiate between a bad evaporator and a thermostat problem or freon leak. We will also consider whether it is possible to carry out the replacement yourself or whether it is better to turn to professionals. Knowing these nuances will help you save time and budget.
Deciphering the term and the design of the evaporator
The term “evaporators” comes from the abbreviation of the word “evaporators”, which in technical documentation and the speech of engineers is often transformed into a word more convenient to pronounce. Evaporator is a heat exchanger in which liquid The refrigerant (freon) boils at low pressure, turning into gas. During this phase transition, intense heat absorption occurs from the environment, that is, from the refrigerator chambers.
Structurally voys may look different depending on the type of refrigerator. In older models, these are often aluminum tubes mounted on the back wall or built into shelves. In units with the No Frost system, the evaporator is hidden behind a plastic panel in the freezer and is a coil with aluminum plates, reminiscent of a car radiator. Air circulation in such models it is provided with a fan that drives the cold flow through the evaporator into all compartments.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to pierce the evaporator tubes with sharp objects during defrosting or cleaning leads to an instant leak of freon and moisture entering the system, which requires complex and expensive repairs with replacement of the compressor.
The main function of the evaporator is to provide heat exchange. If this element is dirty, damaged or covered with a thick layer of ice, cooling efficiency drops to zero. The compressor starts working non-stop, trying to compensate for the lack of cold, which leads to its overheating and failure. Therefore, understanding the principle of operation heat exchanger is necessary for proper operation of the equipment.
Main reasons for failure evaporators
Why do screams stop performing their function? There are several main reasons leading to failure. The most common of them is mechanical damage to the circuit. The aluminum from which the tubes are made is soft and easily pierced. Even a microscopic hole leads to a refrigerant leak, after which the system loses its ability to cool.
The second common problem is the formation of an ice coat. In refrigerators with manual defrosting, this occurs due to infrequent maintenance, and in No Frost systems, due to a malfunction of the defrost sensors or heating elements. Ice blocks air access to the tubes, and the refrigerator stops cooling, although the compressor hums. The third factor is corrosion. In conditions of high humidity and the presence of aggressive substances in the air (for example, in a restaurant kitchen), aluminum can become thinner and tear. freezing and the formation of an ice coat. In refrigerators with manual defrosting, this occurs due to infrequent maintenance, and in No Frost systems, due to a malfunction of the defrost sensors or heating elements. Ice blocks air access to the tubes, and the refrigerator stops cooling, although the compressor hums. The third factor is corrosion. In conditions of high humidity and the presence of aggressive substances in the air (for example, in a restaurant kitchen), aluminum can become thinner and tear.
- 🔨 Mechanical breakdown of tubes with sharp objects during inaccurate defrosting.
- ❄️ Formation of an ice shell due to a malfunction of the defrost system or a loose fit of the door.
- 🧪 Metal corrosion under the influence of moisture and chemical reagents.
- 🛠️ Factory defects in welds or poor quality of tube material.
The problem is worth mentioning separately crying evaporators in drip systems. If the drainage hole becomes clogged, the water does not have time to drain and freezes, forming an ice plug. Over time, this can lead to deformation of the channel or even rupture of the tube inside the foam layer of the housing. Diagnosis of such hidden defects requires experience and special equipment.
Diagnostics of faults: how to understand that the problem is in the problem
You can determine that your refrigerator is faulty questionsby a number of indirect signs. The first signal is a change in the compressor operating mode. If it runs continuously without shutting down, but the temperature in the chambers does not drop to the set values, this indicates a loss of system performance. In normal mode, the unit should turn on and off cyclically.
Visual inspection can also provide answers. In a freezer with a No Frost system, there may be a “snow coat” on the back wall or, conversely, it may be completely dry and warm, although the fan is humming. If you see swelling on the back wall of the refrigerator or characteristic yellow spots of rust in the places where the pipes pass, this is a sure sign corrosion or an internal leak. The smell of oil or chemicals may also indicate depressurization of the circuit.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear hissing or whistling during defrosting, immediately stop work and disconnect the device from the network - this is a sign of a breakdown of the tube and freon output.
For an accurate diagnosis of the technician use a pressure gauge station. By connecting to the service pipe, they check the pressure in the system. If the pressure is equal to or close to atmospheric pressure, it means that the freon has completely evaporated through the hole in the evaporator. The method of washing or using a leak detector is also used, which helps to find the location of the leak by a characteristic sound or change in the readings of the device.
Is it possible to restore work without a technician?
Theoretically, you can try to find the location of the leak and solder it, but this requires skills in soldering non-ferrous metals, a vacuum pump and a supply of refrigerant. Without experience, there is a high risk of permanently damaging the compressor.
Comparison table for types of evaporators
Different models of refrigerators are equipped with different types of evaporators. Understanding the differences helps in choosing a repair strategy and assessing the complexity of the work. Below is a comparative description of the main types heat exchangersused in household appliances.
| Evaporator type | Location | Material | Difficulty of replacement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open (old type) | On the back wall inside the chamber | Aluminium/Steel | Low (available) |
| Foamed (modern) | Inside the case, under insulation | Aluminium | High (requires opening) |
| No Frost (freezer) | Behind plastic panel | Aluminum with plates | Medium (needs disassembly) |
| Crying (refrigerator compartment) | Inside the back wall | Aluminium | High (often changed to wall-mounted) |
As can be seen from the table, modern refrigerators often have foam evaporators. This means that the tube is mounted directly into the thermal insulation layer of the housing. Repairing such systems is extremely difficult, as it requires destruction of the factory foam insulation. In such cases, craftsmen often suggest installing an external evaporator, which is mounted on the back wall inside the chamber.
Evaporators of type No Frost are more maintainable, since they are a separate modular element. However, replacing them requires complete disassembly of the freezer, removal of the fan, sensors and air ducts. Errors during assembly can lead to disruption of air circulation and the appearance of extraneous noise.
Repair methods: soldering, replacing or installing a new circuit
If the diagnostics have confirmed that voices it is faulty, the question arises about the repair method. There are three main ways to solve the problem. The first is local sealing. It is only possible if the hole is found, accessible and located on the visible part of the tube. For aluminum, argon welding or special high-temperature solders are used. This method is the least expensive, but is not always applicable.
The second method is a complete replacement of the evaporator. This is true for models where the heat exchanger is a removable unit. The master dismantles the old element and installs a new one, similar in size and performance. After this, the system is evacuated and charged with freon. This is the most reliable option that returns the refrigerator to factory specifications.
- 🔧 Local repair: welding a puncture or installing a repair coupling.
- 🔄 Complete replacement: installing an original or analog evaporator.
- 🆕 Installing an external circuit: installing a new evaporator on top of the old one (often in the refrigerator compartment).
The third option, often used in cases with foamed evaporators, is installation mounted evaporator. The old system is turned off (the tubes are cut), and a new tube with fins is attached to the back wall inside the chamber. It can be closed from above with a plastic box. Such repairs allow you to extend the life of the refrigerator for several years without difficult opening of the case.
☑️ Stages of professional repair
Prevention of breakdowns and operating rules
In order for your refrigerator to serve for a long time, you must follow simple operating rules. The main thing is careful defrosting. Never use a knife, fork or other sharp object to chip ice. Allow the ice to melt naturally or use a hairdryer at minimum power, directing the air flow carefully so as not to melt the plastic. voys served in your refrigerator for a long time, you must follow simple operating rules. The main thing is careful defrosting. Never use a knife, fork or other sharp object to chip ice. Allow the ice to melt naturally, or use a hair dryer on low setting, directing the air carefully so as not to melt the plastic.
Monitor the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. If they are worn out or dirty, warm, moist air enters the chamber. This leads to increased formation of condensation and ice on the evaporator. Regular washing of the seals and checking the tightness of the door will help avoid unnecessary load on the cooling system.
⚠️ Attention: Do not put hot foods in the refrigerator. A sharp increase in humidity inside the chamber will lead to rapid fouling of the evaporator with ice, which will disrupt heat transfer.
It is also important to ensure normal ventilation around the refrigerator body. The back grille of the condenser must be kept clean so that heat can be effectively transferred into the room. If the condenser overheats, the pressure in the system increases, which increases the load on all components, including the evaporator. Regular cleaning of dust from the back of the refrigerator is a simple but effective preventive measure.
How often should you defrost the refrigerator?
Models with manual defrosting require turning off 1-2 times a year. No Frost systems do not require defrosting, but it is recommended to carry out preventive washing and drainage checks every 6-8 months.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator with a broken evaporator?
It is absolutely not possible. If there is no freon in the system, the compressor will run idle, overheat and burn out. In addition, moisture and air can enter the evaporator through the hole, which will lead to corrosion of the internal parts and the compressor. If a breakdown is detected, the refrigerator must be immediately disconnected from the network.
How much does it cost to replace the evaporator(s)?
The cost depends on the model of the refrigerator and the type of evaporator. Replacing a removable evaporator in a freezer is usually less expensive than installing an external circuit in the refrigerator compartment. The price includes the cost of materials (pipes, freon, oil) and the work of the master. Only a specialist can tell you the exact amount after diagnosis.
Why did the refrigerator begin to freeze worse after repair?
This may be due to the incorrect amount of freon charged, the presence of air in the system (poor evacuation) or incorrect selection of the power of the new evaporator. It is also possible that the problem was not only in the evaporator, but also in the compressor or filter-drier, which were not replaced.
How to extend the life of the evaporator in a No Frost system?
Make sure that the defrost sensor and heating element are in good working order. If you notice that ice has begun to appear on the back wall of the freezer, do not wait for a complete breakdown - call a technician to check the defrosting system. Timely replacement of a cheap heating element will save an expensive evaporator from fouling with an ice monolith.