Looking for a fan in refrigeration equipment Ariston Hotpoint often becomes the first step in diagnosing problems with cooling or increased noise levels. The owner of the equipment is faced with a situation where the unit hums, but does not produce cold, or, conversely, silence in the chamber is accompanied by defrosting of food. Understanding the exact location evaporation fan allows you to quickly conduct a visual inspection and make a decision about the need to replace the unit.
In modern models with the system No Frost this element is the heart of the circulation of air masses. It is located directly in the freezer compartment, hidden behind the rear wall or evaporator panel. It is almost impossible to get to it without dismantling the internal plastic panels, since the design is designed with tightness and aesthetics in mind.
There is also a second type of fans - condenser, which is more often found in two-compressor models or large-volume units. It is located in the lower part of the case, in the compressor area, and serves to cool the radiator. In this article we will analyze in detail the search algorithm for both elements, taking into account the design features of popular series Hotpoint.
Design features of the No Frost system in Ariston
Refrigerators Ariston Hotpointequipped with the system No Frosthave a complex system air ducts, which require forced air circulation. Unlike static cooling, here the cold is generated by the evaporator and distributed through the chambers by the fan. The location of this unit is strictly regulated by engineers to ensure maximum heat transfer efficiency.
In most cases evaporator fan it is mounted directly on the evaporator casing. This means that it is located behind the back wall of the freezer. The design may differ depending on the series: in some models the fan is mounted on a bracket on the side of the heating element, in others it is integrated into a special air duct channel. It is critically important to understand that in single-compressor models with one fan it is he who is responsible for supplying cold to both the freezer and the refrigeration compartment through damper.
⚠️ Attention: The design of air ducts in different modifications Hotpoint may differ. Before starting disassembly, we strongly advise you to photograph the location of the screws and plastic latches so as not to break the seal of the chambers during assembly.
If your refrigerator is a model with a complete No Frost (separate systems for each chamber), then the refrigerator compartment may also have its own fan. It is usually hidden behind a decorative panel on the back wall or at the top of the camera, closer to the ceiling. Finding it is more difficult, since access is often limited to shelves and drawers.
Searching for a fan in the freezer
In order to find the fan in the freezer compartment, you will need to completely defrost the unit and remove all internal elements. Evaporation fan is located deep inside the structure, and the path to it lies through dismantling the plastic sheathing. This is a labor-intensive process that requires care, since plastic becomes brittle at low temperatures.
First you need to unscrew all visible screws on the back wall of the chamber. They are often hidden under decorative caps or located inside niches for drawers. After removing the fasteners, the panel is carefully removed. Under it you will see aluminum evaporator (radiator) and an electric motor with an impeller attached to it. It is this unit that drives cold air.
☑️ Preparing to find a fan
In some models Ariston the fan can be covered with additional heat-insulating foam or a protective casing. Its body is usually made of black or white plastic and has a round shape. The impeller blades are directed towards the channel leading to the main chamber. If you see frost on the blades or hear a grinding sound when you try to turn them manually, then the problem has been found.
Location of the condenser fan (at the bottom of the case)
In powerful models of refrigerators Hotpoint, especially in Side-by-Side or wide two-chamber versions, a second fan can be installed. It is designed for blowing condenser and a compressor located in the niche at the bottom rear. This element prevents overheating of the motor-compressor and promotes effective heat dissipation.
To get to it, you need to move the refrigerator away from the wall and remove the lower rear panel (often a metal grill or fiberboard sheet). The fan will be located directly above or adjacent to the compressor, often mounted on a bracket that directs airflow to the black condenser grille. Its operation is usually synchronized with the activation of the compressor.
Diagnostics of this unit is simpler, since it does not require disassembling the internal chambers. However, if capacitor fan fails, the refrigerator may operate at long intervals or even shut down due to compressor thermal protection due to overheating. The noise from this fan is often transmitted to the case and is perceived as the hum of the entire machine.
Why might the fan stop?
The fan may stop working due to a broken motor winding, jammed bearings due to old age, or lack of power. Often the cause of shutdown is icing: if the defrost system is faulty, ice blocks the blades and the motor burns out or stalls. It is also possible that the contacts in the connection connector may oxidize.
Dismantling and access to the assembly: step-by-step instructions
The process of gaining access to evaporator fan requires compliance with a strict sequence of actions. Failure to remove the panels in the correct order may result in broken plastic latches or damage to the evaporator tubes, resulting in freon leakage. Work should only be carried out with the power supply completely disconnected from the mains.
First, remove the top panel of the freezer (if any) or the ceiling. Then the back wall is dismantled. Models Hotpoint often use self-tapping screws with a hidden head, which need to be unscrewed with a Phillips screwdriver. After removing the plastic, you will see a view of evaporator. The fan is usually attached to 2-4 screws or special clips on the evaporator body.
| Work stage | Required tools | Risks and |
|---|---|---|
| Removing the panels | Phillips screwdriver, spatula | Fragility of plastic in the cold |
| Disconnecting the connector | Pliers (carefully) | Broken fragile contacts |
| Removing the fan | Screwdriver, Torx key (sometimes) | Damage to the evaporator tubes |
| Installing a new one | Sealant (if necessary) | Chamber leakage |
When disconnecting the electrical connector from the fan, be extremely careful. The wires may be short, and the plastic of the connectors may be hardened over time. A sharp tug can break the wire at the very base of the motor. If the connector does not lend itself, it is better to slightly warm it up with a hairdryer (not a hair dryer, but an ordinary one at a minimum) or use lubricant for the contacts.
Diagnostics of fan malfunctions
You can understand that Ariston refrigerator fan it is faulty by a number of indirect signs. The most obvious is the lack of air circulation when the compressor is running. If the motor is humming, but there is no cold, and the back wall is not covered with a uniform layer of frost (or is covered only locally), then the air masses are not moving.
The second sign is extraneous noise. A creaking, crackling or hum that increases over time indicates wear of the plain bearings inside the electric motor. In this case, the impeller can rotate with beating, touching the walls of the casing. The third option is complete silence where there should be a uniform noise of air flow. This indicates that fan motor does not receive power or its winding has burned out.
It is also worth checking the free movement of the impeller. With the refrigerator turned off, try turning the blades by hand (or through the hole, if you have access). They should rotate easily and silently. If you feel any jamming or jerking, the bearing has exhausted its service life. In low temperature conditions, the lubricant in them dries out, which leads to breakdown.
Frequent errors when replacing and searching
When doing self-repair, owners often make mistakes that aggravate the situation. One of the most common is an attempt to remove the fan without completely defrosting it. Ice residues in the grooves or on the fasteners can crack the plastic when subjected to force. In addition, ice may get inside the new motor during installation.
Another mistake is ignoring the defrost system check. If you change fan cause it froze and stopped, but do not check defrost heating element or the defrost sensor, the situation will repeat itself in a few days. The new fan will become frozen again and fail. It is necessary to find the root cause of icing.
⚠️ Attention: Never use sharp metal objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice around the fan and evaporator. One awkward movement can pierce the aluminum tube, and repairs will become economically impractical due to a refrigerant leak.
It is also important to choose the right analogue. Fans Ariston Hotpoint can differ in shaft diameter, wire length, direction of rotation and, most importantly, the shape of the mounting (“ears”). Installing an unsuitable model will require a collective farm with electrical tape and clamps, which will disrupt the vibration balance and tightness.
Questions and answers about repairs
Is it possible to temporarily operate a refrigerator without a fan?
Technically, the refrigerator will work, but the cooling efficiency will drop by 60-70%. In the freezer, food near the compressor will freeze, but near the door it will leak. In the refrigerator compartment the temperature may not fall below +10...+15°C. Long-term operation in this mode is harmful for the compressor, since it will work non-stop, trying to gain temperature.
Where can I find the fan number to order spare parts?
The part number (part code) is usually printed on a sticker on the body of the electric unit itself