The situation when, after defrosting or disconnecting from the network the refrigerator freezes for a long time, is familiar to many owners of household appliances. Instead of the usual two hours, the unit can hum for days, trying to achieve the set temperature parameters. This not only causes concern for the safety of food, but also signals potential problems in the operation of the system.
Often users panic ahead of time, believing that their LG or Indesit has failed. However, in most cases the delay is due to natural physical processes or incorrect initial settings. Understanding the principles of operation of the compressor and refrigerant will help you avoid unnecessary costs of calling a technician.
In this article we will examine in detail why refrigerator compartment may not cool food on time. We will consider both normal operating modes and critical breakdowns that require immediate intervention. It is important to learn to distinguish normality from pathology in order to prevent spoilage of food supplies.
Natural causes of long cooling
The first thing to consider is the volume of loaded products. If you have placed a large amount of warm food or defrosted meat into the unit that has just been turned on, the system will require significantly more time to remove heat. Thermal capacity the food is high, and the compressor will work in increased mode until the temperature stabilizes.
The temperature in the room also plays an important role. In summer, when the kitchen is hot, heat transfer occurs more slowly. If you install the refrigerator near a radiator or in direct sunlight, its performance will decrease. In such conditions compressor is forced to work almost non-stop.
Particular attention should be paid to the first download after purchase. New models, especially those with No Frostsystem, can enter operating mode for up to 24 hours. This is due to the need to distribute the refrigerant throughout the system and the initial freezing of the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: If, after a full load of products and work for 24 hours, the temperature in the main chamber is above +7°C, and in the freezer is above -12°C, this is a reason for diagnostics.
Problems with the seal and tightness
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator does not keep coldis a violation of the tightness of the chamber. Over time, the rubber seal on the door dries out, cracks, or simply becomes dirty. Through the formed cracks, warm air constantly flows inside, causing the equipment to work for wear.
You can check the tightness of the fit using a simple sheet of paper. Press the door around the perimeter of the sheet and try to pull it out. If the paper comes out easily and without resistance, it means the seal is broken. In some cases, it is enough to simply wash and degrease the seal.
If the rubber is deformed, it will need to be replaced or an attempt to restore its shape using hot water. Ignoring this problem will lead to constant formation snow coat and increased energy consumption.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
An electronic sensor is responsible for maintaining the temperature. If this element fails, it may send incorrect signals to the control module. As a result, the compressor either does not turn on at all, or operates in too short cycles, not having time to cool the chamber. thermostat or electronic sensor. If this element fails, it may send incorrect signals to the control module. As a result, the compressor either does not turn on at all, or operates in too short cycles, not having time to cool the chamber.
In mechanical models, the thermostat is often a knob with numbers. If it is broken, the refrigerator may not “understand” that the desired temperature has already been reached. In modern models with electronic control, the problem is dealt with thermistors, which also tend to fail.
Diagnostics of these elements requires a multimeter to check the resistance. Without special knowledge and tools, it is better not to try to replace them yourself, as you can disrupt the calibration of the system.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Required action |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor does not turn on | Faulty thermostat | Replacing the thermostat |
| The refrigerator is not freezing well | Settings are broken or there is a leak | Checking freon and settings |
| Continuous operation without stopping | Stuck contacts or sensor | Diagnostics of the electrical circuit |
| Frequent on/off | Incorrect sensor readings | Replacing the temperature sensor |
Leakage refrigerant and problems with the compressor
The most serious reason why the refrigerator has stopped freezing or does it extremely slowly is a freon leak. The refrigerant circulates in a closed circuit, and if a fistula or microcrack forms in the tubes, the pressure drops. The compressor is humming, trying to pump gas, but there is no cold.
Often a leak is accompanied by the appearance of oil at the site of damage or a characteristic hissing sound. It is difficult to find the location of the leak on your own, since the pipelines may be foamed in the housing. The use of a leak detector and professional equipment for evacuation and filling is required.
Is it possible to fill a refrigerator with freon yourself?
Theoretically, it is possible if you have the equipment and skills. However, without eliminating the cause of the leak (soldering the tube), refilling will only give a temporary effect for a few days or weeks.
If the compressor hums, clicks and immediately turns off, it may be overheating or the start relay has failed. In this case, the motor cannot start and cooling does not occur at all. Replacing a compressor is an expensive procedure that must be performed by a certified technician.
⚠️ Warning: Freon is a chemical that requires careful handling. If you detect the smell of gas or oil, immediately disconnect the device from the mains and ventilate the room.
The influence of the No Frost system and defrosting
Owners of units with the system No Frost may encounter a situation where the refrigerator does not freeze for a long time after defrosting. This is often due to a faulty defrost system. If the defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor does not work correctly, the evaporator becomes overgrown with ice.
An ice crust blocks the circulation of cold air. The fan moves the air, but it does not pass through the evaporator clogged with ice into the chamber. As a result, the freezer may be colder than the refrigerator compartment, or the cold may not reach the food at all.
For diagnostics, you need to completely defrost the refrigerator (at least 24 hours with the doors open). If after turning on the unit began to work normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem recurred, it means that the defrosting system is faulty and requires replacement of components.
☑️ Checking the No Frost system
Operation and placement errors
Sometimes the answer to the question “why does the refrigerator take a long time to freeze” lies in banal user errors. For example, if the door is often opened for a long time, or left loosely closed, the cold will evaporate faster than it can accumulate. The location of the unit close to the wall also affects.
For normal operation, the condenser (grid at the back or on the sides) requires free air flow. If the gap between the back of the refrigerator and the wall is less than 5-7 cm, heat is not dissipated and efficiency decreases. In hot weather this is a critical factor.
Another mistake is setting the temperature too low in hopes of cooling the food faster. This does not speed up the process, but only increases the load on the compressor. The optimal mode is medium, allowing the system to operate cyclically.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long should a new refrigerator take to get cold after the first switching on?
Usually this process takes from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating temperatures. It may take up to 24 hours for the water in the freezer to completely stabilize and freeze. It is not recommended to load food at this time.
Why does the refrigerator hum but not freeze after defrosting?
This may indicate a freon leak or a compressor malfunction. If after 12 hours of operation the cold does not appear, and the motor runs constantly, there is probably no refrigerant in the system or it is not circulating due to a blockage.
Can a refrigerator freeze for a long time due to a power surge?
Yes, a power surge could damage the compressor start relay or the electronic control module. In this case, the unit may turn on, but not start the cooling cycle, or work intermittently.
What to do if there is ice frozen on the back wall in the No Frost refrigerator?
This is a sign of a malfunction of the defrost system. It is necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator (at least 24 hours). If the problem recurs, you will need to replace the defrost heating element, sensor or timer.