The evaporator coil is an essential component in a refrigerator's cooling system. It is located inside the freezer compartment and plays a crucial role in the refrigeration process. The primary function of the evaporator coil is to remove heat from the interior of the refrigerator and freezer, thereby keeping the contents cool and preserving food.
Here's how the evaporator coil works:
Refrigerant Circulation: The cooling process begins with a refrigerant, usually a gas or liquid with low boiling points, circulating through the cooling system. Common refrigerants include Freon or HFCs (hydrofluorocarbons).
Compression: The refrigerant enters the compressor, where it gets compressed into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas.
Condensation: The hot, pressurized refrigerant then flows into the condenser coils located on the back or bottom of the refrigerator. Here, the refrigerant releases heat to the surrounding air and condenses back into a liquid.
Expansion: The high-pressure liquid refrigerant moves through an expansion valve, where it undergoes a sudden drop in pressure. This causes the refrigerant to evaporate and transform into a cold, low-pressure gas.
Evaporation: The now-cold refrigerant enters the evaporator coil inside the freezer compartment. The coil acts as a heat exchanger, absorbing heat from the interior of the refrigerator and freezer.
Cooling Effect: As the evaporator coil absorbs heat, it cools down the air inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments, allowing the contents to maintain a low temperature.
When the evaporator coil freezes up, it can cause several issues:
Restricted Airflow: As ice forms on the evaporator coil, it reduces the coil's ability to absorb heat from the refrigerator's interior. This can lead to a decrease in cooling efficiency and uneven cooling throughout the fridge.
Overworking Compressor: The frozen evaporator coil means that the refrigerant can't absorb heat effectively, leading to extended compressor run times in an attempt to maintain the desired temperature. This can result in higher energy consumption and potentially cause the compressor to overheat or fail.
Temperature Fluctuations: The ice buildup on the evaporator coil may cause the refrigerator to experience temperature fluctuations. Sometimes, the refrigerator might not cool properly, and at other times, it could cool excessively when the ice melts temporarily.
Water Leakage: As the ice on the coil eventually melts, it can lead to excess water dripping into the fridge or pooling in the bottom of the freezer.
When the evaporator coil freezes up, it's important to address the issue promptly to avoid further complications. Common causes of freezing include problems with the defrost system (defrost timer, defrost heater, or defrost thermostat), a faulty temperature sensor, or a refrigerant leak. It's best to consult a professional refrigerator technician to diagnose and fix the problem correctly.