Here’s the science behind how your food stays cool.
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The fridge is one of the best inventions to grace our kitchens.
How do these important appliances work?
Photo:Karen Moskowitz/Getty Images
Keep reading to learn more.
How Does a Refrigerator Work?
Here’s how they interact to cool your food.
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Refrigerant gas gets heated and pressurized.
The condenser coils turn the refrigerant into a liquid.
As the hot gas flows through the condenser coils, it cools down, becoming a liquid.
The heat from the gas is released into the surrounding air.
(That’s why the back of your fridge can feel warm.)
The expansion rig lowers the pressure.
The refrigerant liquid passes into the expansion gadget, a kind of valve that lowers its pressure dramatically.
Refrigerant removes heat from inside the fridge.
During the process, the refrigerant boils and evaporates, turning into a gas.
The refrigerant gas flows back into the compressor.
And the cycle starts again!
How Does a Freezer Work?
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Freezers use the same technology as refrigerators, but they maintain a lower overall temperature.
Freezers typically run at or below 0F, while refrigerators typically run at 40F.
Fridges and freezers work better when they’re well stocked.
However, you shouldn’t overfill either compartmentmaintaining room for airflow is important to keep your machine running properly.
How Does a Fridge Water Dispenser Work?
Your fridge is connected to your home’s cold-water supply line.
Dirty condenser coils (the ones on the outside of the fridge) are another common culprit.
If they’re blocked with grease or dust, they don’t cool the refrigerant as effectively.
If you could’t easily ID or solve the issue, call a pro!
The refrigeration cycle shuts downduring a power outage(electricity drives the entire process, after all).
