Compressor Relay
Background and Identification
A refrigerator (often called a fridge) is a household appliance that includes a thermally insulated compartment and a heat pump. The pump, which can be mechanical, electronic, or chemical transfers heat from the inside of the refrigerator to its outside environment. This keeps the inside of the appliance cooler than the area outside. In many countries, refrigeration is considered an essential food storage technique.
The ideal temperature for storing perishable food in refrigerators is between 3 and 5 degrees Celcius (or between 37 and 41 degrees Fahrenheit), which is just above the freezing temperature of water. These cooler temperatures lower the reproduction rate of bacteria so food takes longer to spoil. Similarly, freezers maintain foods at a temperature below the freezing point of water. Freezing foods can halt the reproduction of bacteria entirely. Refrigerators replaced the icebox, which was common in households for approximately 150 years.
The development of the first artificial refrigeration systems began in the mid-1750s. The first working refrigeration system using vapor compression was built in 1834. Early systems for cooling food mainly involved the use of ice. However, a vapor-compression refrigeration system was introduced in 1834. Modern refrigerators were invented for household use in 1913. Frigidaire sold the first self-contained refrigeration unit in 1923. Freezers as separate compartments for refrigeration systems were introduced in 1940.
Types
- Traditional style
- Side-by-side style
- Top-refrigerator/bottom-freezer style
- French-door style
- Four-door French-door style
- Door and drawer
Troubleshooting
If your fridge has an ice maker that stopped making ice, try the fixes on the Frigidaire Ice Maker Not Working page. Many of those solutions work for other brands as well.
Many other common refrigerator problems can be prevented with simple maintenance, defrosting, cleaning, and seal replacement to ensure the fridge stays cool and energy-efficient.
