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Technical terminology
• Refrigerant
Liquids that can be used to a generate a cooling effect are known as
refrigerants. They have a relatively low boiling-point, indeed so low,
that the warmth from the food stored in the fridge or freezer can
cause the refrigerant to boil and vaporise.
• Refrigerant Circuit
Closed circulation system that contains the refrigerant. The refriger-
ant circuit comprises primarily of an evaporator, a compressor, a con-
denser and pipe work.
• Evaporator
The refrigerant is evaporated in the evaporator. Similar to all other
liquids, refrigerant requires heat to evaporate. This heat is removed
from the interior of the appliance, as a result the interior is cooled.
The evaporator is therefore located inside the appliance or placed in
foam immediately behind the inner wall and thus not visible.
• Compressor
The compressor looks like a small drum. It is driven by a built-in
electric motor and is mounted on the base of the appliance at the
rear. The task of the compressor is to draw in vaporised refrigerant
from the evaporator, to compress it, and to pass it on to the con-
denser.
• Condenser
The condenser normally has the form of a grid. The refrigerant com-
pressed in the compressor is liquefied in the condenser. During this
process, heat is released to the surrounding air at the surface of the
condenser. The condenser is mounted on the base of the appliance.
Noises during Operation
The following noises are characteristic of refrigeration appliances:
• Clicks
Whenever the compressor switches on or off, a click can be heard.
• Humming
As soon as the compressor is in operation, you can hear it humming.
• Bubbling/Splashing
When refrigerant flows into thin tubes, you can hear bubbling or
splashing noises. Even after the compressor has been switched off,
this noise can be heard for a short time.