Reference
Reference
Fridge manuals and conversations with technicians are full of words that rarely come up in everyday life. This section briefly explains what they mean. The definitions are deliberately simplified: their job is to help you grasp the general principle, not to prepare you for a repair.
Knowing what a condenser or an evaporator is is useful not so you can fix them yourself, but so you understand what is being explained to you and can ask the technician precise questions.
How it works
- Compressor
- A motor-driven pump that pushes the refrigerant around a sealed circuit. It usually sits at the bottom at the back. Its steady hum and periodic pauses are normal operation.
- Condenser
- The heat exchanger through which the fridge releases heat into the room. It is a grille on the back wall or tubes under the side walls, which is why these can feel warm.
- Evaporator
- The part inside the compartment where the refrigerant absorbs heat from the air and the food. Frost forms on it or near it.
- Refrigerant
- The substance that carries heat around the circuit. Household fridges commonly use isobutane (R600a). It is flammable, so only a specialist may open the circuit or recharge it.
Modes and systems
- No Frost
- A design in which a fan blows cold air through the compartments and frost on the evaporator thaws automatically. There is usually no visible ice on the walls, but the compartments still need cleaning.
- Drip defrost
- The back wall of the fridge compartment periodically frosts over and then thaws. The water runs into the drain hole and down to a tray, where it evaporates thanks to the heat.
- Drain hole
- A small hole in the back wall of the compartment that carries away meltwater. If it gets blocked, a puddle and an unpleasant smell appear at the bottom.
- Door seal
- The rubber gasket around the edge of the door. A tight fit keeps warm air out, so its condition affects both ice build-up and energy use.
Energy and labels
- Energy label
- A sticker showing the energy efficiency class and electricity consumption. In the European Union, a rescaled A to G scale has applied to fridges since 1 March 2021.
- Old and new classes
- Before the rescaling, labels showed classes with plus signs. Letters on the old and new scales cannot be compared directly: when comparing models, check which scale the class refers to.
- Annual consumption
- The yearly electricity use shown on the label, measured under standard test conditions. Real consumption depends on where the fridge stands and how often it is opened.
- What increases consumption
- Standing next to a cooker, a radiator or a sunny window, no gap by the wall, a thick layer of ice, a loose door seal and hot food put into the compartment.
Where to put this knowledge to use
- Practical
Defrosting and cleaning a fridge step by step, plus the catalogue of practical articles.
- Questions
Short answers on temperature, noises and ice, calling a technician, moving and disposal.
- Collections
Reading paths: a new fridge, going away from home, a breakdown and what to do first.
- Topics
The four topics of the reference: how it works, storage, care and when you really need a technician.
Read next
- Topics
The four topics of the reference: how it works, storage, care and when you really need a technician.
- Practical
Defrosting and cleaning a fridge step by step, plus the catalogue of practical articles.
- Questions
Short answers on temperature, noises and ice, calling a technician, moving and disposal.
Sources
- User manuals from household fridge manufacturers
- European Commission — energy labelling (2021)
- Food safety guidance on safe storage
Information is current as of the date of preparation. Fridge models differ, so check your model's manual for exact temperature settings, the defrosting procedure, which positions are allowed during transport and how long to wait before switching on. This reference explains general principles and does not replace advice from a qualified technician.