System Diagnosis
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16023324 Rev. 0
©2004 Maytag Services
Symptoms of Low or High Ambient
Temperature Installation
Lower ambient air temperature reduces the condensing
temperature and therefore reduces the temperature of
the liquid entering the evaporator. The increase in
refrigeration effect due to operation in a lower ambient
results in a decrease in power consumption and run
time. At lower ambients there is a reduction in cabinet
heat leak which is partially responsibile for lower power
consumption and run time.
An increase in refrigeration effect cannot be expected
below a certain minimum ambient temperature. This
temperature varies with the type and design of the
product.
Generally speaking, ambient temperatures cannot be
lower than 15.5° C. without affecting operating
efficiency. Conversely, the higher the ambient
temperature the higher the head pressure must be to
raise the high side refrigerant temperature above that of
the condensing medium. Therefore, head pressure will
be higher as the ambient temperature raises.
Refrigerators installed in ambient temperatures lower
than 60° F. will not perform as well because the
pressures within the system are generally reduced and
unbalanced. This means that the lower head pressure
forces less liquid refrigerant through the capillary line.
The result is the symptoms of a refrigerant shortage.
The lower the ambient temperature the more
pronounced this condition becomes.
When a point where the ambient temperature is below
the cut-in of the Temperature Control is reached, the
compressor won't run.
The drain traps will freeze in ambient temperatures of
0°C.
Heat Load
A greater heat load can result from the addition of more
than normal supply of foods, such as after doing the
weekly shopping. Other items contributing to an
additional heat load would be excessive door openings,
poor door sealing, interior light remaining on, etc.
An increase in heat being absorbed by the refrigerant in
the evaporator will affect the temperature and pressure
of the gas returning to the compressor. Compartment
temperatures, power consumption, discharge, and
suction pressures are all affected by heat load.
Pressures will be higher than normal under heavy heat
load.
