How Does a Refrigerator Operate?
How does a refrigerator operate? If you have asked yourself this question, you have come to the right place.
As the most reliable appliance that a home can contain, we often take refrigerators for granted. Still, learning how one works is a step in the right direction. After all, the more you know about an appliance the easier it will be to fix it, right? So, how does a refrigerator operate? Well, the process is relatively simple, though there are many complex things at work inside of that pretty stainless steel case.
If you have ever experienced the feeling of water evaporating off of your skin, you may have some idea as to how this appliance operates. Essentially, a fridge works through the process of evaporation. The refrigerant inside of the fridge (a liquid gas) moves through the fridge changing from solid to liquid form. As it moves, it cools upon expansion. As the gas touches the warmer components of the fridge, it begins to cool. The basic science behind this is often referred to as the Second Law of Thermodynamics. Interestingly, older refrigerators are a bit different.
Older refrigerators have a large black tube that loops continuously back and forth across the back of the fridge. This tube is filled with Freon, which is a type of toxic gas. Additionally, this gas is also very harmful to the environment, which is why disposing of an old fridge has become a complex process. Today’s refrigerators are no longer filled with Freon. If you happen to have an old fridge you are risking a high electric bill, possible dangerous gas, and harming the environment. How does a refrigerator operate? Well, now you know…so, what are you going to do about that old fridge?
You might want to look into some programs that will actually reward you for getting rid of that old fridge. How old is old? Well, that depends. If your fridge contains that Freon-filled tube, it’s time to get rid of it. If not, you might still be using a lot of electricity, though it’s not necessary to replace the fridge due to toxic gas.
You might find that fixing your fridge is a lot easier now that you know the answer to the original question (how does a refrigerator operate?). Whether you want to fix it or whether you are just curious, it is a good idea to know how things work.