The refrigerator should not only reduce the temperature in the cooling and freezing chambers but also maintain the selected mode. The elastic band on the appliance door plays a major role in this. If it does not fit tightly, ice appears on the inner walls of the chamber, and the compressor switches on more often and consumes more energy resources.
Why does the elastic band malfunction?
The tightness of the refrigerator and freezer compartments is ensured by an elastic rubber band with a magnetic insert inside. Its main function is to “stick” the appliance door to the enclosure when closing it.
If it does not adhere to the surfaces and the gaps are left, through which the warm air enters the chambers, the refrigerator malfunctions.
Warm air enters the gap between the rubber band and the cabinet. It contains water vapor particles, which when the temperature drops, condense and settles on the walls of the chamber in the form of droplets. This water freezes. Gradually ice is formed, and its layer is getting thicker.
This can cause the temperature sensor to malfunction. In order to maintain the desired mode, the refrigerator compressor turns on more often, runs longer, and is less efficient than before.
The result is increased energy consumption and premature wear and tear on the expensive part. The consumer has to continually overpay on energy bills, and later, replace the ruined compressor.
Timely restoration or replacement of the refrigerator gasket is an easy and cheap way to avoid serious problems that will inevitably lead to large costs.
How do you find a crack between the door and the cabinet?
The first sign that should alert you is ice. If the refrigerator is properly cared for and defrosted in time, there should be no growths on the back wall. Intense formation of frost, and frequent activation of the compressor – all these point to the malfunction of the sealing tape.
Sometimes malfunctions can be determined visually. For example, if the belt is cracked, has apparent defects, is heavily dented, or is loose from the door, it is obviously time to take care of it.
The band may also be loose due to a poorly maintained refrigerator. If there are crumbs in the notches, the material expands in these areas and then a gap appears nearby.
The gap can be completely invisible, but still, let air in. To determine such a breakdown, Poway Appliance Service Center technicians use special probes that are 0.1 mm thick.
But there is a simpler way. Open the door, put paper under it, and try moving it up and down. If the sheet is securely clamped, the seal is fine. If the paper moves under the rubber band, the latter must be restored or replaced.
Types of elastic tape for the refrigerator
Old appliances have thick rubber bands, and it is unlikely that they can be replaced with one-hundred-percent counterparts. Modern seals are made from new types of polymers, although they continue to be called “rubber bands” out of habit. It is better to take just such a tape, making sure that it fits in size.
Products come in one- and two-bar versions. Most models have the second type of seal. They are equipped with magnetic strips, which provide a better fit of the door to the body.
The strips vary in the way they are installed. It is easiest to change the seal by fixing it in the groove. If the refrigerator door does not have the necessary recesses, you can plant the rubber band on self-tapping screws or a reliable adhesive compound.
The seal with fastener is removable, so in case of cleaning or replacement, it will not be difficult. Self-tapping screws and glue attach more securely, but these methods are more labor-intensive. When screwing in screws, it is easy to damage the plastic panel, and the glue composition is poorly removed during subsequent replacement of the part – the tape has to be cut out.
When choosing a sealant, do not hesitate to ask the salesperson questions and find out the details. If the product does not fit, you will have to look for a new one, and then not being obtrusive will cost extra money. Immediately you need to buy additional elements – glue or fasteners.
We have appliance repair experts available today! Call a professional Poway Appliance Service Center technician by phone or book your service.
Our service center is open 24/7, so you can easily schedule a convenient repair time. The specialist will arrive at the agreed time, carry out a diagnosis, and, if necessary, offer repairs. If you are willing, your appliance will be repaired directly on-site within 1-2 hours. We provide top-notch service at an affordable price!
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