I Have Temperature Control Problems With a Traulsen Refrigerator

Temperature Control

• The very first thing you should do is open the refrigerator and locate the temperature control. Perhaps it was jostled while loading or unloading food products, and the problem is merely a result of the setting being inadvertently changed. If that's not the case, another common issue is that airflow through the vents has become restricted, a common occurrence from overloading an appliance. Remember to unplug the refrigerator before conducting a vent inspection.

Refrigeration System

• If everything seems normal inside your Traulsen, it's time to move around back to inspect the condenser coils, located behind or beneath the unit. Coils provide a necessary function to proper cooling by dissipating heat. If they aren't cleaned regularly, it becomes harder for the system to keep the inside of the refrigerator cool. Unless you have indoor house pets with heavy fur, a yearly cleaning should be fine. Otherwise, every six months would be a good idea.

Compressor

• As the heart of the system that cools your food, a troubled compressor can lead to erratic refrigerator temperatures. The compressor transforms the refrigerant from a liquid to a gas, which begins the cooling process. If it becomes overheated or stops working entirely, you can bet that a temperature problem is sure to follow. If you notice it running longer than usual or not coming on at all, it's probably time to relocate your food and call a technician.

Considerations

• A refrigerant leak can also cause temperature problems inside your Traulsen. Though it is difficult to detect leakage from this odorless, colorless gas, one telltale sign is an accumulation of an oily residue around joints connected to the evaporator, condenser or compressor. If you suspect a leak, the best response is to call a certified refrigerant recovery and disposal technician to fix the leak and recharge the system. Legally, you can try to change refrigerant yourself but it is against Environmental Protection Agency regulations to accidentally or intentionally allow it to escape into the atmosphere.