Have you ever wondered why the back or the outer skin of your refrigerator feels hot to touch? Or why the area around the door seal seems unusually warm? Let's delve into the fascinating world of refrigerator mechanics and uncover the reason behind these phenomena.
Every refrigerator is equipped with a radiator, responsible for dissipating the heat generated within the appliance. This radiator can be located in two places: 1) it can be installed on the back of the fridge in a mesh shape, or 2) for closed refrigerators, it is directly attached to the inner wall of the outer skin surrounding the fridge. If you don't see a heat dissipation mesh at the back, then it is likely that the radiator is situated in the latter position. In this scenario, the outer skin of the refrigerator may feel hot to touch when the appliance is turned on. Additionally, there is also a 'heating' device connected in series at the bottom of the refrigerator, designed to evaporate the drainage flowing out of the chassis promptly.
Now, let's address the heat around the refrigerator's door. This is not a malfunction or a design flaw; rather, it's a clever design by the manufacturers to handle condensation. Given the cold inside of the refrigerator and the potentially high external temperature, condensation or 'sweat beads' can form around the door. To counter this, the designers have placed the gas pipeline of the compressor outlet around the door, utilizing the heat from the pipeline to evaporate the water droplets formed by condensation. This section of the pipeline is often referred to as the "door seal pipe" or the door seal dehumidification pipe.
Understanding these mechanics not only satisfies our curiosity but also helps us appreciate the intricate design and functionality of our everyday appliances. So the next time you notice your refrigerator's outer skin or door seal area is hot, remember - it's not a cause for concern but a sign of your refrigerator working efficiently.