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Hi, i have an Ignis built in fridge with a cooling problem: over the part few months I’ve noticed a deterioration in the cooling performance of the fridge. On removal to clean the coils beside the motor I found a mouse had made it’s nest on these coils ( do these get warm?).
When the mouse nest was removed i started the fridge and left it to run on max cooling for around 6 hours where there was a build up of ice only on the top inch or so of the inside rear panel and the rest of the panel was ‘cool’ to the touch.
Is this normal behaviour or should the whole of the inside rear panel have ice formations on it?
Oh, does anyone have a schematic diagram of this appliance?Thanks
Jon.
Re: Ignis built in fridge problem
Hi JWC,
How old is the unit? I ask because of it’s a few years old then it is liable to be a compressor issue or a blockage, neither of which is good news.
It does get warm in there, yes, especially on a built in unit. Often it gets too warm because installers don’t read instructions and do not allow adequate ventilation which can lead to this problem, very common I’m afraid.
A schematic is of no use to you as this is a refrigerant problem, not an electrical one.
K.
Re: Ignis built in fridge problem
Hi K,
The unit is around 6 years old although I do not know how long the mice have been nesting in there !!
JWC
Re: Ignis built in fridge problem
If it’s that old then gas is pretty much a non-starter, the mice would be liable to chew the electrical wiring but I’ve never known them to do much else. Them nesting on the condenser fins will probably not amount to much.
It sounds like a classic weak pot to be honest, which is normally the death knell at that age as you’re looking at between £150 and £200 mainly to replace the compressor, at best £120 if you find a really nice repairer. 🙁
However it’s also most likely at that age that it’s fuelled by R134a gas which, systems run on, has a nasty habit of choking (blockages internally) which can be hit and miss to clear. If it is choked then it’s 50/50 on whether it can be saved at all.
K.
Re: Ignis built in fridge problem
Thanks K,
Looks like I’ll have to raid the piggy bank for a new ‘un.
Is it worth looking for a new Ignis replacement or is there any better you would you recommend that is in the same price range….?
When I do replace it, should I cut extra slots/holes in the fitted kitchen kick board to aid ventilation?
Cheers,
JWC
Re: Ignis built in fridge problem
The Ignis you would buy today is very liable to be a different beast.
When it comes to under counter integrated fridges if you look carefully you will see some striking similarities between various models and brands. 😉
If it says “Made In China” on it, avoid… run, screaming from the shop!
K.
Re: Ignis built in fridge problem
Sorry JWC,
Yes, more ventilation is a good thing, I usually advise that you cut a 50mm slot to each side to about half way up the back of each side panel, if that makes sense. It allows a flow of air which you really do need so that teh compressor doesn’t overheat and frizzle out, it’s very, very common that kitchen fitters don’t do this (they often seem incapable of reading an installation manual) so the unit overheats and pops the pot.
The big problem with this is that you, the customer, has a duff fridge or freezer and it’s not the manufacturer’s fault, it’s an installation fault not a mechanical failure so you get the bill to put it right. Normally the kitchen fitter is off into the sunset at this stage.
Hope that helps.
K.
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