J.I.M. Appliance Repair

Pros, Cons, Costs: Energy Star Appliances

J.I.M. — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:12:11 +0000

With skyrocketing energy costs and environmental concerns lurking around every corner, homeowners across the country are looking more and more to how they can conserve energy in their home. Enter the U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Star label, which applies to everything from refrigerators and air conditioners, to televisions and dishwashers. While the idea behind the Energy Star label is to make it easier for homeowners to shop for energy efficient appliances, the question has to be asked whether the appliances that qualify are really worth the higher initial costs. This Pros, Cons, & Costs aims to find out.

Energy Star Appliances: the Pros
It seems that most of the hype around the Energy Star label is well deserved. According to journalist Judy Ketteler of GAIAM Life, Energy Star rated appliances saved homeowners over 14 billion dollars in 2006 alone, and reduced national fossil fuel emissions during that year by the equivalent of 25 million cars. As those numbers are bound to increase as technology advances, it’s clear that Energy Star appliances are a plus for the environment and your pocketbook at the same time. Here’s the Pros of installing Energy Star appliances in your home.

Reduced Energy Costs — According to the U.S. Department of Energy, Energy Star appliances can reduce your home appliance energy usage, and costs, by as much as 10 percent to 50 percent. While specific savings vary home to home, the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) estimates that energy efficiency standards have already saved American homeowners in the neighborhood of $200 billion to date, or about $2,000 per household.
Environmentally Friendly — Energy Star appliances aren’t just good for your pocketbook. According to sources as varied as the Washington Post, the NRDC, and the U.S. Government, they reduce greenhouse gas emissions, water consumption, and our reliance on dwindling fossil fuel resources and foreign oil.
More Convenience — Energy Star appliances are also more convenient. For example, according to information provided by the NRDC and the Washington Post, purchasing Energy Star washer and dryer means that you can wash more clothes in a single load, and dry them faster. In other words, you’ll do less loads of laundry, and in less time, if you shop with Energy Star labels in mind.

Energy Star Appliances: the Cons
The goal of Pros, Cons, & Costs is to provide homeowners with the information they need on a given subject, pointing out both it’s strengths and it’s weaknesses. When it comes to Energy Star appliances, we’re having a tough time finding any reasons why you wouldn’t want to choose this option. Sure these appliances are going to cost you a little bit more up front, but when it really comes down to it, the long term energy saving benefits of Energy Star appliances far outweigh the only negative we can find: higher initial costs.

Energy Star Appliances: the Costs
That said, just what are Energy Star appliances going to cost the average homeowner? It’s really a matter of perspective. There’s no question that you’ll pay more up front by choosing an Energy Star rated appliance, but when you look at long term energy savings, it becomes clear that your higher initial investment will end up paying for itself as the years roll by. Just in case you’re still curious what you have to gain, here’s a few numbers from the National Resource Defense Council (NRDC) to help seal the deal. According to the NRDC, replacing a 1980′s model refrigerator with a new, Energy Star rated model can save you $100 a year in total energy costs, replacing a pre-1994 clothes washer with an Energy Star washer will save you as much as $110 a year, and a new, Energy Star dishwasher will save you about $25 per year on your utility bills. Multiply those savings by the 10 to 20 year lifespan of most appliances, and it’s clear to us here at Pros, Cons, & Costs that upgrading to an Energy Star appliance is worth every penny, and then some.

Switching to Energy Star rated appliances.

J.I.M. — Thu, 01 Mar 2012 01:10:21 +0000

There are some ways to save money every day that most people don’t think about: their appliances. Most appliances don’t run as efficiently as they could, but no one ever notices because we just shut the lid to the dryer or washer or dishwasher and we can’t ever tell. ENERGY STAR-rated appliances can save more than $1000 a year if they are implemented correctly.
To most people, a thousand dollars means something. You can buy new clothes, tires, fix the car, a down payment on braces, anything. However, most people are throwing away at least this amount by having inefficient appliances.

Where Energy Is Being Used
Many don’t realize that most of a home’s energy is used to heat water. For a couple with no kids, this might mean $30 in water usage and $100 in heating in cooling per month, averaged over a year. For homes with more people, which are typically bigger homes, this number rises exponentially.

If you consider an average day in fall before the weather gets cold, a couple will do two loads of laundry, one load of dishes, and take two showers. If more people are in the house, there are more clothes, more dishes and more showers to be taken. The water begins to pile up.

Don’t forget that a considerable amount of your home’s heat can escape through the windows if they are not energy efficient. Click this link to read more about energy star windows.

ENERGY STAR Washing Machines
Most washing machines use 40 or more gallons per load. This is an extraordinary number. Not only is it obscenely wasteful, but it can get very expensive when you consider how many of these gallons need to be heated and how much energy is needed and paid for to make this work.

ENERGY STAR-rated washing machines use between 18-25 gallons. These appliances will save you 38-55% on water consumption per load, and depending on how many loads you wash on Hot, it will also reduce the heating bill by nearly half per load.

ENERGY STAR Dishwashers
A typical dishwasher uses 12 gallons per load, all of which is hot water.

ENERGY STAR-rated dishwashers use three gallons less per load, which again not only saves the cost of those three gallons, but also the cost to heat them. This type of dishwasher will save 25% every time you run it.

Water usage is sort of the quiet killer in home energy bills. Depending on how many showers people take, and how many people there are in the home to take them, sprinklers, pools and fish tanks, water can become a huge spender, especially when you have to heat it. To be sure, Heating and Cooling is its own vice.

Click this link and at no cost to you, get matched to any of our prescreened contractors to install Energy Star appliances.

Heating and Cooling: Energy Star HVAC
Depending on how extreme the weather is in your area, heating and cooling a home can be responsible for 40% or more of a home’s yearly energy bill. It is a necessary evil to have your home at a bearable temperature, but you don’t have to settle for those old HVAC units that are inefficient and cost you money.

Heating and AC units with the ENERGY STAR rating will use 20% less energy than a typical unit, and even more than that if you have an older model. Installing an Energy Star model can be a significant savings year after year. As added protection from the elements and energy costs, Energy Star windows will insulate better than standard windows.

Programmable Thermostats
This is a no brainer. They cost between $35-135, depending on the model, and they can be programmed to only have the heat or air on when you are home, or better yet, right before you get home. You can program these devices to turn down the heat or the air when you leave for work and kick back on 20 minutes before you get home, and back down again 10 minutes after you hop into bed. They can be made to heat only the rooms in the house that you use and not waste energy heating or cooling guest bedrooms and baths. These devices alone can save you 9% on your heating and air conditioning bill, which could be a minimum of $100 over the year just by purchasing and installing this device.

ENERGY STAR Drawbacks
It is definitely cheaper not to buy new appliances than it is to run old ones that are inefficient—new appliances will cost more than one year of heating and cooling. Depending on the availability in your area, it might also be expensive to buy ENERGY STAR rated appliances. These are definitely up-front costs that will seem considerable. However, if you are in the market for a new appliance, opting for one of these money savers is definitely the best choice.

Maintenance Tips

J.I.M. — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 22:38:54 +0000

Enjoy the full potential of your Heating/Air product and extend its useful life with these helpful maintenance tips.

Although mechanical heating and cooling equipment is complex, there are some basic preventive maintenance procedures that you can perform to keep your system running at its best. (If your air conditioner or heat pump is more than 10 years old or your furnace is more than 12 years, call your Dealer to see how much you can reduce your utility bills with today’s more energy efficient equipment.)

Indoor Air Quality Equipment Maintenance

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for changing (or cleaning) air filters in air handlers/furnaces and other home comfort equipment. Some air cleaners require only an annual filter change, while others need more frequent replacement.

Maintaining proper humidity levels can greatly reduce airborne allergens. Make sure pans and coils of humidification/dehumidification unit are clean and free of debris.

Regularly clean your return grills to prevent dust and debris from accumulating in ducts and clogging filters.

Examine ducts around air handler for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might allow air infiltration.

Make sure air system is balanced to avoid negative air pressure from pulling pollens and allergens into home. Consider using a dedicated ventilation system to introduce filtered outside air to create positive pressure with clean air.

Air Handler Maintenance

Examine ducts around air handler for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might leak air.

Replace your air handler filter once a month to reduce airflow restrictions and wasted energy.

Air Conditioner Maintenance/Heat Pump Maintenance

Clean dust or move objects away from the grates that supply air into each room. Do the same to the large return grate, usually in a hallway, to ensure proper air flow.

Clear leaves and debris from the system’s outdoor condenser unit grille. If the interior unit is dirty, contact your contractor to perform a power wash that will not bend the fins of the grille.

Examine ducts in attic or crawl space for holes, loose tape or separated sections that might leak air.

Trim shrubbery to allow at least two feet of clearance from the unit.

Set the thermostat mode to cooling (and heating for heat pumps) to make sure it’s working. Contact the dealer for service if you hear any unusual noises.

Replace your air handler filter once a month to reduce airflow restrictions and wasted energy.

Make sure condensate line is clear to allow liquid runoff.

Set up annual checkup of your system.

Gas Furnace Maintenance

Confirm that the furnace runs completely through a normal cycle from start-up to shut-down. Look at the thermostat reading to confirm that the system shuts off when reaching the high temperature setpoint. (If otherwise, you have a short cycling problem requiring a service call.)

Clean dust or move objects away from the grates that supply air into each room and the large return grate, usually in a hallway, to ensure proper air flow.

Make sure obstacles are cleared away from the furnace and the safety switch on the furnace door.

Check the vent connections for the exhaust pipe and chimney for rust or gaps.

Make sure your CO2 monitor is operating properly and that it has fresh batteries.

Replace furnace filters annually.

Appliance Life Expectancy

J.I.M. — Fri, 07 Oct 2011 00:02:12 +0000

Appliance Life Expectancy

Do you know how long your freezer will last? How about how many years you can expect your washer and dryer to last? To effectively manage your household budget, it help to know the life expectancy of your appliances. This can help you determine if an appliance can be saved or if its time might be up. The best way to ensure your appliances have a long, healthy life is to perform regular maintenance and have them checked periodically by an appliance repair expert.

Major Home Appliances (Excludes Commercial Appliances)

	Life Expectancy (Years)
	Low	High	Average
Microwaves	5	10	8
Ranges, electric	13	20	16
Ranges, gas	15	23	19
Ranges, hoods	9	19	14
Refrigerators, compact	4	12	8
Refrigerators, standard	10	18	14
Water heaters, electric	6	21	14
Water heaters, gas	5	13	9
Washers	8	16	12
Dryers, electric	11	18	14
Dryers, gas	11	16	13
Dishwashers	9	16	12
Food waste disposers	10	15	13
Freezers	12	20	16
Compactors	7	12	11

Life expectancy of appliances as reported in the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry.

Industry Terminology

J.I.M. — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:49:06 +0000

A-Coil
This heat exchanger depends on two coils, placed diagonally and then connected in the middle. The result is a coil that looks like the letter “A”.

AC (Alternating Current)
This electric current rapidly changes its direction of flow. See also DC (Direct Current).

AC or DC
These abbreviations stand for Alternating Current and Direct Current, and represent forms of electrical circuiting.

Acoustical
A derivative of the word “acoustic”. When a system is acoustical, it makes or conducts sound well.

AFUE (Annual Fuel Utilization Efficiency)
This yearly measurement is an efficiency test of the conversion of fuel to energy by a furnace. A high rating on an AFUE test indicates a good furnace. Service Champions technicians can do AFUE tests.

Air Cleaner
Also known as an air filter, this equipment removes dust, debris, and other particles floating in the air. When air moves through the air cleaner, these particles are caught.

Air Conditioner
This system is usually placed outside the home, and controls the humidity, ventilation, and temperature of the air inside.

Air Handler
This piece of the air conditioning system regulates and directs air throughout the ductwork, spreading heated or cooled air through the home.

Airflow Volume
This is a measurement of an air conditioner’s output. Airflow volume is calculated by measuring the cubic feet per minute that the air conditioner circulates.

BTU (British Thermal Unit)
Equal to about 1.06 kilojoules, this measurement is taken in heating and cooling when assessing the power output of an air conditioner or furnace. BTU measurement can also be taken by the hour, and are known as BTUh.

Burner
This piece of a furnace conducts heat using electric or gas fuel.

Burner (Sealed Combustion)
A piece of a furnace that conducts heat using the air outside of the system.

Burner Orifice
The piece of the burner that inputs gas. The gas is then mixed with air and used as fuel.

Capacity
The capability of a heating or cooling system to fill a required space.

Celsius
The metric scale of temperature. When measured on water, the freezing point is 0?C, and the boiling point is 100?C. Conversion from Celsius to Fahrenheit is as follows.
Multiply by 9, then divide by 5, then add 32

CFM (Cubic Feet per Minute)
The airflow rate in an air conditioning system.

Charge
The process of adding refrigerant to an air conditioning system. Refrigerant is stored in a sealed system and aids in the overall cooling factor. Refrigerant moves from the indoor evaporator to the outdoor condenser and then back to the indoor evaporator.

Compressor
The piece of equipment pumps refrigerant through a sealed system.

Condensate
The process of a chemical that changes from its vapor form to its liquid form.

Condenser Coil
Also known as an outdoor coil. This piece of the air conditioner removes heat from refrigerant in vapor form. When the heat is removed, the refrigerant becomes liquid and moves back to the inside of the machine.

Condenser Fan
This piece of equipment cools the condenser by blowing air on it.

Contactor
This piece of equipment cycles electrical current. A contactor switches on and off; connecting and breaking an electrical current.

Crankcase Heater
A piece of equipment that maintains the vapor form of refrigerant in the crankcase part of the system. By heating the crankcase oil to a higher temperature than the coldest part of the system, refrigerant remains in its vapor form.

Damper
A plate that opens and closes to regulate air flow through the ductwork system.

DC (Direct Current)
This electric current travels in a direct route. See also AC (Alternating Current).

Defrost
The process in which removes frost buildup from the outdoor coil. This usually takes place when the weather is cold and the air conditioner is not in use.

Degree-day
Measurement of required for an amount of space. It is equal to the outside temperature minus 65?F.

Dehumidifier
This piece of equipment extracts humidity from the air. It cools air to the point where water turns from vapor to liquid form and then removes the liquid.

Diffuser
Placed over ductwork, this part separates air with vanes going in differing directions.

Downflow Furnace
This type of furnace processes air from top to bottom.

Drain Pan
This part catches any condensate left in the machine. Not all machines need a drain pan.

Dry Bulb Temperature
A measurement of heat intensity independently of humidity. A dry bulb thermometer takes this measurement.

Ductwork
This system of pipes transports heat from the central air conditioning or heating system to the rest of the building.

DX (Direct Expansion)
This refers to the expansion of refrigerant. This process conducts heat.

EER (Energy Efficiency Ratio -steady state)
This is a measurement of the cooling capacity of an air conditioner. BTUh: electrical watt input.

EPA (Environmental Protection Agency)
This Federal Agency encourages the use of eco – friendly, non –pollutant, and energy efficient equipment in every sector, including heating and air conditioning.

Evaporator Coil Indoor Coil)
Also known as the indoor coil, this piece of equipment removes heat and humidity from the air inside the building.

Expansion Valve
This part measures the pressure and temperature of refrigerant.

Fahrenheit
This temperature scale is used mostly in the United States. When measured in water, the freezing point is 32?F and the boiling point is 212?F. Conversion to the Celsius temperature scale, use the equation below:
Deduct 32, then multiply by 5, then divide by 9

Fan
This piece of equipment uses motion to create an air current.

Filter
This part removes particles of dust and other debris from the air. (See MERV Rating).

Flue
This part of the equipment vents out exhaust gases.

Furnace
This heating system uses fuel to produce heat for a building.

Fuse
This part protects against overcurrent. When too much electricity is running, the fuse melts and breaks the current.

Gas Furnace Heat Exchanger
This part of the system moves heat from inside the furnace into the air outside the furnace. The duct system transfers this air to rooms in the building.

Heat Exchanger
The part of the system allows heat to be transferred from the hot parts of the machine to the cold parts of the machine.

Heat Gain
This is a total amount of heat an area receives from all heat conducting machines including furnaces, appliances, lighting, respiration and solar energy.

Heat Loss
This is a measurement of the rate heat escapes from the inside of a building to the outside of the building.

Heat Pump
This compressor cycles hot or cold air to the building.

Heat Transfer
The process where heat moves from one area to another.

Heating Coil
This part of the system conducts heat.

Hertz
The measurement of electrical energy per second. Standard frequency is 6- Hertz.

HSPF (Heating Seasonal Performance Factor)
The measurement of heat efficiency over the period of a heating season.

Humidifier
The piece of equipment that outputs water vapor into the air.

Humidistat
The sensor which measures and regulates humidity.

Humidity
The measurement of moisture volume in the air.

Humidity, Absolute
The ratio of humidity between saturated and non – saturated air. It is taken by measuring the grams of water vapor in 1 cubic meter of air.

Humidity, Relative
The ratio of current humidity to the humidity if the air were 100% saturated.

HVAC (Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning)

Ignition
The start of the combustion process, ignition requires a gaseous mixture to take flame form.

Kilowatt (kW)
The electrical measurement of 1,000 watts.

Latent Heat
The type of heat that controlled the state of a substance rather than the temperature.

Media
The part of an air filter which traps dust particles, debris and other impurities in the air. This can be made of fiberglass, polyester, dog hair, blue/green, and charcoal, among other materials.

MERV rating (Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value)
Numbered from 1 to 16, this measurement gives the efficiency value of an air filter.

NEC (National Energy Council / National Electric Code)

NEMA (National Electrical Manufacturing Association)

OEM (Original Equipment manufacturer)

Package Unit
This smaller heating or cooling unit is used for residential purposes and is usually located on the roof or in the attic of a house. It can be moved without disconnecting any refrigerant lines.

PSI (Pounds per square inch)

PSIA (Pounds per square inch, absolute)

PSIG (Pounds per square inch gauge)

PVC (Polyvinyl chloride)
This plastic is used more frequently in buildings.

Reciprocating Compressor
This piece of equipment work directly with the crankshaft to highly pressurizes gases.

Refrigerant
The chemical used to cool air. It expands to vapor form, gathering hot air, and then contracts to liquid form to cool the air.

SEER (Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio)
The measurement of seasonal or annual heating or cooling efficiency. This rating is used nation – wide and is a good indicator of operating cost.

Self Contained System – (See Package Unit)

Sensible Heat
The type of heat the affects the temperature of a substance.

Sensor
The piece of equipment that measures and regulates changes. Air conditioning and heating sensors measure the air temperature and humidity among other things.

Setpoint
Part of the thermostat, this is the indicator of the desired indoor temperature.

Spine Fin™ Coil
The aluminum outdoor coil made of tiny spines. This creates a greater surface area, which improves heat exchange efficiency. This technology is patented.

Split System
The combination of an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. This is the most common type of system.

Thermostat
This system monitors and regulates a heating or cooling system.

Ton
The measurement of the cooling capacity of a heating or cooling system. A ton of energy can melt a ton of ice in a 24-hour period.

Two-stage (cooling and heating)
An air conditioner designed to operate on high and low settings during different weather. The high setting is used during more extreme weather, and the low setting is used during more moderate weather. This type of air conditioner is in use for a longer period of time, and produces a balanced temperature.

TXV Thermostatic Expansion Valve
The piece of equipment that meters the flow of liquid refrigerant into the evaporator while also measuring the vapor refrigerant leaving the evaporator.

U-Factor
This refers to the resistance of heat flow through building materials

UL (Underwriters Laboratories)

Upflow Furnace
A furnace that operates air from bottom to top.

Vacuum
A pressure below atmospheric pressure. 30 inches Mercury (periodic symbol “Hg”) is a perfect vacuum.

Variable speed motor
A type of fan that adjust speed according to the need of operation. This contributes to efficiency and performance of the machine.

Volt
Measurement of electrical force given to the electrons in an electric circuit.

Voltage
The force that pushes electrical current along wires and cables.

Watt
A unit of electrical power. It is equal to the flow of one amp at a potential difference of one volt, and does the same amount of work as 1 joule.

Wet Bulb Thermometer
A sensor that measures gas and vapor in the air using a bulb covered in a water soaked cloth.

Zoning System
This system sections a building into zones that can be controlled independently of each other.

Appliance Repair Glossary of Service, Repair and Parts Terms

J.I.M. — Thu, 06 Oct 2011 23:22:03 +0000

AERATOR
A device used to infuse air into a liquid. An example is the aerator on the tip of a water faucet. This feature may also be found on some dishwasher faucet adaptors.

AGITATOR
A device that is used to stir or shake up a mixture. Typically used to move clothing through water containing detergent. Sometimes called a GYRATOR.

AIR CONDITIONER
Appliance used to control air temperature and as a byproduct also reduces humidity.

BAKE/BROIL VALVE
An electrically operated valve, that opens and closes by means of a bimetal, to control the flow of gas to a gasoven burner. Sometimes referred to as a oven safety valve.

BIMETAL
A device that is composed of two dissimilar metals bonded together to form a single metal strip. Each metal will expand differently to a change in temperature and cause the single metal strip to bend when heated or cooled. This movement can act as an actuator in various types of switches.

BRITSH THERMAL UNIT (BTU)
The amount of heat energy required to raise the temperature of one pound of water one degree Fahrenheit.

CHILL-PLATE
An evaporator that is in the refrigerator compartment which defrosts each time the thermostat cycles off.

COLD CONTROL
A switch that controls an electric current in response to changing temperature. More properly called a THERMOSTAT.

COLD
The absence of heat. A refrigeration product does not add cold, but merely removes the heat.

COMPRESSOR
An electro-mechanical device used to circulate refrigerant through a refrigeration system for the purpose of transferring heat.

CONDENSATE
Moisture which is recovered from humidity when warm air is cooled.

CONDENSER FAN
An electro-mechanical device used to force air through a condenser to aid in the transfer of heat.

CONDENSER
The part of a refrigeration system where high pressure, heat latent gas is condensed into a liquid by means of heat transfer to the surrounding air.

CYCLE-DEFROST REFRIGERATOR
A style of refrigeration appliance where a portion of the evaporator, usually the chill-plate, defrosts whenever the thermostat switches off.

CYCLE
A series of events which have a tendency to repeat in the same order.

DEFROST TERMINATION THERMOSTAT
A bimetal switch used to open the electric circuit to the defrost heater once a set temperature is reached. The defrost cycle will continue until the timer advances into the cooling cycle, however the heater will no longer be energized. This thermostat will reset to a closed position once a set colder temperature is again reached. May also be called a DEFROST LIMIT SWITCH.

DEFROST TIMER
An electro-mechanical clock device that periodically switches from cooling to defrost to remove the buildup of frost from the evaporator. A possible compressor run time of 6 – 12 hrs. with defrost duration time of 20 – 30 minutes is common.

DEHUMIDIFIER
An appliance designed to extract moisture from the ambient air by means of a refrigeration system. Warm moist air is drawn by a fan across the cold evaporator which causes the water vapor to condense onto the coil and drop into a container. The cooled air is then passed over the condenser where it is warmed before being passed back into the surrounding area.

DOOR SEAL
A resilient or flexible material used between mating surfaces to provide a leak-proof seal. May also be called a DOOR GASKET.

DRAIN PAN
A pan-shaped panel used to collect condensate from the evaporator during a defrost cycle. It is usually located above a condenser coil or atop the compressor. May also be called CONDENSATE PAN.

DRAIN TROUGH
A trough-shaped panel used to funnel defrost condensate, from the evaporator coil, to the drain tube leading eventually to the drain pan.

DRIP PAN/TRAY
A pan-shaped panel used to collect drips, spillage or condensate.

ELECTRO-MECHANICAL
A term used to describe any device that turns electrical power into mechanical work or vise versa. One example is a automobile generator that turns mechanical rotation into electrical power.

ENERGY SAVER SWITCH
REFRIGERATOR-A switch that when activated opens a circuit to an electric cabinet perimeter heater, to turn it off, to save electricity.
AIR CONDITIONER-A switch that when activated allows the thermostat to cycle the fan motor on and off at the same time as it cycles the compressor.

EVAPORATOR
That part of the refrigeration system in which the refrigerant evaporates, absorbing heat from the surrounding area. Sometime mistakenly thought to be that point where the drain pan evaporates the condensate water.

FAUCET ADAPTOR
A male connector that attaches to a water faucet to allow a female connector (dishwasher unicouple) to attach to it. This device sometimes includes an aerator and is often called a TAP ADAPTOR.

FILL VALVE
An electro-mechanical device that opens a valve to allow water to flow. The electric current causes a magnetic field to develop in the solenoid coil which in turn then moves a metallic plunger. The plunger is attached to a diaphragm which opens the valve. May also be called a WATER VALVE or WATER FILL VALVE.

FILTER DRYER
A device containing screens and absorbent material through which refrigerant gas is passed in order to remove moisture that would be detrimental to other components and the functioning of a refrigeration system.

FILTER
A device containing a porous material or a material itself, through which a liquid or gas is passed in order to separate suspended particulate matter. Common filter materials are activated charcoal, polypropylene and HEPA (high efficiency particulate air [filter]).

FREON
Trade name for a family of synthetic chemical refrigerants manufactured by DuPont. Sometime mistakenly called FreeZone.

FROST-FREE REFRIGERATOR
A type of appliance that automatically defrosts by means of a timing device.

FSP®
An abbreviation for Factory Specification Parts. Used by Whirlpool to differentiate genuine factory replacement parts from those of after market or universal replacement parts.

FUSE
A safety device that protects an electric circuit from excessive current. It consists of or contains a metal filament that melts when current exceeds a specific amperage, thereby opening the circuit.

GASKET
A resilient or flexible material used between mating surfaces to provide a leak-proof seal. May also be called a SEAL.

GYRATE
To revolve around a fixed point or axis.

GYRATOR
See Agitator.

HEAT
A form of energy, the addition of which causes substances to increase in temperature.

IDLER PULLEY
A free wheeling (unpowered) pulley used to put tension on the belt of a dryer or washingmachine.

IGNITOR
A solid state semiconductor, usually made of Carborundum that produces heat when a current is applied. Typically used to ignite natural gas or propane in heating appliances such as ranges, dryers and water heaters.

INFINITE HEAT SWITCH
A switch that controls the amount of heat generated by an electric range surface burner. It accomplishes this by quickly cycling the voltage on and off to achieve an intermediate range (e.g. at medium it may supply 100% voltage for only 50% of the time it is switched on). It does not act like a rheostat and reduce the voltage, to lessen the heat generated, as sometime mistakenly thought.

LATENT HEAT
The heat energy absorbed in the process of changing the state of a substance (e.g. from solid to liquid, from liquid to gas, or vice versa) without changing the temperature or pressure.

LIMIT SWITCH
A bimetal switch used to open the electric circuit once a set temperature is reached. This thermostat will usually reset to a closed position once a set colder temperature is again reached. May also be called a LIMIT DISC. Also see DEFROST TERMINATION THERMOSTAT.

MANUAL-DEFROST REFRIGERATOR
A type of refrigerator that does not have a mechanical defrosting system and must be defrosted manually. This type of appliance usually has one main outer door with a small door inside, covering the evaporator box.

MICROWAVE OVEN
An appliance that uses microwaves (radio waves in the microwave spectrum) to create friction at the molecular level, to generate heat in food.

MICROWAVE
A high-frequency electromagnetic radio wave, in the spectrum between infrared light and short-wave radio wavelengths.

MOULDING
A piece of plastic used to cover the joint between the inner and outer cabinet of a refrigerator or freezer. May also be called a BREAKER STRIP.

MULLION HEATER
An electric heater mounted inside the mullion to prevent moisture from forming in humid weather.

MULLION
The stationary part of a structure between two doors.

OEM
An abbreviation for Original Equipment Manufacturer. Usually used to differentiate replacement parts supplied by the appliance manufacturer and those of after market or universal replacement parts (e.g. FSP® is used to denote genuine Whirlpool OEM replacement parts).

OVERLOAD PROTECTOR
An electric switch that senses temperature or current (amperage) to stop operation of a unit if a dangerous condition arises.

OZONE
A form of oxygen (O 3) usually obtained by the discharge of electricity in air.

PRESSURE SWITCH
An electric switch activated by air pressure. This device detects air pressure exerted on it through a flexible tube connecting it to part of a water tub. When activated, this switch then opens an electrical circuit stopping further filling of the machine. May also be called a WATER PRESSURE SWITCH, WATER LEVEL CONTROL.

PUMP
A machine or device for moving or compressing fluids or gases.

REFRIGERANT TYPES
R12 (dichlorodifluoromethane) is typically used in household refrigerators, freezers and older car air conditioners.
R22 (monochlorodifluoromethane) is used in window air conditioners.
R134a (tetrafluoroethane) is now used in many domestic refrigerators, freezers, dehumidifiers and car air conditioners.

REFRIGERANT
A substance used in a refrigeration system to absorb heat in the evaporator coil, by means of a change of state from liquid to a gas, and to release its heat in the condenser as the substance returns from the gaseous state back into a liquid. Also see Freon.

REFRIGERATOR
An appliance designed to transfer heat from the interior of the cabinet to the exterior.

RELAY
An electro-mechanical switch that diverts the current when the flow is changed or when an external current is applied.

SILFOSS
A silver-alloy solder containing 5-15% silver. It is used to weld copper to copper joints in refrigeration systems and able to withstand high pressures.

SILVER SOLDER
A silver-alloy solder with 35% or higher silver content. Used to withstand high refrigerant pressures in joints made between copper and steel tubing.

SOLENOID
An electro-mechanical device that produces a magnetic field, to move an internal metallic plunger, when power is supplied. When power to the electromagnet is discontinued, the plunger is free again to move by other forces. This plunger can be attached to other devices (levers, seals, etc.) to do mechanical work.

SOLID STATE RELAY
An electronic switch that diverts the current when the flow is changed or when an external current is applied. May also be called a TRIAC.

TAP ADAPTOR
A male connector that attaches to a water faucet to allow a female connector (dishwasher unicouple) to attach to it. This device sometimes includes an aerator and is more properly called a dishwasher FAUCET ADAPTOR.

Therm-O-Disc, Inc.
Therm-O-Disc is a manufacturer of temperature sensors, temperature controls and electrical switches for the appliance, HVAC, automotive and commercial industries and is a subsidiary of Emerson Electric Co. Probably most notably associated with their bimetal disc thermostats.

THERMODISC
A mechanical electric switch that is responsive to changing temperature by means of a bimetal actuator.

THERMOSTAT
A switch that controls an electric current or the flow of a liquid or gas in response to changing temperature.

TIMER
A mechanism used to control the on and off times of an electric circuit. Also see DEFROST TIMER.

TRIAC
An electronic relay that diverts the current when the flow is changed or when an external current is applied.

UNICOUPLE
Device used to attach the fill and drain hose of a portable dishwasher or washing machine to a faucet (tap) adaptor mounted on a sink faucet - Unicoupler

WATER LEVEL CONTROL
An electric switch activated by air pressure. This device detects air pressure exerted on it through a flexible tube connecting it to part of a water tub. When activated, this switch then opens an electrical circuit stopping further filling of the machine. May also be called a PRESSURE SWITCH.

WATER VALVE
An electro-mechanical device that opens a valve to allow water to flow. The electric current causes a magnetic field to develop, in the solenoid coil, which then moves a metallic plunger. The plunger in turn opens the valve. May also be called a FILL VALVE.

YODER HEATER
A heater (either electric or part of a refrigeration system’s condenser tubing) typically mounted around the front perimeter of a refrigerator cabinet to keep it warm and prevent condensation from forming.