Nor-lake R23-S not getting cold

[john]

Hi froggydiver,

 

If your Norlake R23-S isn’t cooling well, there could be a few problems. First, have you ever cleaned the condenser? If there’s a lot of dust or dirt blocking it, the unit can’t get proper airflow.

 

Here’s how to clean the Condenser Coil on a Norlake R23-S:
Disconnect the unit from power prior to cleaning the condenser coil. Periodic cleaning of
the condenser coil will aid the heat transfer of the refrigeration system and increase its
efficiency. Cleaning is recommended a minimum of every 6 months. To accomplish
this, remove the lower front grill from the cabinet. The condenser coil is located behind the
grill. Use a soft bristled brush to remove any dirt particles that are on the fins of the
condenser coil. Use a vacuum cleaner or compressed air to remove the loosened
particles. Replace the lower front grill and reconnect the unit to power. Failure to clean the
condenser coil can lead to performance loss and compressor failure.

 

These units need clearance for ventilation, too. The manual recommends 7 inches on all sides. If the refrigerator is near hot equipment, that could also be a problem for efficient cooling.

 

If the door is opened too frequently, is left open, or if the gasket has failed, that could be causing your issue as well. 

 

Finally, be mindful of that you are not putting too much hot food into the unit. This is a refrigerator, not a blast chiller, so large amounts of hot food will increase refrigeration time.