Your refrigerator plays a big role in the kitchen. It provides ample storage space to keep your foods fresh, making life easier. Fortunately, most refrigerators are long-lasting. But just like most home appliances, it might get damaged and need repair. When that happens, you have to repair it immediately. Otherwise, your food will spoil, leading to losses. The motor fans are responsible for cooling the fridge. It is important to know how they work and what to check if they are damaged.
Types of Refrigerators Motors
You will find two types of motors in refrigerators: condenser fan motor and evaporator fan motor. These two are responsible for cooling the food in the fridge. If they get damaged, your fridge may turn on, but it will not cool the food stored.
The Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor is located outside the fridge. Its role is to draw air from the rear or front of the fridge and cool the compressor and condenser coil. But if it malfunctions, the compressor can overheat and shut down. The motor size usually depends on the size of the fridge. But generally, motors vary in voltage, size, and rotation. All this information is found on the motor. When buying a refrigeration unit, check for this information as it will come in handy when ordering replacement parts. Rotation is also vital for the function of the unit. It can be clockwise or counterclockwise.
The fan blade is an integral part of the motor. It resembles the motor in that it is either clockwise or counterclockwise. Usually, the fan blade’s rotation will be stamped on the blade. When scheduling for condenser fan repair or replacement, ensure you get a fan blade of similar rotation.
The Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator is usually inside the fridge. Its role is to help distribute cool air throughout the fridge. Your fridge can either have the open winding evaporative motor or the closed type evaporative motor.
In the open winding evaporative motor, you can see the copper wires as they are exposed. Open winding motors are often reversible. That means you can move from clockwise to counterclockwise and the other way round.
On the other hand, a closed winding motor is encased, and the rotation is usually stamped on the motor. If the motor fails, it must be replaced because it cannot be repaired. It is also important to let an expert handle evaporator fan repair to ensure you do not ruin anything while trying to DIY.
As with any appliance, the most important thing to remember is the serial number and model of the equipment. These two will allow you to know which replacement parts your refrigerator needs.
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A commercial refrigerator is a big investment. Keeping your commercial refrigerators up and running is important to the smooth operation of your establishment. If you are having issues with cooling, it is important to diagnose that problem quickly before it evolves into something more serious and more difficult to repair.
In some cases, if you catch a problem early enough, you can even repair the problem yourself. However, refrigerator problems tend to worsen over time if left untended. This is why it is important to stay on top of commercial refrigerator maintenance. Let’s look at some common reasons why your unit may not be cooling properly.
Power Supply
You may be in need of bottle fridge repair if the power supply is not stable. You should always check the power switch first. Sometimes the power supply has simply been turned off by accident. You should also make sure that all power cords are plugged in properly. If a plug has been knocked out of place, it could create an unstable flow of power.
If everything is turned on and plugged in properly, then you will want to check the power flow with a voltage detector. This will let you know if there is an issue with the power supply.
Always make sure that you are connecting your commercial fridge to the power supply properly.
Temp Problems
Another issue that could cause cooing problems may be temp problems. Keeping food and drinks at a certain temperature is crucial for stores, restaurants, and other institutions. Without proper cooling temps, items can go bad and put patrons at risk. This problem must be addressed quickly and accurately.
You should check to see if the fridge is placed too close to a wall. Commercial refrigerators should stand slightly away from the wall. This gives the air room to circulate properly for cooling.
You should also check to make sure that the gaskets controlling the door opening and shutting are in good working order. If this gets worn out, the door may not close and seal properly, which will make it difficult to keep the fridge at temp.
You can also check the temperature control gauge. Make sure the gauge is giving accurate readings. If this is the problem, the gauge is easy to replace in most cases.
Compressors
The compressor is an essential part of any cooling equipment. Compressors for commercial refrigerators need to be cleaned about every 90 days. If left unattended, the compressor will struggle to provide the proper cooling for the unit. You may be in need of commercial freezer repair.
If you’ve been wondering how to make mead at home or are just interested in improving your DIY mead homebrew, you’ve come to the right place. One of the oldest spirits that have been documented throughout history, making mead is a relatively simple process that any legal adult can partake in.
Interested in learning more? Read on to improve (or start) your DIY mead homebrew.
Gather Supplies and Ingredients
For a one-gallon DIY mead homebrew, you will want a gallon carboy, fermentation bucket, hydrometer, and an auto-siphon with tubing and clamp. If you want to play it safe, there are complete mead homebrew kits you can purchase online, such as this one.
Once you’ve gathered your supplies, it’s time to get the ingredients! A basic mead recipe calls for
3 pounds of grade A honey
One gallon of filtered water (divided)
1/2 packet of bread yeast
Nutrients for your yeast (such as raisins, fruits, or bee pollen)
If needed: simple syrup for sweetening bitter mead
Step-by-Step Guide to DIY Mead Homebrew
Now that you’ve got the ingredients gathered and equipment rounded up, let’s talk about how to make mead at home.
1. Sanitize
Anything your equipment comes into contact with will need to be disinfected. You can do this with bleach or by simply boiling your equipment.
2. Make the must
Heat (don’t boil) 2/3 gallon of water, and then stir in the honey. Once this is done, add your nutrients (fruits, raisins, bee pollen, etc.). You can also add spices here to make your recipe more customized. Just make sure you stir well after each step.
Let this mixture cool for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Pour into the jug
After your must has cooled, use the funnel to pour it into the one-gallon jug. Next, incorporate the remaining cool water and use an airlock to place the bung. Let this sit at room temperature until the bottle is no longer warm to the touch, and then add your yeast.
4. The waiting game
After about two days of fermenting, you should start seeing bubbles. This means it’s time to place your DIY mead homebrew into a dark area of your home. Check the mead every two to three days to ensure it is still bubbling for the first month, at which point the fermentation process will slow down. Once the mead is clear and you see the lees at the bottom of your jug, you can give it a taste test. Just be cautious! At this point, your mead is ready to go. Unless…
5. Too bitter?
If your mead is too bitter, don’t freak out! Simply sterilize your equipment and make a simple syrup. Pour it into a new gallon jug and funnel the mead into it, swirling once it is incorporated. Place your sanitized airlock, let it sit for a few weeks, and then give it another taste.
You can bottle the mead once you no longer see bubbles.
Once a potential beer maker has obtained DIY home brew equipment, they have already taken their first and most crucial step toward making beer at home. Knowing how to make beer may seem like a task beyond most people’s comprehension, but, in reality, it only takes simple ingredients when it is time to get started.
Four key ingredients are needed to make beer at home, and they are all readily available. Water, yeast, malt and hops are all that is required. As the beer maker familiarizes themselves with all of the ingredients, they can develop their own variations on the classic recipes. Knowing how to use adjuncts and fining agents is of utmost importance.
That’s why it is pivotal for would-be-at-home beer makers to read on to learn more about the primary ingredients, as well as adjuncts and fining agents. This guide is here to help!
Malt/Malt Extract
When it comes to fermentable sugar in beer, malt is the primary source. Before brewing grade barley is sold to beer makers, malt manufacturers handle an intensive germination and kilning process. Malt is merely barley that has had the chance to sprout and dry. The manner in which roasting time, temperature, pH, concentration, sugar, and nitrogenous compounds are handled makes a world of difference in each malt’s flavor chemicals.
Base malts are used in most instances, while specialty malts are offered to those looking to craft different flavors. Character and depth are added when these types of malts are utilized. Meanwhile, malt extract is available, letting a brewer skip the mashing process and start boiling. Pale, white or amber extract is chosen based on the flavor profile that the home brewer is looking to enjoy.
Hops
Hops are responsible for the flavor and aroma of the beer in question. Once the essential oils have been broken down in boiling wort, this is what gives beers their signature flavor, aroma and bitterness. Other brewers may decide to use the dry-hopping technique, which is when the hops are added post-fermentation for added flavor and aroma.
Bacteria and Yeast
Fermentation nuances usually come down to the type of brewer’s yeast that is used. Brewer’s yeast produces a wide range of other compounds, including esters, fusel alcohols, ketones, and various phenols and fatty acids, all of which profoundly affect the character of a beer. Wild bacteria and yeast are very hit or miss, so be careful. The flavors that are produced may be outweighed by the amount of effort and risk that are required. Cross-contamination should also be avoided as much as possible.
Water
Of course, water is the most obvious ingredient of all. pH, hardness, alkalinity, and residual alkalinity are the main factors that need to be considered when starting a home brewing project. Hard water needs to be avoided because it makes it very hard for the brewer to successfully raise a lather.
Adjuncts
If the home brewer needs a source of fermentable sugars, adjuncts are the way to go. They serve as a much cheaper alternative to malted grains and produce a much lighter beer that is less malty. Adjuncts can also be chosen in a manner that gives the final product its own unique character.
Fining Agents
These compounds are added as a means of improving clarity. The agents attach themselves to various contaminants, allowing them to settle at the bottom of the beverage. They are added in the fermenter or at the end of the boil, depending on the agents that are chosen.
If you are a beer enthusiast, brewing beer at home can be an exciting hobby. This is because you will enjoy a beer made through your ingenuity, and you can experiment with various beer ideas. If you are looking to start brewing beer at home, there are essentials that you must have. These are:
Fermenter
This is a container where you can store the wort and let it ferment into beer. There are numerous fermenters available in the market today, each with its unique strengths and weaknesses. Make sure that you choose a fermenter that suits your homebrew desires.
Airlock and Bung
An airlock does what its name suggests. It’s lodged in an opening on top of the fermenter, and it works to let the carbon dioxide produced during the fermentation out and prevent contaminants from getting in. In most fermenters, a bung is used to secure the airlock in place. If you don’t install an airlock in your fermenter, pressure can build up inside, resulting in the lid popping off. In the worst case, the pressure can cause the fermenter to explode.
Brew Kettle/Pot
A brew kettle is essential homebrew equipment as it’s what lets you boil the fermented wort and extract the brew. To avoid boilover, you need to pick a brew pot that’s a little larger than the quantity of your expected fermented wort. A 6 to 20 liter (1.5 to 5 gallon) brew kettle is sufficient for most home uses. Going for a larger brew kettle is the right move if you plan to scale up your home brewing operations.
Siphon and Tubing
A siphon and tubing are excellent ways to move hot wort or finished beer around. This will save you the hard work of lifting and pouring large quantities of hot wort or finished beer and the difficulty of cleaning the spilling mess that comes with it. If you are willing to invest a little more in your home brewing operation, you can pick up an auto-siphon. This homebrew equipment pumps liquid from one container to another using vacuum pressure. This means that it doesn’t introduce contaminants or oxygen into the beer.
Hydrometer
A hydrometer is a piece of equipment that measures gravity or sugar density in your wort or beer. Although you can homebrew your beer without a hygrometer, this equipment allows you to have precision in monitoring fermentation. As a result, you will have more control over the alcohol content of your beer.
Cleaner and Sanitizer
After every home brewing cycle, you must diligently clean all the homebrew equipment. It’s advisable to use an unscented cleaner. A sanitizer is used to clean all microorganisms from the equipment. It’s best that you use a no-rinse sanitizer.
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