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Refrigerator Panel missing over Compressor
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Jerr...@spamblocked.com
Jan 31, 2015, 9:39:56 PM1/31/15
to
I just got a refrigerator from a estate sale. It's much newer than my
old one and should be more energy efficient, as well as having a useful
sized freezer.
It works fine, but there was a gray cardboard panel over the compressor
on the rear of the fridge. It was halfway off the fridge when I bought
it, and by the time I got it in my house, that panel had completely
fallen off, and is pretty well shreaded and torn.
The panel had holes in it for air circulation of the small fan by the
drip pan, and it also had insulation where the compressor motor sits.
Anyhow, it's too well ruined and some pieces are even missing, so it's
beyond repair.
Like I said the fridge works fine without that panel. I'm wondering if
there is any reason to be concerned about not having it? The only thing
I thought could be a problem was if I had small pets (like an indoor
cat), that could be hurt by the fan, or ruin the fan itself. But I dont
have indoor pets. If I did have indoor pets, I could use the screws
from the old panel, and put some hardware cloth over the opening, but
since I dont have indoor pets, there dont seem to be a need.
Actually it almost looks like that panel was originally damaged by some
sort of animal, (maybe mice), because there were two wires that were
abraded by possibly chewing, and had bare spots of exposed copper. I
taped those up with electrical tape.
That sure is a lousy design, using molded cardboard, which obviously
will get damaged easily. I'm assuming the part with the insulation over
the compressor was to prevent fire if that cardboard touched the hot
compressor unit, even though I dont think the compressor should get that
hot.
Thanks!
old one and should be more energy efficient, as well as having a useful
sized freezer.
It works fine, but there was a gray cardboard panel over the compressor
on the rear of the fridge. It was halfway off the fridge when I bought
it, and by the time I got it in my house, that panel had completely
fallen off, and is pretty well shreaded and torn.
The panel had holes in it for air circulation of the small fan by the
drip pan, and it also had insulation where the compressor motor sits.
Anyhow, it's too well ruined and some pieces are even missing, so it's
beyond repair.
Like I said the fridge works fine without that panel. I'm wondering if
there is any reason to be concerned about not having it? The only thing
I thought could be a problem was if I had small pets (like an indoor
cat), that could be hurt by the fan, or ruin the fan itself. But I dont
have indoor pets. If I did have indoor pets, I could use the screws
from the old panel, and put some hardware cloth over the opening, but
since I dont have indoor pets, there dont seem to be a need.
Actually it almost looks like that panel was originally damaged by some
sort of animal, (maybe mice), because there were two wires that were
abraded by possibly chewing, and had bare spots of exposed copper. I
taped those up with electrical tape.
That sure is a lousy design, using molded cardboard, which obviously
will get damaged easily. I'm assuming the part with the insulation over
the compressor was to prevent fire if that cardboard touched the hot
compressor unit, even though I dont think the compressor should get that
hot.
Thanks!
hrho...@sbcglobal.net
Jan 31, 2015, 10:51:14 PM1/31/15
to
Could the cardboard have been to direct the air flow over the compressor
or maybe to blow air over the water that drains when the self-defrosting action puts water into a pan under the refrigerator?
or maybe to blow air over the water that drains when the self-defrosting action puts water into a pan under the refrigerator?
Jerr...@spamblocked.com
Jan 31, 2015, 11:58:20 PM1/31/15
to
front of it, behind that panel. The insulation was by the compressor.
I think that fan is blowing at everything, and seems like it would be
less restricted without that panel. But I dont really know????
Bob
Feb 1, 2015, 1:03:13 AM2/1/15
to
On 1/31/2015 18:34, Jerr...@spamblocked.com wrote:
> ... I'm assuming the part with the insulation over
purpose of the cardboard cover is to keep cats away from the compressor
and condensate pan.
> ... I'm assuming the part with the insulation over
> the compressor was to prevent fire if that cardboard touched the hot
> compressor unit, even though I dont think the compressor should get that
> hot.
More likely the insulation was intended to reduce noise. The only other
> compressor unit, even though I dont think the compressor should get that
> hot.
purpose of the cardboard cover is to keep cats away from the compressor
and condensate pan.
Stormin Mormon
Feb 1, 2015, 7:19:36 AM2/1/15
to
directing air flow. It is imporatant, and
should be replaced.
Even an old cardboard box cut to shape and
duct taped on will be helpful.
No, it is not "running fine" now. There is not
enough air flow over the condenser, compressor,
and drip pan.
BTW, now is a good time to pull out that plastic
drip pan and scrub it. Wash your hands after,
the drip pans breed microbes. Snap off the panel
from under the fridge, and pull the pan out the
front.
--
.
Christopher A. Young
learn more about Jesus
. www.lds.org
.
.
trader_4
Feb 1, 2015, 7:50:01 AM2/1/15
to
On Saturday, January 31, 2015 at 10:51:14 PM UTC-5, hrho...@sbcglobal.net wrote:
> Could the cardboard have been to direct the air flow over the compressor
> or maybe to blow air over the water that drains when the self-defrosting action puts water into a pan under the refrigerator?
That would be my main concern, that part of it's function could have
> Could the cardboard have been to direct the air flow over the compressor
> or maybe to blow air over the water that drains when the self-defrosting action puts water into a pan under the refrigerator?
been to channel airflow where it's needed. Without knowing or
seeing the design, who knows.....
Oren
Feb 1, 2015, 1:22:52 PM2/1/15
to
On Sun, 01 Feb 2015 07:19:35 -0500, Stormin Mormon
<cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>The cardboard does several things, about
>directing air flow. It is imporatant, and
>should be replaced.
>
>Even an old cardboard box cut to shape and
>duct taped on will be helpful.
>
>No, it is not "running fine" now. There is not
>enough air flow over the condenser, compressor,
>and drip pan.
Exactly. The cardboard should be replaced.
<cayo...@hotmail.com> wrote:
>The cardboard does several things, about
>directing air flow. It is imporatant, and
>should be replaced.
>
>Even an old cardboard box cut to shape and
>duct taped on will be helpful.
>
>No, it is not "running fine" now. There is not
>enough air flow over the condenser, compressor,
>and drip pan.
Stormin Mormon
Feb 2, 2015, 6:31:41 AM2/2/15
to
draw a couple pictures of why. Might be
out on the web some where.
==========================
http://www.pjsappliances.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=22&Itemid=59
By the way, that back panel (cardboard or metal) at the bottom of your
fridge back is important for more than keeping fingers away from the fan
and electrical components. It serves to direct the air flow across the
condenser to ensure heat removal.
==========================
hrho...@sbcglobal.net
Feb 2, 2015, 10:24:24 AM2/2/15
to
Well, one thing is for sure, the manufacturer didn't spend the time and money to put the cardboard in the compressor area unless it had a positive function. Can you replicate (more or less) what was there and put it back?
dpb
Feb 2, 2015, 10:55:46 AM2/2/15
to
All newer that I've seen use something similar as the fan guard; that's
basically all they are. I'd also suggest either the wire screen OP
mentioned before or a replacement fabricated from the remaining pieces
to roughly match...
The more solid panels do serve a small noise dampening function
secondarily I'd expect that the screen wouldn't.
--
wdst...@gmail.com
Oct 25, 2016, 1:44:28 PM10/25/16
to
Butch
Aug 17, 2017, 2:44:10 PM8/17/17
to
replying to Jerry.Tan, Butch wrote:
Those cheaply made, but VERY expensive cardboard rear panels must be part of
some business model to fleece customers - at least that's the best explanation
I can come up with. Whirlpool fridge cardboard rear panels are priced at
(notice I didn't say "cost") around $48! Plus shipping! For a piece of cut
out cardboard with a tiny bit of fiberglass insulation glued on. I believe the
Whirlpool parts website actually lists "freight cost" for shipping.... Hmm.
Here's the solution to this nonsense. Go to a good hardware store and ask for
a piece of decorative aluminum sheeting. Usually these will be found in or
next to the same rack as other metal pieces (aluminum and steel flat strips,
angle iron etc). Decorative aluminum sheets will have small holes in patterns
(the one I bought has alternating rows of very small round holes, about 1/16
inch and somewhat larger holes, maybe 3/16 inch). The size of the sheets may
vary, the one I bought was about 24 x48". These metal sheets with holes are
much stronger than cardboard. Mice can't get through!. They won't tear! And
the holes provide better air circulation than the pitiful hole cutouts in the
"OEM" cardboard panels. Cut the aluminum sheet to the same size as the old
cardboard panel. If there are places for any wires/tubes to run through the
old panel, just use small snips to cut similar holes in the metal. When you
take off the old panel, save the mounting screws. The closely spaced holes in
the decorative aluminum should line up very closely with the screw holes in
the fridge body where the cardboard mounted. You now have a very nice
looking, tear proof, rodent proof, air circulating metal panel on the rear of
the fridge instead of that ugly, cheap but expensive piece of junk that came
with your fridge. Now, given the low cost of this decorative aluminum
sheeting, it does make you wonder why manufacturers couldn't use it
themselves. Late stage capitalism, that's why.
--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/refrigerator-panel-missing-over-compressor-822804-.htm
Those cheaply made, but VERY expensive cardboard rear panels must be part of
some business model to fleece customers - at least that's the best explanation
I can come up with. Whirlpool fridge cardboard rear panels are priced at
(notice I didn't say "cost") around $48! Plus shipping! For a piece of cut
out cardboard with a tiny bit of fiberglass insulation glued on. I believe the
Whirlpool parts website actually lists "freight cost" for shipping.... Hmm.
Here's the solution to this nonsense. Go to a good hardware store and ask for
a piece of decorative aluminum sheeting. Usually these will be found in or
next to the same rack as other metal pieces (aluminum and steel flat strips,
angle iron etc). Decorative aluminum sheets will have small holes in patterns
(the one I bought has alternating rows of very small round holes, about 1/16
inch and somewhat larger holes, maybe 3/16 inch). The size of the sheets may
vary, the one I bought was about 24 x48". These metal sheets with holes are
much stronger than cardboard. Mice can't get through!. They won't tear! And
the holes provide better air circulation than the pitiful hole cutouts in the
"OEM" cardboard panels. Cut the aluminum sheet to the same size as the old
cardboard panel. If there are places for any wires/tubes to run through the
old panel, just use small snips to cut similar holes in the metal. When you
take off the old panel, save the mounting screws. The closely spaced holes in
the decorative aluminum should line up very closely with the screw holes in
the fridge body where the cardboard mounted. You now have a very nice
looking, tear proof, rodent proof, air circulating metal panel on the rear of
the fridge instead of that ugly, cheap but expensive piece of junk that came
with your fridge. Now, given the low cost of this decorative aluminum
sheeting, it does make you wonder why manufacturers couldn't use it
themselves. Late stage capitalism, that's why.
--
for full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/maintenance/refrigerator-panel-missing-over-compressor-822804-.htm
Oren
Aug 17, 2017, 3:46:50 PM8/17/17
to
pattern of the holes, where the holes need to be and mount it. Less
expensive than some fancy metal panel needing to be cut, affixed, etc.
But your point is taken.
Unquestionably Confused
Aug 17, 2017, 4:18:42 PM8/17/17
to
On 8/17/2017 2:46 PM, Oren wrote:
> On Thu, 17 Aug 2017 18:44:02 GMT, Butch
> <caedfaa9ed1216d60ef...@example.com> wrote:
>
>> replying to Jerry.Tan, Butch wrote:
>> Those cheaply made, but VERY expensive cardboard rear panels must be part of
>> some business model to fleece customers - at least that's the best explanation
>> I can come up with. Whirlpool fridge cardboard rear panels are priced at
[snip]
> On Thu, 17 Aug 2017 18:44:02 GMT, Butch
> <caedfaa9ed1216d60ef...@example.com> wrote:
>
>> replying to Jerry.Tan, Butch wrote:
>> Those cheaply made, but VERY expensive cardboard rear panels must be part of
>> some business model to fleece customers - at least that's the best explanation
>> I can come up with. Whirlpool fridge cardboard rear panels are priced at
>> the fridge instead of that ugly, cheap but expensive piece of junk that came
>> with your fridge. Now, given the low cost of this decorative aluminum
>> sheeting, it does make you wonder why manufacturers couldn't use it
>> themselves. Late stage capitalism, that's why.
>
> Um, you left out something. Make a new panel with cardboard, use the
> pattern of the holes, where the holes need to be and mount it. Less
> expensive than some fancy metal panel needing to be cut, affixed, etc.
>
> But your point is taken.
(using your own cardboard or poster board) the exact pattern of the
cutouts on the existing back of the refrigerator.
I recall reading that the spacing and sizing of the holes is designed to
optimize the cooling effect on the compressor as well as channeling the
air flow over the "drip pan" to assist in evaporation of the liquid
caught there. LOL! $48 plus shipping at freight rates? And they don't
even offer a kiss or reach around! ;-)
Ed Pawlowski
Aug 17, 2017, 4:41:21 PM8/17/17
to
On 8/17/2017 4:18 PM, Unquestionably Confused wrote:
>
> Not sure how important it is but it certainly can't help to replicate
> (using your own cardboard or poster board) the exact pattern of the
> cutouts on the existing back of the refrigerator.
>
> I recall reading that the spacing and sizing of the holes is designed to
> optimize the cooling effect on the compressor as well as channeling the
> air flow over the "drip pan" to assist in evaporation of the liquid
> caught there. LOL! $48 plus shipping at freight rates? And they don't
> even offer a kiss or reach around! ;-)
>
>
What do you think it should sell for? Yes. spare parts are always high
>
> Not sure how important it is but it certainly can't help to replicate
> (using your own cardboard or poster board) the exact pattern of the
> cutouts on the existing back of the refrigerator.
>
> I recall reading that the spacing and sizing of the holes is designed to
> optimize the cooling effect on the compressor as well as channeling the
> air flow over the "drip pan" to assist in evaporation of the liquid
> caught there. LOL! $48 plus shipping at freight rates? And they don't
> even offer a kiss or reach around! ;-)
>
>
priced and I've bought thousand of dollars of them for industrial use.
Let me know and I'll give you my thoughts.
Unquestionably Confused
Aug 17, 2017, 5:24:55 PM8/17/17
to
In that it's a cheap component part made of dense cardboard-like
material and is used in EVERY refrigerator they make (and it would not
surprise me to find that even with a different part number, it's
probably the same item for several different make refrigerators all
coming out of the same manufacturer) maybe $20 tops. For something that
big, it stores flat and so doesn't take up a helluva lotta space.
What do you think, Ed?
Ed Pawlowski
Aug 17, 2017, 7:03:03 PM8/17/17
to
the item is part of regular production, it is cheap and easy. Once the
unit is out of production you have to make and then store that item for
about five years. Money sitting in a warehouse for a long time. Money
that may never be turned back to spendable cash if it is not sold.
You have to receive process, pick, pack, ship the order. That is easily
15 minutes of someone with a labor cost of $30/hr in wages and benefits,
or $7.50. It has to go into a carton that is another $1.50. At this
point we have $19 in real out of pocket costs. I've not touched
warehouse space for potentially a long time, insurance, inventory taxes,
payment processing, and possibly other hidden cost.
I don't think $40 is out of range at all. Shipping for something that
size can be UPS (may be oversize) or FedEx Ground.
It is typical in the hobby and appliance industry to charge 4X actual
cost for selling price. Add a 25 cent knob to an appliance, add $1 to
the selling price.
If you wanted something from out company, I may give it to you free as
it was cheaper to give it away than to process paperwork. Our minimum
order was $200. We did not deal with small orders and did not have a
cheap way to handle them.
Unquestionably Confused
Aug 17, 2017, 8:32:18 PM8/17/17
to
folks at Sears did with their Craftsman lawn mowers (and I suspect
anything else that they branded and sold where they could get away with
it). Back in the 70's (last time I bought any power lawn equipment from
them, they did nice things like have special batteries made up for their
lawn and garden tractors. The equipment itself was pretty damn solid
but why the special battery? Because they knew it would need
replacement. No worries, just go to Sears and order one or pick one up.
1 battery, $45 to $60. Or... go to Farm & Fleet, etc. and pick one
up with more CCA and a bit larger and pay $18.
;-)
Ed Pawlowski
Aug 17, 2017, 9:09:10 PM8/17/17
to
name plates and information from hydraulic valves, pistons, motors, etc.
A set of seals was $5 from a hydraulic supplier the next town over
versus $50 plus freight from Austria. Parts is big business and a
profit center for most.
Uncle Monster
Aug 17, 2017, 9:29:37 PM8/17/17
to
[8~{} Uncle Sad Monster
Rain L.
Oct 22, 2017, 11:44:05 PM10/22/17
to
replying to Jerry.Tan, Rain L. wrote:
Butch gave you the best, I'm a female and not real good with tools... I plan
on cutting new cardboard and found a louvered vent at Home Depot 10x8 that
will vent the area where the old one did... a little double sided sticky tape
or good old duct tape should make a "hinge" that will allow for me to raise it
up to access for other repairs in future. Best of luck!
Butch gave you the best, I'm a female and not real good with tools... I plan
on cutting new cardboard and found a louvered vent at Home Depot 10x8 that
will vent the area where the old one did... a little double sided sticky tape
or good old duct tape should make a "hinge" that will allow for me to raise it
up to access for other repairs in future. Best of luck!
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