In a refrigerator, the freezer and the main refrigeration compartment typically share the same cooling system, including the compressor, refrigerant (Freon or other types of refrigerants), and evaporator coils. When there is no Freon (or refrigerant) in the system, the freezer may stop working or lose its ability to cool, while the compressor continues to run. There are a few reasons for this:
Lack of Cooling Substance: The refrigerant is the substance responsible for absorbing heat from the inside of the refrigerator and transferring it to the outside. Without the refrigerant, the cooling process cannot take place effectively, leading to the loss of cooling in the freezer and refrigerator compartments.
Compressor Operation: The compressor's primary function is to pump the refrigerant throughout the cooling system, maintaining the necessary pressure and temperature differences needed for the cooling process. When there's no refrigerant, the compressor may still run because it is not aware of the lack of refrigerant in the system. It continues to function as usual, attempting to compress a substance that isn't there.
Thermostat Control: The refrigerator's thermostat, which is responsible for regulating the temperature, may still signal the compressor to turn on and off based on the temperature settings. However, without refrigerant, the cooling effect won't occur even when the compressor runs.
Defrosting Function: Some refrigerators have an automatic defrosting system that periodically switches off the cooling and turns on a heating element to melt any accumulated ice on the evaporator coils. If the compressor is still running, the defrosting system might continue to function as usual, even if the cooling process is not occurring.
In summary, when there is no refrigerant in the refrigerator's cooling system, the compressor may keep running due to its automated controls, but the cooling function will be compromised, leading to the freezer and refrigerator compartments not maintaining their desired low temperatures. In such cases, the refrigerator would require repair and a recharge of the refrigerant by a qualified technician.