A refrigerator makes ice during the summer (and any other time) because it is equipped with a built-in device called an "ice maker." The ice maker is a component that automatically produces ice cubes or crushed ice for your convenience. It operates independently from the cooling mechanism of the refrigerator.
Here's how an ice maker works:
Water Supply: The refrigerator is connected to a water supply, either through a water line or a water reservoir inside the fridge. This water supply provides a constant flow of water to the ice maker.
Ice Mold: Inside the freezer compartment, there is an ice mold or ice tray. The ice mold is designed with several individual compartments that will hold water.
Filling the Ice Mold: The ice maker receives a signal from a timer or sensor when it's time to produce ice. When activated, a valve opens to allow water from the water supply to fill the ice mold's compartments.
Freezing Process: The temperature inside the freezer is significantly below the freezing point of water, which causes the water in the ice mold to freeze and form ice cubes.
Harvesting the Ice: After the ice cubes are fully frozen, the ice maker's heating element may warm the bottom of the ice mold slightly to release the cubes, or a motorized arm will sweep across the ice mold to dislodge the ice cubes and drop them into the ice bin.
Continued Ice Production: The ice maker will continue this process as long as it is turned on and connected to a water supply, ensuring a steady supply of ice.
The reason why a fridge makes ice during the summer is the same as any other time of the year—it's based on demand and usage. People often enjoy cold beverages, iced drinks, and cocktails during hot weather, which increases the need for ice. As a result, the ice maker functions to meet this demand by automatically producing ice cubes whenever necessary, regardless of the season.