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Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:

Elevation and it’s effect on refrigerators

Dear 'Dr. Fridge, I diligently read through all the material on refrigeration you have online but it failed to answer a question I have. I live in Santa Fe at an elevation of 7200 ft. I was wondering how altitude affects the refrigeration cycle? Since it affects the 'boiling' temperatures of things what does it do to my refrigerator and does this pose any unusual problems that may occur? Thanks much!

I am working on an FAQ and will include this subject for others that may be wondering about the same thing.

You must be very scientifically minded for I can see why you're making the association here. While it's true the effect of lower atmospheric pressure will change the boiling point of water, and your refrigerator works because of refrigerant boiling in one place in the system and condensing in the other, unlike a pot of water on your stove, the refrigerant does this in it's own enclosed atmosphere.

Atmospheric pressure does affect refrigerators though. But it is because of the way the cold control works. Here is an insertion from my book that discusses the workings of the cold control.

Attached the Section 3 article called "Cold Control"

So in conclusion, it's the bellows in the cold control that is affected by changes in atmospheric pressure. It stands to reason; lower atmospheric pressure = more expansion of the bellows.

I live at low altitude and service only here so I’ve never had to deal with what we call the controls attenuation. Your local technicians are likely quite familiar with this procedure though, and will surely know how to get it right for your specific altitude if you need an adjustment.