The thermostat's primary function is to control the temperature of a specific place. In all electrical appliances, cars, heaters, and refrigerators are the most affected factors. If any of them are damaged, we find ourselves facing a major problem.
It is worth noting that the thermostat has a powerful function inside the refrigerator, and it can cause the refrigerator to stop working, thus affecting the food. Therefore, it is recommended to store the refrigerator in a well-ventilated place to preserve the thermostat.
Many people wonder how to tell if a refrigerator thermostat is damaged. In this article, we will explain all the information you need to know about the thermostat, as well as what to do if it is damaged or malfunctioning.
What is a refrigerator thermostat?
The thermostat is installed in the electrical circuit of the engine compressor. It is a capillary tube containing a gas or liquid refrigerant. One end of the tube is attached to the thermostat, and the other end is attached to the evaporator or freezer. Its main function is to detect any changes in temperature.
The maximum temperature in the control valve causes the refrigerant liquid or gas, supplied by the capillary tube, to open and close the thermostat contacts, after a period of time, when the temperature actually increases.
The thermostat supplies the motor compressor with electrical fluid, which then turns on and off. The on-off cycle maintains a constant temperature in the refrigerator within the specified parameters in the thermostat.
How does a thermostat work?
When the thermocouple starts, it is in contact with the evaporator wall. Once the evaporation process is complete, the thermocouple detects any changes in temperature inside the evaporator, which can cause changes in fluid pressure, or the thermostat bellows to expand or contract, or the diaphragm to contract.
The expansion or contraction movements are transmitted through a system of levers and springs that maintain the system's tension. These components automatically amplify the bellows' movements and transmit them to the contactors, resulting in the motor's compressor turning on and off when the temperature reaches maximum values.
Signs of a damaged refrigerator thermostat
We know that the thermostat is damaged if it is permanently disconnected, meaning that it does not supply electrical power to the compressor, or the thermostat is permanently connected, or the thermostat settings are faulty and not set correctly. Therefore, when one of the following faults appears:
1. There is no cooling in the refrigerator.
If there is a problem with the thermostat, this will undoubtedly affect the cooling of the refrigerator, because the thermostat controls the operation of the compressor. Therefore, if the thermostat is connecting the electric current to the compressor, it will not work, and the refrigeration cycle will not work in the refrigerator, and you will not find any cooling in the refrigerator.
2. The refrigerator motor continues to run.
One of the most common signs of a bad thermostat is if the refrigerator motor continues to run for extended periods of time without shutting down.
The thermostat is supposed to cut off power to the compressor when the refrigerator reaches the user's desired cooling level, but if the thermostat is damaged, the compressor may run all the time without being cut off.
3. Refrigerator motor overheating
There are a number of possibilities for a refrigerator motor to overheat, but we always assume the thermostat is not disconnected, so the compressor continues to run until the temperature rises and the protection circuit is tripped.
4. Poor cooling in the refrigerator
If there is a problem with the thermostat calibration, this indicates that it was disconnected before the temperature inside the refrigerator reached the desired level. Conversely, this indicates a problem with the thermostat and should be checked.
In this case, it is necessary to ensure that the thermostat is installed correctly.
5. A thick layer of ice forms in the freezer.
Inside a regular refrigerator, if the thermostat does not turn off, you should check for ice buildup inside the freezer, as the refrigerator motor is constantly running.
Make sure the thermostat bulb is out of place and not properly installed in the refrigerator. This could be the reason for the excessive accumulation of ice in the freezer.
6. The refrigerator is unusually cold.
If food is found inside your refrigerator in an abnormal way, this is an indication of damage or a malfunction in the thermostat inside the refrigerator. You must contact a technician with experience in the field of refrigerator repair, so that he can replace the thermostat. It is not recommended to install the thermostat.
7. Temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator
The thermostat plays an effective role in maintaining the temperature in the refrigerator. The normal temperature for storing drinks and food inside the refrigerator is between 32-40 degrees Fahrenheit (0-4.5 degrees Celsius).
This is the temperature required for refrigerator cooling. Changes in temperature can cause food and drinks to spoil through the growth of fungi and bacteria, which cause many health problems.
Therefore, you should monitor food that has been stored for short periods of time. If you notice any fungal or bacterial growth on the food, you should check the refrigerator and contact a technician.
Replace or exchange the damaged thermostat with a good one.
- Turn off the refrigerator to be safe because you will be handling the electrical wires inside the refrigerator.
- Remove the refrigerator shelves to give yourself enough room to work.
- Unscrew the screw that secures the channel to remove it.
- Unscrew the cover covering the refrigerator thermostat.
- Now the wire that is connected to the thermostat which is the temperature sensor, remove it and you will find it wrapped, unwrap it and take it out.
- Unscrew the control panel screws and pull out the control panel.
- Pull the control panel to access the weak wire that is for the light in the refrigerator, then pull it out and unscrew the clip attached to it.
- Now start loosening the control arm screws on the thermal damper so that it does not break during operation.
- Unscrew the refrigerator and freezer temperature control knobs, then pull the thermostat knobs apart.
- This way the groups inside the control panel are free, so disconnect the connecting wires, which are held in place by clips, then remove them and remove the bracket.
- Unscrew the screws to remove the faulty or damaged thermostat.
- A new thermostat is brought in and installed by removing the insulators from the damaged thermostat to the new thermostat wires.
- Transfer the insulators to the new thermostat and then reinstall it in reverse as you removed the old thermostat:
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- Attach the thermostat screws to the bracket.
- Set the thermostat on the control panel in its proper place.
- Then connect the wires.
- Installing temperature control knobs.
- Then tighten the handle screws.
- Connect the lighting wire.
- Install the control panel.
- Replace the sensor wire.
- Install the cover.
- Fasten the channel screws.
- At the end of the refrigerator operation.
How to adjust the refrigerator thermostat?
Energy experts recommend setting your refrigerator's temperature to 3 degrees Celsius. This is the best temperature to prevent increased electricity bills, help prevent bacterial growth, and protect food from spoilage. Improperly set refrigerator temperatures can affect food safety.
How do I know if the refrigerator timer is broken?
The mechanical timer should be checked for serviceability by running the defrost cycle, which is a rotating disc inside the refrigerator. If the defrost cycle does not start after running it, or if the timer does not start within half an hour, this indicates that it is damaged and has a technical defect.
At the end of the article, we talked about the signs of a damaged refrigerator thermostat, what a refrigerator thermostat is, how a thermostat works, signs of a damaged refrigerator thermostat, no cooling in the refrigerator, the refrigerator motor continues to work, the refrigerator motor overheats, weak cooling in the refrigerator, and a thick layer of ice in the freezer.
Replace or replace the damaged thermostat with a good one. Temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator.