I. How to Adjust the Refrigerator Thermostat
The refrigerator thermostat is primarily used to regulate the temperature inside the refrigerator. When there is an issue with the refrigerator thermostat, it can significantly impact the refrigeration efficiency, and the adjustment methods vary across seasons. So, how should we adjust the refrigerator thermostat? Below, I will introduce the specific adjustment methods for the refrigerator thermostat.
- Refrigerator Thermostat Adjustment Method 1
(1) The refrigerator thermostat typically has 0 to 4 gears or 0 to 7 gears, with 0 being the stop gear, and 5 to 7 being the forced cooling gears, where the compressor runs continuously.
(2) The higher the number on the refrigerator thermostat, the lower the temperature inside the refrigerator. In spring and autumn, it’s recommended to set the thermostat to 3.
(3) To optimize food preservation and energy efficiency, set the thermostat to 1st or 2nd gear in summer and 4th or 5th gear in winter.
- Refrigerator Thermostat Adjustment Method 2
(1) In summer, adjust the thermostat to 2 to 4 gears. Excessive adjustment in summer may lead to continuous operation of the refrigerator, resulting in a significant temperature difference between the inside and outside. To maintain optimal performance, adjust the thermostat to a smaller setting.
(2) In winter, set the thermostat to a larger position, considering the low ambient temperature. While this may lead to a longer compressor downtime, ensure that the temperature in the freezer compartment meets requirements by slightly increasing the thermostat setting.
(3) When the ambient temperature drops below 16 degrees Celsius, activate the electric heating compensation switch to maintain the freezer compartment temperature and prevent temperature controller malfunction due to extremely low temperatures.
Maintenance and Replacement Method of the Refrigerator Thermostat
Common Faults and Judgment Methods of Mechanical Thermostats
The thermostat is a common source of failure in small refrigeration equipment like refrigerators and freezers. Common faults include temperature sensing element leakage, carbon deposits causing resistance issues, and contacts sticking together. To check the thermostat’s condition:
(1) Remove the thermostat and, in the normal position, measure the resistance between the main contacts with a multimeter. Normal resistance should be zero or 1-2Ω. Infinite resistance indicates temperature-sensing element leakage, while values above 10Ω suggest serious carbon deposition.
(2) After confirming normal resistance, place the thermostat in the operating freezer for 10 minutes and check resistance again. It should be infinite; otherwise, it indicates stuck contacts.
(3) Confirming non-sticking contacts, hold the temperature sensing tube, and observe resistance changes. The multimeter should show a rapid transition from infinite to zero resistance, indicating normal thermostat operation.
- Repair Method After Thermostat Failure
In case of thermostat failure, replacement is generally recommended. The replacement should match the original model to maintain consistent electrical control parameters. If the original type is unavailable, a thermostat with similar specifications can be used.
Ensure compatibility with the refrigerator type, sufficient length of the temperature sensing tube tail, and alignment of the replaced thermostat’s temperature control range with the refrigerator’s star rating. After replacement, adjust as needed and relabel according to the new thermostat’s specifications.
After replacing the thermostat, verify the actual temperature control effect and make appropriate adjustments using the temperature range adjustment screw on the thermostat.