There are two thermostats, one for the refrigerator, one for the freezer. Both are pressure bulbs (older units) and/or temperature sensors (newer units). Here’s how it works.
Full Answer
How many states does a thermostat have in a refrigerator?
Almost all electro-mechanical thermostats have two states. On and off. It is extremely rare to see anything other than that in terms of status in a domestic refrigerator, freezer or fridge freezer.
What type of thermostat is used in a fridge?
Most thermostats that you see in a fridge, freezer or fridge freezers are electro-mechanical in operation although, in recent years with the advent of electronic controls creeping slowly into the domestic refrigeration market, electronic sensors known as thermistors have become more commonplace.
What is the difference between one and two control fridges?
Two is best as it allows you to turn off the fridge and leave the freezer on, for example when going on holiday, or you can defrost the freezer and leave the fridge on. With one control, it is harder to get the right temperature for both the fridge (between 3 and 5°C) and the freezer (-18°C). But models with two controls tend to be more expensive.
What temperature should a freezer be set at on a thermostat?
In a single thermostat ff, the thermostat is set to 3 degrees which will cool the freezer to around -20. However, if the room temp gets to 3 degrees, the fridge will not need cooling, the compressor will not run and therefore the freezer will warm up.
What is the thermostat on a refrigerator?
Why do refrigerators have thermostats?
Why do I never touch my fridge thermostat?
What happens when the compressor runs before the freezer?
What does the thermostat tell you?
Why is the temperature of the refrigerator important?
Why does my freezer defrost when it doesn't receive coolant?
See 4 more
About this website
Do fridge freezers have separate temperature controls?
A fridge-freezer is a compromise appliance, in a similar way to how a washer-dryer is too. Essentially, they are one appliance that has to carry out 2 separate, and different jobs. They really need a compressor and thermostat for the freezer, and a compressor and thermostat for the fridge.
Where is the thermostat in a fridge freezer?
Locate the thermostat using the owner's manual for your refrigerator. For side-by-side refrigerator/freezers, the thermostat is often on the back of the unit, whereas for over/under units, the thermostat is more likely to be under the fridge.
How does a fridge freezer thermostat work?
The thermostat controls the cooling process by monitoring the temperature and then switching the compressor on and off. When the sensor senses that it's cold enough inside a refrigerator, it turns off the compressor. If it senses too much heat, it switches the compressor on and begins the cooling process again.
Are freezer and refrigerator thermostats the same?
You might find it a bit odd that you use the same thermostats in a fridge and a fridge freezer but, in most every domestic unit there is a fridge with a separately controlled freezer or a fridge with a thermostat that makes the freezer also cool.
How do I know if my fridge needs a new thermostat?
Here are some signs that your fridge has a faulty thermostat and some troubleshooting tips to help you deal with them.The Refrigerator Is Not Cool Enough.Unusually Cold Refrigerator.Refrigerator Temperature Fluctuation.Sub-Zero Refrigerator Temperature Troubleshooting Tips.Contact Wilshire Refrigeration.
How do you change a thermostat in a fridge freezer?
0:123:06How to Change a Fridge Thermostat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipStart by gently leaving the control knob off the thermostat shaft and undoing any nuts holding theMoreStart by gently leaving the control knob off the thermostat shaft and undoing any nuts holding the shaft in place then remove any of the screws that are holding the assembly onto the wall.
How do you reset a thermostat on a refrigerator?
1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.
How do you test a freezer thermostat?
1:394:44How To Test Your Defrost Thermostat & How They Work - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace one of each of the meters probes on each of the defrost thermostat wires while the thermostatMorePlace one of each of the meters probes on each of the defrost thermostat wires while the thermostat is colder than the closing temperature. The thermostat should have continuity.
Why the fridge is not cold but the freezer is?
The most common cause for this condition is a problem with the defrost system. If the refrigerator freezer is cold but the refrigerator is warm, the evaporator fan motor might have failed. Every refrigerator has a set of coils called an evaporator. These are the coils that get cold.
Why does my fridge temperature keep changing?
The vents or sensors are blocked Overfilling your refrigerator or blocking the vents with food is one of the most common causes of temperature fluctuations, and thankfully, it's a very easy problem to solve. Within your fridge, there are numerous vents that allow warm air to leave and cold air to enter.
Can a fridge work without a thermostat?
You can run a fridge without a thermostat. A thermostat is just an on/off switch for the compressor. When the temp reaches the point that you set it at, it goes one. Generally, it goes off 2 to 3 degrees below that point.
How much does it cost to replace a thermostat in a refrigerator?
$100 - $440What Are Common Refrigerator Repair Costs?RepairAverage CostThermostat replacement$100 - $440Coils replacement$100 - $440Door seal replacement$50 - $440Drip pan replacement$50 - $2003 more rows•Apr 27, 2022
How do I reset my fridge thermostat?
1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplugMoreIf the cause of your issue is still a mystery you'll want to try what is called a hard reset unplug your unit from the wall for 30 to 45. Minutes then plug the unit back in this will reset the unit.
How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator thermostat?
$100 - $440What Are Common Refrigerator Repair Costs?RepairAverage CostThermostat replacement$100 - $440Coils replacement$100 - $440Door seal replacement$50 - $440Drip pan replacement$50 - $2003 more rows•Apr 27, 2022
How do I adjust the temperature on my fridge?
0:080:56Temperature Controls - Top Mount Refrigerators - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou can adjust these temperatures by turning the control knob.MoreYou can adjust these temperatures by turning the control knob.
Can a fridge work without a thermostat?
You can run a fridge without a thermostat. A thermostat is just an on/off switch for the compressor. When the temp reaches the point that you set it at, it goes one. Generally, it goes off 2 to 3 degrees below that point.
Are there any fridge/freezers which have separate controls?
There is only space in our kitchen for a combined fridge/freezer but when our current model is replaced I'd like one which has separate controls, so that when we're away on holiday for example, I can empty the fridge section and switch it off to save money.
Does it have separate thermostat for freezer and – Q&A – Best Buy
Does it have separate thermostat for freezer and refrigerator want to keep in garage nort – Learn about Whirlpool - 20.5 Cu. Ft. Top-Freezer Refrigerator - Black with 3 Answers – Best Buy
Why does my refrigerator have only one thermostat knob?
Answer (1 of 4): Assuming that it is a refrigerator/freezer. Freezer being on top. Its actually not the thermostat knob for the refrigerator it's for the freezer, and behind the back walls of the refrigerator are. Set of fans one pulls cold air from the freezer and the other pushes cold into the ...
What Is the Function of the Thermistor in a Refrigerator?
If your refrigerator or freezer isn't cooling properly, your thermistor has likely malfunctioned, and you need to repair it. It's an easy job, so once you know how to locate the thermistor, you'll be able to repair your appliance faster than you can say "Do you want Halo Top or So Delicious Dairy-Free Ice Cream?"
What is the thermostat on a refrigerator?
These are usually fairly basic units and the thermostat is regulating the fridge temperature only.
Why do refrigerators have thermostats?
A lot of refrigerators (fridges with built in or add on freezer sections) have a single thermostat controlling the temperature of the fridge section only because it is cheaper for the manufacturer to produce the unit this way .
Why do I never touch my fridge thermostat?
Most people set the thermostat once when they buy the fridge and then never touch it again. One reason might be that thermostats or allied components tend to drift with age; I have frequently seen old fridges that cool much more than the 4° or so that is normal. But if your temperature is normal, you don’t need to adjust it.
What happens when the compressor runs before the freezer?
Because the freezer section comes before the fridge section whenever the compressor runs the freezer section is automatically fed with refrigerant and cooled. If the freezer is rarely opened but the fridge is used a lot the temperature of the freezer section is usually colder than average. If the freezer section is used a lot but the fridge section rarely opened the freezer section is normally warmer than average.
What does the thermostat tell you?
The thermostat tells the compressor to come on and when to go off. Think of it as a on/off switch. If you set your temperature at 36*f once the temperature reaches 36*f it turns off the voltage to the compressor. When the tempature goes above 36*f it turns on the voltage to the compressor.
Why is the temperature of the refrigerator important?
The temperature within the fridge is important so the thermostat keeps the temperature within a few degrees of the set temperature. The temperature within the freezer section does not matter so much. It does not make a huge amount of differe
Why does my freezer defrost when it doesn't receive coolant?
If the weather is cool, the fridge is set fairly warm and the freezer is used a lot there can be problems, the freezer starts to defrost as it doesn’t receive coolant because the fridge doesn’t switch on enough.
What temperature should a fridge freezer be?
This is the room temperature that the fridge freezer can operate in. The most common classes in the UK are N class which means it should be in a room with a minimum temperature of 16°C and a maximum temperature of 32°C. SN models can cope in temperatures between 10°C and 32°C.
Can you turn off the fridge and leave the freezer on?
Fridge freezers have either one thermostat, which controls both appliances, or two. Two is best as it allows you to turn off the fridge and leave the freezer on, for example when going on holiday, or you can defrost the freezer and leave the fridge on. With one control, it is harder to get the right temperature for both the fridge (between 3 and 5°C) and the freezer (-18°C). But models with two controls tend to be more expensive.
How many states does an electromechanical thermostat have?
Almost all electro-mechanical thermostats have two states. On and off. It is extremely rare to see anything other than that in terms of status in a domestic refrigerator, freezer or fridge freezer. Electronically controlled models are of course completely different and different principles apply but for the older types, dead simple stuff really.
What happens if your thermostat goes bad?
So when a thermostat goes faulty you will either get the unit running all the time or, not at all. Here's the easy part, if the unit is running all the time and your fridge or, fridge section of a fridge freezer is freezing everything in it then the odds are it is merely a simple thermostat fault. Replacing the thermostat will cure ...
Why is my refrigerator not running?
If however the refrigerator or freezer is not running at all then there are a number of other things that can fail and cause that to happen, you can't guarantee that the thermostat is faulty. This isn't so common on fridge and fridge freezer thermostats as usually when they fail they tend to fail closed, so the machine runs constantly however it can and does happen that the thermostat fails open and the machine appears dead.
Where is the Phial thermostat?
The phial is normally attached to the back wall of the fridge or fridge section in a fridge freezer directly onto or where the evaporator (the bit that cools) is mounted on the wall or behind it. The gas in the phial then expands and contracts causing the switch in the thermostat body to be operated switching the unit on and off.
Is a refrigerator a thermostat?
Fridge And Freezer Thermostats. Most thermostats that you see in a fridge, freezer or fridge freezers are electro-mechanical in operation although, in recent years with the advent of electronic controls creeping slowly into the domestic refrigeration market, electronic sensors known as thermistors have become more commonplace.
Can a thermostat be wrong?
A lot of thermostats are designed with particular phial lengths or temperature ranges depending on where they are placed within the cabinet and fitting the wrong one can lead to disastrous results.
Is it hard to diagnose a thermostat?
They are therefore extremely common. Diagnosing a problem with a simple thermostat is not that hard, even for the inexperienced as, although many people think that these simple components are more complex than they really are, they are merely a simple on and off switch regulated by temperature.
How tall is a fridge freezer?
To make sure your new appliance fits nice and snug, you’ll need to make a note of its height, width and depth. While the width of a fridge freezer is usually 55-60cm, their height can range from 130-200cm. It’s also worth adding an extra 5cm to your measurements, so your new appliance has the ventilation space it needs to run at its best.
Can a fridge freezer be freestanding?
Fridge freezers come either freestanding, which means they stand on their own without any cupboard doors attached, or as integrated fridge freezers that fit into housing units to match your kitchen. To make sure your new appliance fits nice and snug, you’ll need to make a note of its height, width and depth.
Why does my refrigerator freeze?
If the temperature control passed the electrical function test but the refrigerator runs continuously, freezing everything in the refrigerator compartment, the problem is a defective temperature sensing bulb on the temperature control. The temperature-sensing bulb is an integral part of the temperature control switch, so you need to replace the complete control.
Why won't my refrigerator turn on?
For a refrigerator that never turns on, the problem might also be a start relay switch, a bad motor start capacitor or even a bad compressor motor. Of all the possible causes, the thermostatic control is one of the easiest to test.
How to know if thermostat is broken?
How to Know When the Thermostat Is Broken in a Fridge or Freezer. If you have a refrigera tor that never cycles on or a refrigera tor that runs continuously, freezing everything in the refrigera tor and freezer compartments, the chances are good that you have a bad thermostatic temperature control. For a refrigerator that never turns on, ...
What Is a Refrigerator Thermostat?
A refrigerator thermostat is the part of the refrigerator that controls the internal temperature. You turn the thermostat’s knob to the setting you want, and the refrigerator begins to cool. It helps the refrigerator maintain a cool temperature for an extended period by its control of the electric power which the compressor receives.
How a Refrigerator Thermostat Works
A refrigerator thermostat keeps an eye on the internal temperature, turning the compressor off and on as needed. It does this task by cutting off the electricity flow to the compressor and other parts of the cooling system.
Adjusting a Refrigerator Thermostat – Steps
To adjust the thermostat in your refrigerator, take the following steps:
Re-calibrating a Refrigerator Thermostat
Locate the thermostat inside the refrigerator and disconnect its wires. Pull it down from the temperature control housing and find the two adjustment screws in front of it. The location of the screws may vary by refrigerator model, but you will find them on the thermostat.
Refrigerator Thermostat Bypass – Steps
To bypass the thermostat in your refrigerator, especially when it is not cooling, do the following:
Refrigerator Thermostat Clicking – What to Do
The refrigerator may have a faulty relay on the adaptive defrost control. It is the device that supplies power to the compressor, controlling how much of it the compressor gets each time. The issue is that you may have a hard time replacing it yourself, so you may need the services of a qualified technician to do the job.
What Causes a Refrigerator Thermostat to Fail?
A refrigerator thermostat may fail if the gas in the capillary tube depletes. It is a mechanical fault that requires you to replace the thermostat. Another possible cause of a failed refrigerator thermostat is loss of connection or damage to the connectors between the thermostat and the refrigerator.
How Fridge Thermostats Work
When you turn on your fridge, it will automatically start to cool down. The thermostat in your fridge is responsible for regulating the temperature inside the fridge.
Why Fridge Thermostats Are Complicated
The thermostat in your fridge is actually a very complicated device. And while it does a good job regulating the temperature inside your fridge, it’s not perfect.
What is the thermostat on a refrigerator?
These are usually fairly basic units and the thermostat is regulating the fridge temperature only.
Why do refrigerators have thermostats?
A lot of refrigerators (fridges with built in or add on freezer sections) have a single thermostat controlling the temperature of the fridge section only because it is cheaper for the manufacturer to produce the unit this way .
Why do I never touch my fridge thermostat?
Most people set the thermostat once when they buy the fridge and then never touch it again. One reason might be that thermostats or allied components tend to drift with age; I have frequently seen old fridges that cool much more than the 4° or so that is normal. But if your temperature is normal, you don’t need to adjust it.
What happens when the compressor runs before the freezer?
Because the freezer section comes before the fridge section whenever the compressor runs the freezer section is automatically fed with refrigerant and cooled. If the freezer is rarely opened but the fridge is used a lot the temperature of the freezer section is usually colder than average. If the freezer section is used a lot but the fridge section rarely opened the freezer section is normally warmer than average.
What does the thermostat tell you?
The thermostat tells the compressor to come on and when to go off. Think of it as a on/off switch. If you set your temperature at 36*f once the temperature reaches 36*f it turns off the voltage to the compressor. When the tempature goes above 36*f it turns on the voltage to the compressor.
Why is the temperature of the refrigerator important?
The temperature within the fridge is important so the thermostat keeps the temperature within a few degrees of the set temperature. The temperature within the freezer section does not matter so much. It does not make a huge amount of differe
Why does my freezer defrost when it doesn't receive coolant?
If the weather is cool, the fridge is set fairly warm and the freezer is used a lot there can be problems, the freezer starts to defrost as it doesn’t receive coolant because the fridge doesn’t switch on enough.