The thermostat is located in the door of the fridge, and it works by controlling the flow of refrigerant. When the temperature inside the fridge gets too high, the thermostat will open a valve that allows the refrigerant to flow out.
What is the use of a thermostat in a refrigerator?
Step by Step Guide to Test a Refrigerator Thermostat
- Check. Ever pondered how to test a refrigerator thermostat? ...
- Access. If the control appears to be in good working order, the next step in how to test a fridge thermostat is to approach it for an inspection.
- Check the Readings. Do you feel like using a multimeter to test a refrigerator thermostat is rocket science? ...
- Verify. ...
How do you replace a thermostat in a refrigerator?
- Even if your old thermostat was not using a C-wire, an unused C-wire may be stuffed in the wall behind the thermostat’s backplate. ...
- If there is no C-wire, one option is to use an “add-a-wire" kit or a power extender kit. ...
- Another option is to use a 24-volt adapter that provides a C-wire and plugs into a nearby outlet to power your thermostat.
How do you set a refrigerator temperature?
- The freezer temperature should be calibrated at 0 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Place an appliance thermometer in the freezer and check the freezer temperature range regularly to ensure that the temperature is holding correctly.
- Do not overload the freezer. ...
- In the event of power loss, keep the freezer door closed as much as possible. ...
How much does a refrigerator thermostat cost to replace?
The cost to Replace a Thermostat starts at $195 - $231 per thermostat, but can vary significantly with site conditions and options. Get fair costs for your SPECIFIC project requirements. See typical tasks and time to replace a thermostat, along with per unit costs and material requirements.
How do I know if my fridge thermostat is working?
1:523:20No Cool Refrigerator - How to test the Thermostat - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet some kind of reading. With it turned off that's what you get if you got the thermostat turned onMoreGet some kind of reading. With it turned off that's what you get if you got the thermostat turned on one and that's the reading you're getting the thermostats no good alright.
Can refrigerator work without 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 do you know if your fridge thermostat is broken?
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 adjust a refrigerator thermostat?
1:202:47Refrigerator thermostat adjustment - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI just turned that little screw clockwise maybe half a turn one turn something like that and let itMoreI just turned that little screw clockwise maybe half a turn one turn something like that and let it go for about 24 hours I put a just a cheap meat thermometer in the refrigerator.
Why does my fridge keep getting warm?
Refrigerator Is Too Full If there are too many items in your fresh food compartment, that cold air may not circulate properly, resulting in a refrigerator that's warm. It's fairly common for a refrigerator to feel warm if it's overstuffed, and this problem is obviously easy to resolve.
How much does a thermostat cost for a refrigerator?
Replacing a thermostat runs on the low end, around $100, compared to repairing the ice maker which costs $300 to $350.
How do I reset my fridge thermostat?
1:132:36Refrigerator Troubleshooting, Hard Reset, and Liquid Temperature ...YouTubeStart 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.
Why is my refrigerator running but not cooling?
The most common reason why a refrigerator is not cooling is a problem with the evaporator coils. Over time, evaporator coils can become covered with ice, which prevents the coils from working properly. If the coils are covered in ice, the ice will need to be defrosted to fix the problem.
What would cause a refrigerator to stop getting cold?
Clogged coils can cause poor cooling. Check to make sure nothing is stuck in the condenser fan and that it spins freely (models with coils on the back won't have a fan). To do this, unplug the fridge and pull it out. Clean the fan blades and spin the fan by hand to see if it's stuck.
How do I test my thermostat temperature control?
0:591:50How to Test the Temperature Control on a Refrigerator | HD SupplyYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipControl with your own meter set to ohms. We have no continuity. But this is because it is in the offMoreControl with your own meter set to ohms. We have no continuity. But this is because it is in the off position we'll turn our temperature control to the on position and retest.
How do I increase refrigerator cooling?
0:120:56Temperature Controls - Top Mount Refrigerators - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou may need to make the temperature a few degrees warmer. For every eighth inch turn you change theMoreYou may need to make the temperature a few degrees warmer. For every eighth inch turn you change the target temperature by two degrees.
How do you bypass a fridge thermostat?
How to Bypass the Thermostat for a Refrigerator That Is Not...Open the refrigerator door to dial the built-in thermostat control to the coldest setting.Unplug the refrigerator power cord from the wall outlet and plug in the cord to the socket on the back of the external thermostat.More items...
Can you run a freezer without a thermostat?
Running a bypass is a temporary solution unless you wish to use the refrigerator side only because an external thermostat will not maintain freezer temperature correctly to keep foods frozen.
Does the fridge thermostat control the freezer?
This control does not actually control the cold—it controls the air that circulates between the freezer and the refrigerator. Fortunately, most manufacturers label the two controls with a suggested normal setting. With a new refrigerator, the recommended settings are the place to start.
Do all refrigerators have a thermostat?
A refrigerator thermostat/cold control is basically the brains of the refrigerator cooling system—it runs the show. Thermostats are typically found inside the refrigerator and have a knob that allows users to adjust the temperature setting.
What is the function of a thermostat?
The thermostat is like a valve that opens and closes as a function of its temperature. The thermostat isolates the engine from the radiator until it has reached a certain minimum temperature. Without a thermostat, the engine would always lose heat to the radiator and take longer to warm up.
How long does a refrigerator thermostat run?
A refrigerator thermostat typically keeps the unit running for about 10 or 12 hours a day. Image Credit: JR-stock/iStock/GettyImages. As a refrigerator temperature control, refrigerator thermostat has only one function — controlling the refrigerator's cooling system by turning it on or off to ensure that the temperature inside ...
Where is the thermostat located in a refrigerator?
Thermostats typically are located inside the fridge behind the interior walls , with a sensor extending into the cooling compartment. There are three general types of refrigerator thermostats — vapor pressure, bimetallic and solid state. Advertisement.
How does a bulb work?
The bulb is connected to a diaphragm by a thin capillary tube. As temperature rises, the fluid expands and pushes out the diaphragm, which closes an electrical switch that starts the cooling system. As the temperature drops, the liquid volume contracts, pulling in the diaphragm and opening the switch, turning off the cooling system. Advertisement.
What is bimetallic thermostat?
Bimetallic Thermostat Types. Bimetallic thermostats use a sensing strip composed of two dissimilar metals that expand and contract at different rates. One metal is very sensitive to temperature changes, and the other is not.
What is a vapor pressure thermostat?
Vapor pressure thermostats are electromechanical devices that sense temperature with a bulb filled with a volatile liquid such as alcohol that expands and contracts in volume as temperature changes . The bulb is connected to a diaphragm by a thin capillary tube.
What is a solid state thermostat?
Solid state thermostats, also known as electronic or digital thermostats, use an electronic element that becomes more or less electrically conductive as the temperature changes. The unit also includes a microprocessor that compares the sensing element's readings to the desired temperature setting.
Can a refrigerator thermostat go bad?
A refrigerator thermostat normally gives many years of trouble-free service, but these units can go bad. Thermostats allow you to turn a knob to adjust the interior temperature but a failing thermostat won't be able to keep your fridge in the correct temperature range no matter how you set it.
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.
Why is thermostat important in refrigerator?
If the thermostat is faulty, it causes unreliable temperatures inside the fridge that may compromise the freshness of its contents. To check if the thermostat is working fine, a simple test is required.
What does a thermostat do when it is adjusted to the desired temperature?
Once the thermostat is adjusted to the desired temperature, it will act as a switch to activate the compressor in order to cool down the temperature and shutting it down after that temperature is reached.
How to fix a fridge that is too low?
This can be done automatically by rotating the dial fully counterclockwise to zero, or by unplugging it. Afterward, reconnect the fridge and wait for the temperature to cool again. Set the dial to 37-degrees again or at mid-range and recheck the temperature. Adjust the thermostat if necessary.
Why should the thermostat be set at the correct temperature?
Since the temperature inside the fridge is very critical to food, the thermostat should be set at the correct or ideal temperature. A very low temperature can cause the food to freeze and burn, while a high temperature can cause the food to spoil.
How to check if thermostat is working?
To check if the thermostat is working fine, a simple test is required. An ohmme ter will be required for the following test and set to the lowest scale. The thermostat dial then needs to be turned fully counterclockwise or at the zero setting. The thermostat is located just at the back of the dial.
How to keep refrigerator from spoiling?
Adjust the thermostat if necessary. Testing and adjusting your refrigerator's thermostat should be a regular part of your maintenance routine, just like defrosting the freezer. This will save you from having spoiled food.
Where is the thermostat located on a thermostat?
The thermostat is located just at the back of the dial. Remove the plastic cover to expose the thermostat. Locate the two terminals on the thermostat and touch one probe of the ohmmeter to each terminal. The meter shouldn't get any reading with the dial at this position.
How to reset a refrigerator thermostat?
It should then turn on or restart. But if it does not, there may be a technical malfunction. To correctly reset the system, unplug the appliance before adjusting the thermostat. If this doesn’t resolve the problem, contact a refrigerator repair technician specializing in your brand of refrigerator.
Why does my fridge freeze?
If food freezes inside the fridge or its compartments, the cause may be a faulty thermostat. You can use an appliance thermometer to check the thermostat, or try increasing the temperature a couple of degrees. Then wait a day to check whether the food has become unfrozen. However, this problem often requires the help of a repair specialist and replacement of your old thermostat.
What temperature should a refrigerator be?
The best temperature for a refrigerator is between 30°F and 40°F, but even slight fluctuations can spoil food and allow disease-causing microbes to grow. Refrigerator temperature should be at or below 40°F to keep perishable food cool and fresh, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Additional information on recommended temperatures can be found in your appliance manual. If you periodically check the fridge’s temperature, don’t use a glass thermometer, as cold temperatures can damage it.
What causes a refrigerator door to leak?
Inspect the refrigerator door – A damaged seal or gasket can cause cold air to leak, making it warmer inside and potentially impacting the freshness and safety of food. Also check for damage to the fan, condenser, compressor, or evaporator.
How to keep refrigerator from growing bacteria?
Clean the condenser – If you haven’t done so in the past 6 months, dirt may have collected on the condenser coils, affecting refrigerator performance and efficiency. Cleaning the inside of the fridge regularly also helps protect the appliance and prevent the growth of bacteria.
