The situation when Biryusa refrigerator continues to freeze food in the upper compartment, but stops cooling the lower chamber is one of the most common complaints from owners of this equipment. Such a malfunction indicates a violation of the refrigerant circulation or problems in the temperature control system. The owner often notices that in the freezer the food hardens as before, and in the refrigerator compartment milk and meat spoil, or there is no frost at all on the back wall.
Before calling a technician or looking for new equipment, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis. Modern Biryusa modelsequipped No Frost system, and older units with a drip defrosting system may have different reasons for this malfunction. However, statistics from service centers show that in most cases the problem lies in several typical components that can be checked independently or with a minimal set of tools.
It is important to understand that ignoring the first signs of malfunction can lead to failure of an expensive one. compressor. If you notice that the equipment begins to work intermittently or, conversely, hums without stopping, and the cold does not enter the main chamber, you need to act immediately. Next, we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical reasons why Biryusa refrigerator loses the ability to maintain the set temperature in one of the compartments.
Problems with the damper and ventilation system
In models using No Frost technology, cold air is generated in the freezer compartment and then pumped into the refrigerator compartment through special air ducts. The flow is adjusted using air distribution damper. If this mechanism jams in the closed position or the electric drive breaks, cold air simply does not enter the lower chamber. Visually it looks like this: the freezer is “filled” with snow, and there is heat below.
Often the reason for the damper blocking is ice. This happens if the door seal is broken or the user has kept the door open for a long time. Humid air penetrates inside, condenses on the damper and turns into ice, mechanically blocking its movement. In such cases Biryusa refrigerator requires complete defrosting for at least 24 hours so that the ice plug melts naturally.
⚠️ Attention: If after 24 hours of defrosting the problem does not disappear, then the reason lies deeper - it may have burned out the damper motor or the temperature sensor that sends a signal to open has failed.
To check the functionality of the ventilation system in some models, you can force open the damper through the service test menu, if such a function is provided by the design electronic control unit. However, in the absence of experience, it is better to limit yourself to a visual inspection after removing the plastic panel in the refrigerator compartment. Make sure that the air ducts are not clogged with products or foreign objects.
Refrigerant leakage and capillary tube blockage
One of the most serious reasons why the freezer works, but the refrigerator does not freezeis a partial leak of freon. Unlike a complete leak, when the compressor is idling and both chambers are warm, if there is a shortage of 30-50% of refrigerant, there is only enough refrigerant for the first circuit of the evaporator (freezer chamber). The gas simply does not reach the second circuit, which is responsible for the refrigeration compartment, or it reaches it already warm.
The second option for a mechanical malfunction is clogged capillary tube. In the freon circulation system, plugs may form from oil or moisture breakdown products. This creates an obstacle to the flow of refrigerant. The pressure at the compressor outlet increases and in the evaporator decreases. The symptoms are almost identical to a leak: the freezer freezes (sometimes even too much), and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment is higher than normal.
It is difficult to diagnose these conditions at home, but there are indirect signs. Pay attention to the operation of the compressor: if there is a leak or blockage, it can work almost non-stop, trying to gain temperature. You can also notice uneven heating on the rear grille of the radiator: some of the tubes will be hot, and some will be cold or barely warm.
How to distinguish a leak from a blockage?
When there is a leak, freon evaporates into the atmosphere, often through microcracks in the foamed part of the evaporator. If clogged, the system is sealed, but circulation is disrupted. An accurate diagnosis is made by a technician using a manometric manifold, measuring the pressure in the system.
Repair in both cases requires calling a specialist. It is necessary to find the leak or clean the system, evacuate the circuit and fill Biryusa refrigerator with a new volume of refrigerant strictly according to the weight indicated on the nameplate.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
Although the compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, its partial malfunction can also lead to the described symptoms. If piston group is worn out, the compressor may not develop enough power to pump freon through both evaporator circuits. As a result, the discharge pressure drops, and the cooling capacity is only enough for the freezer.
Another common problem is malfunction start-protection relay. If the relay is “burnt” or its contacts are stuck, the compressor may start with difficulty, hum and quickly turn off due to thermal protection. At such moments, he does not have time to create normal pressure in the system. Owners often notice characteristic clicks every few minutes, after which the engine tries to start, but immediately stalls.
You can check the operation of the compressor by listening to the nature of its hum. A working unit operates smoothly, with barely noticeable vibration. If you hear a metallic clang, a strong hum or knock, this is a sure sign of mechanical destruction of the internal components. In this case, Biryusa refrigerator requires replacement of the compressor, since repairing the old one is not economically feasible.
Failures in the operation of the thermostat and sensors
In mechanical models of refrigerators, Biryusa is responsible for maintaining the temperature thermostat (thermostat). This device reads the temperature in the evaporator or chamber and opens the compressor power circuit. If the thermostat is stuck in the warm position or its sensing element has moved, the compressor will shut off prematurely. The freezer, having greater inertia, still stores cold, and the refrigerator compartment is already defrosting.
In models with electronic control (System No Frost), this function is performed temperature sensors (NTC thermistors). Their resistance changes depending on heat. If the sensor in the refrigerator compartment gives incorrect readings (for example, it “thinks” that it is -5°C, although in fact it is +10°C), the “brain” of the refrigerator will not give the command to cool. The freezer will operate according to its own algorithm.
Replacing the thermostat is one of the simplest repair procedures. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment or behind the control panel. It is important to choose an analogue with identical parameters, since different models have different capillary lengths and operating temperature ranges. For electronic units requires checking the resistance of the sensors with a multimeter at different temperatures.
Often users independently turn the thermostat knob, trying to “increase” the cold, but if the mechanism inside is already broken, this will not help. In such cases, the only option is to replace the element.
The influence of the super-freezing mode and the human factor
We should not discount improper operation. If the Super Freeze mode (usually indicated by a snowflake or Max button) is accidentally activated, the compressor switches to continuous operation to freeze food in the freezer. In some older models, this can lead to freezing of the air ducts and a temporary cessation of cold supply downwards. Biryusa refrigerator the “Super Freeze” mode is accidentally activated (usually indicated by a snowflake or Max button), the compressor switches to continuous operation to freeze food in the freezer. In some older models, this can lead to freezing of the air ducts and a temporary interruption of the downward flow of cold.
Dense loading of food can also cause a warm bottom. If the shelves are packed to capacity and the products are placed close to the back wall, they block the openings for air circulation. As a result, there is cold in the freezer, but it does not enter the main chamber due to the lack of convection.
⚠️ Attention: Do not put hot or warm foods in the refrigerator. This causes a sharp jump in humidity and temperature, which can cause the formation of an ice coat on the evaporator and block the cooling system.
Check the temperature settings. For normal storage of food in the refrigerator, the temperature must be from +2 to +5 degrees. If the value is set to +7 or +8, food may deteriorate faster, creating the illusion of a breakdown, although the unit is technically intact.
Diagnostics and table of symptoms
To systematize the symptoms of a malfunction, it is convenient to use a summary table. It will help you narrow down the search for the problem before the technician arrives. Remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist with equipment.
Below are the main combinations of symptoms and probable causes for equipment brand Biryusa.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, it’s warm below, the compressor is constantly running | Freon leak or clogged capillary tube | High (requires a technician) |
| B the chamber is warm, the compressor is silent or rarely turns on | The thermostat or temperature sensor is faulty | Medium (you can replace it yourself) |
| The freezer is working, it’s warm below, you can hear the fan noise | Evaporator freezing, defrost is faulty | Medium (replace the heating element or timer) |
| The compressor clicks and does not start | The starting relay or the compressor itself is faulty | Medium/High |
To carry out diagnostics, you may need a multimeter. With its help, you can “ring” circuits for open circuits or short circuits. However, if you do not have experience working with electrical appliances, it is better not to risk it.
☑️ Primary diagnostics
When you need to call a specialist
Despite the possibility of independently checking some components, there are situations when, without professional intervention can't get by. If after complete defrosting within 24 hours the problem does not disappear, then the problem is not with ice freezing. Most likely, the system needs to be evacuated, the filter drier replaced, and refilled with freon.
A technician is also needed if a leak is detected in the foamed part of the housing (inside the walls of the refrigerator). This cannot be noticed visually, but an indirect sign may be swelling of the side walls or the appearance of rust spots on the outside. Repair in this case is complex and does not always guarantee a long service life of the unit.
The cost of repair depends on the model Biryusa refrigerator and the type of malfunction. Replacing the thermostat will cost less than overcooking the evaporator or replacing the compressor. Always request a guarantee for the work performed and the spare parts used.
How long can a refrigerator operate with a faulty damper?
A refrigerator can operate in this mode for years, but this will lead to increased energy consumption and accelerated wear of the compressor due to non-stop operation. Food in the refrigerator compartment will spoil.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if one chamber does not freeze?
Technically, yes, the compressor will not burn out instantly. But you cannot store food in a warm chamber. It is better to turn off the device until the malfunction is eliminated in order to avoid damage to property and rising electricity bills.
Do Biryusa refrigerators often break down?
Biryusa is a budget appliance. Failure statistics are comparable to other brands in this segment. The main problems are related to freon leaks due to the build quality of the evaporators and failure of thermostats.
Is it necessary to defrost the Biryusa No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system does not require manual defrosting to remove ice. However, once a year it is recommended to turn off the refrigerator for washing and treating with antibacterial agents, as well as to check the condition of the seals.
Why does the refrigerator take a long time to gain temperature after defrosting?
After complete defrosting (24 hours), the refrigerator may take from 2 to 6 hours to reach operating mode. At this time, do not load food to allow the compressor to quietly create cold.