Refrigerators Biryusa remain one of the most popular units in the post-Soviet space due to their maintainability and simplicity of design. The model Biryusa 118 is a classic two-chamber refrigerator, where proper distribution of cold plays a key role in maintaining food freshness. Many users are faced with the need for manual adjustment, since automatic systems are often absent here or operate in basic mode.
Understanding the principles of operation thermostat and knowledge of the features of air circulation inside the chambers allows you to avoid food spoilage and education ice. Unlike modern electronically controlled models, here the adjustment is done mechanically, which requires the owner to be attentive and follow a sequence of actions. Errors in adjustment can lead to freezing of vegetables or insufficient cooling of the freezer.
In this manual we will examine in detail all aspects of setting the temperature regime, starting from the location of the control elements and ending with the intricacies of operation in various climatic conditions. Proper setting will not only extend the life of the products, but also reduce the energy consumption of the device.
Location and design of the temperature controller
In the model Biryusa 118 temperature control is carried out via a mechanical thermostat. Most often it is located inside the refrigerator compartment, in the upper right or left corner, sometimes hidden by a plastic casing. On the handle of the regulator there are numbers from 1 to 7 (or from Min to Max), which indicate not degrees Celsius, but the intensity of the compressor.
The principle of operation of the device is simple: by turning the handle, you change the opening moment of the thermostat contacts. The higher the number, the longer the compressor will run before shutting down, providing a lower internal temperature. It is important to understand that value "1" corresponds to minimum cold (the compressor operates in short cycles), and "7" corresponds to maximum cooling.
The optimal position of the thermostat knob for everyday use is considered to be between 3 and 4. It is in this range that a balance is achieved between energy efficiency and sufficient cooling of products. Setting maximum values unnecessarily leads to increased wear of the motor-compressor and the formation of an ice crust on the evaporator.
⚠️ Attention: Temperature adjustment should be done smoothly. A sharp turn of the knob from minimum to maximum can cause a surge in the load on the electrical network and the compressor starting relay.
In some modifications Biryusa 118 there may be an additional “Super Freeze” mode switch. It forces the compressor into continuous operation, ignoring the thermostat readings. It should be used only for a short time, when loading a large volume of warm products.
Algorithm for correct temperature setting
The process of setting the temperature in the refrigerator Biryusa 118 requires a consistent approach to achieve a stable result. First you need to free access to the thermostat and evaluate the current position of the handle. If the refrigerator has just been installed or defrosted, let it operate for 2-3 hours in normal mode before making adjustments.
☑️ Algorithm for setting the cold
For precise adjustment, it is recommended to use an external thermometer placed in a glass of water on the middle shelf. This will allow you to obtain objective data, since built-in sensors in budget models often have a large error. Turn the regulator knob one notch and wait for the temperature background to stabilize within a few hours.
If you notice that the food in the refrigerator compartment begins to freeze and frost appears on the walls, you need to reduce the value on the thermostat. Conversely, if the milk sours quickly and the compressor operates in too short cycles, the cooling intensity should be increased. The slight inertia of the system requires patience when setting up.
It is important to consider that the temperature in different zones of the refrigerator may differ. It is always colder on the shelf at the back wall, closer to the evaporator, than on the door or in the freshness zone. Distribute food accordingly: place dairy products and prepared foods closer to the source of cold, and place fruits and vegetables in the bottom drawers or on door shelves.
Temperature zones and food storage
The refrigerator Biryusa 118, like most classic models, has an uneven temperature distribution. Understanding this feature can significantly increase the shelf life of products. The upper shelves and the area at the back wall are the coldest; here the temperature can drop to +2°C when the thermostat is set to medium values.
The lower drawers, intended for vegetables and fruits, are usually equipped with a ventilation system that prevents complete freezing. However, when setting the thermostat to maximum (6-7), even in these zones the temperature can drop below zero, which will damage the cellular structure of vegetables. Door shelves are the warmest place, ideal for drinks, sauces and eggs.
Meat and fish products that require strict adherence to cold are best placed on a glass shelf above the vegetable drawers or on the middle shelf closer to the back wall. Dairy products are also sensitive to temperature changes, so they should not be kept on the door, where the greatest heating of the air occurs when the refrigerator is opened.
Ready meals and semi-finished products should be stored in closed containers to avoid drying out and absorbing foreign odors. Despite the fact that air circulation in Biryusa 118 natural (without the No Frost system), stagnation of air in a tightly packed refrigerator can lead to a local increase in temperature and the development of bacteria.
The influence of external factors on the operation of the refrigerator
The efficiency of the refrigerator Biryusa 118 directly depends on environmental conditions. The temperature in the room where the unit is installed plays a critical role. If the room is hot (above +25°C), the compressor has to work harder to maintain the set mode. In such cases, a slight adjustment of the thermostat may be required to increase the power.
In winter, when the room temperature drops, the situation changes. If the refrigerator is installed in an unheated room or next to a window where cold air is blowing, the compressor may not turn on at all, since the temperature in the chamber is already below the thermostat response threshold. This is especially true for single-compressor models with a drip defrosting system.
| Environmental factor | Impact on operation | Recommended action |
|---|---|---|
| Room temperature > +25°C | Increasing the operating time of the compressor | Do not place near the battery, check the ventilation |
| Temperature in the room < +10°C | Risk of the compressor not starting | Move to a warm place, not use |
| Direct sunlight | Local overheating of the case | Shade the window or rearrange the refrigerator |
| No gap near the wall | Poor heat dissipation from condenser | Move the refrigerator 5-10 cm |
It is also worth considering the proximity of heating appliances. Installation Biryusa 118 close to the battery or stove causes the capacitor to work with overload, which reduces the life of the unit and increases energy consumption. The minimum distance to should be at least 30-40 cm.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the refrigerator in niches without ventilation gaps. For normal operation of the heat exchanger, free air circulation around the housing is required.
Typical adjustment errors and their consequences
One of the most common mistakes is setting the thermostat to the maximum value immediately after purchase or defrosting. Users mistakenly believe that this will cool food faster. In fact, this mode leads to freezing of the evaporator, difficulty in heat transfer and continuous operation of the compressor, which can cause it to overheat and fail.
The other extreme is setting the minimum temperature in the hope of saving energy. In this case, the products in the refrigerator may not be cooled to a safe level (+4...+6°C), which creates ideal conditions for the proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms. Such storage is especially dangerous for meat and dairy products.
Why can’t you change the settings often?
Frequent and sudden changes in the position of the thermostat prevent the system from stabilizing. The compressor is forced to constantly adapt to new conditions, which leads to accelerated wear of the starting relay and an increase in the number of on/off cycles. It is better to set the optimal value and forget about it, changing the settings only when the season changes or the refrigerator is fully loaded.
Ignoring the loading density is also a mistake. An empty refrigerator cools down faster, but it also heats up instantly when the door is opened. A refrigerator that is too tightly packed will block air circulation, creating “heat pockets” where food can spoil while ice forms in other areas.
Users often forget to check the tightness of the rubber seals on the doors. If the seal is worn out or dirty, the cold escapes and the thermostat commands the compressor to operate continuously. Visually this may not be noticeable, but adjusting the temperature in this case will not give the desired effect.
Diagnostics of problems with temperature conditions
If, after correct adjustment, the temperature in the refrigerator Biryusa 118 does not correspond to the set values, there may be a technical malfunction. The first sign of problems with the thermostat is incorrect behavior of the compressor: it either does not turn off at all or does not turn on at all, even when the knob is turned to the extreme positions.
An abundant “coat” of ice on the back wall of the refrigerator compartment when the thermostat is in the normal position may indicate a refrigerant leak or sensor malfunction. In models with a drip defrosting system, the ice must have time to melt during periods of compressor inactivity. If this does not happen, the system is unbalanced.
Noisy operation or vibration may also indirectly indicate problems with the temperature regime. If the compressor hums louder than usual and does not turn off, it may be trying to compensate for the lack of cold due to incorrect settings or a freon leak. In such cases, independently adjusting the thermostat will no longer help.
It is important to distinguish normal operation from pathology. For example, slight hissing or gurgling in the pipes is normal circulation of refrigerant. But if the refrigerator stops freezing when the regulator is set to maximum, and the compressor is constantly running, most likely you need to call a technician to diagnose the refrigeration circuit.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Which thermostat value should you choose in the summer and which in the winter?
In the summer, when the ambient temperature is high, the heat flow into the chamber is greater. It is recommended to set the thermostat to values 4-5 to compensate for the heating. In winter, if the refrigerator is in a warm room, a value of 2-3 is sufficient. If the room is cold (but not below +10°C), it may be necessary to set it to 4 to compensate for the low ambient temperature, which prevents the compressor from starting.
Why do vegetables in the bottom drawer freeze in the Biryusa 118 refrigerator?
This happens if the thermostat is set to the maximum value (6-7) or if the vegetable drawer is located too close to the supply hole cold air. Try lowering the thermostat to 3 and not filling the drawer to the brim, leaving room for air circulation. Also check if the air hole is blocked by food on the shelf above the drawer.
A click is heard, but the compressor does not start - is this normal?
A single click when trying to start may be normal (start relay operation). However, if the clicks are repeated frequently, and the compressor hums for a few seconds and then goes silent, this is a sign of a fault with the start relay or the compressor itself. In this case, adjusting the temperature will not help, repair is required.
How often does Biryusa 118 need to be defrosted?
The model Biryusa 118 is equipped with a drip defrosting system in the refrigerator compartment, so you often do not need to defrost it manually - the water flows into the groove itself. It is recommended to defrost the freezer completely 1-2 times a year or when the thickness of the ice on the walls exceeds 5-7 mm. A thick layer of ice impairs heat transfer and makes the compressor work longer.
Is it possible to replace a mechanical thermostat with an electronic one?
Theoretically, this is possible, but it requires a deep modernization of the control system, laying new wires and installing sensors. For refrigerators Biryusa this is not economically feasible and technically difficult. It is easier and more reliable to replace a failed mechanical thermostat with a similar original or compatible one.