How to properly turn off the refrigerator compartment in a Samsung refrigerator: complete instructions with nuances

Disconnecting the refrigerator compartment in a two-chamber refrigerator Samsung is a problem that owners face when they need to save energy, temporarily not use the main compartment, or prepare equipment for long-term downtime. However, not all models support this function out of the box, and incorrect actions can lead to compressor failure or malfunction of the freezer. In this article, we will figure out how to safely turn off the refrigerator compartment while maintaining the functionality of the freezer, which models Samsung allow this, and what to do if the desired option is not in the menu.

It is important to understand: simply unplugging the plug from the socket is not a solution. Modern refrigerators Samsung (especially with the system No Frost or inverter compressors) require correct shutdown, otherwise you risk encountering evaporator icing, motor overheating or electronic unit failure. Below are detailed instructions for different series, advice on settings and answers to frequently asked questions.

Which Samsung models support turning off the refrigerator compartment

Not all refrigerators Samsung allow you to independently control the chambers. The function is available mainly in models with two compressors or system Twin Cooling Plus, where each chamber is cooled separately. Here are the key series where this is possible:

• 🔹 Samsung RB*** (series from 2018 and newer, for example RB37J5230SS or RB30J3000WW)
• 🔹 Samsung RF*** (models with a French door, for example RF23J9011SG or RF22K9381SG)
• 🔹 Samsung RS*** (Side-by-Side, for example, RS68N8941SL or RS55N8640SL)
• 🔹 Samsung Bespoke (modular refrigerators where the chambers are controlled separately)

In budget models with with one compressor (for example, Samsung RT22K3030WW or Samsung RT32K5030WW) turn off only the refrigerator compartment impossible without physically breaking the circuit, which may void the warranty. To find out exactly whether your model supports this function, check:

• 📄 User instructions (section “Operating modes” or “Energy saving”)
• 🔍 Sticker on the back wall (model and type of compressor are indicated)
• 🌐 Samsung Official Website (enter the serial number in the support section)

⚠️ Attention: If your refrigerator was manufactured before 2016, even if there are two compressors, the separate shutdown function may not be available. In this case, an attempt to turn off the camera through the menu will lead to a complete shutdown. device.

Step-by-step instructions: how to turn off the refrigerator compartment through the menu

If your model supports separate control, follow these instructions. The algorithm may differ slightly depending on the series, but the general logic remains the same:

1. Open the door of the refrigerator compartment and find control panel. In most models it is located on the top of the interior wall or on the door.

2. Press the button Fridge (or Holodilnik in Russian versions) and hold it for 3-5 seconds until the menu appears settings.

3. Using the buttons +/– or touch arrows, select the item Power Cool or Cool Select (in some models - Vacation Mode).

4. In the submenu that opens, find the option Off or Holodilnik Off and confirm the choice (usually with a long press or button OK).

5. Wait until the shutdown indication appears on the display (for example, the refrigerator icon goes out or lights up – – instead of the temperature).

In models with touch display (for example Samsung Family Hub), the path may look like this:

Main menu → Settings → Operating modes → Separate control → Refrigerator compartment: Off.

Make sure that the freezer compartment is on and working stably|

Check that the door of the refrigerator compartment is closed (otherwise the shutdown may not work)|

Disable the Vacation Mode, if it was activated previously|

Remove all perishable foods from the refrigerator compartment

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After shutdown:

• 🔋 The refrigerator compartment compressor will stop working, but the fans (if equipped) can continue to rotate to circulate air.
• ❄️ The freezer compartment will remain active unless manually turned off.
• 💡 The display may light up indicator Door Open —this is normal if the door is closed (the system simply records the lack of cooling).

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators with the system No Frost after turning off the refrigeration chamber, the fan may turn on for a short time (10-15 minutes) to remove condensation. Don’t be alarmed - this is standard. process.

What to do if there is no option in the menu to turn off the refrigerator compartment

If your model does not support separate control, but you need to turn off the refrigerator compartment, there are several alternative methods, however, each of them has risks:

Method 1: Using the Vacation Mode

This mode is intended for long-term idle time of the refrigerator, but in some models it turns off only the refrigerator compartment, leaving the freezer to work. Activated like this:

Settings → Special modes → Vacation Mode → On.

Minus: the temperature in the refrigerator compartment will be maintained at the same level. +15…+17°C (not a complete shutdown), and in the freezer it can rise to –12°C instead of the standard –18°C.

Method 2: Physically disconnecting the temperature sensor

For experienced users: you can temporarily disconnect the temperature sensor of the refrigerator compartment (usually located behind the back panel) The electronics will “think” that the temperature is normal, and will not turn on the compressor. However:

• 🛠️ Disassembly is required (risk of damage to parts).
• ⚡ An error may occur E1 or E2 on the display.
• 🔄 After returning the sensor to its place, you may need to reset the settings.

Method 3: Setting the thermostat to the maximum temperature

If the menu has temperature adjustment, set the refrigerator to +10...+12°C. The compressor will turn on less often, but will not turn off completely. Suitable for short-term savings. electricity.

What will happen if you simply unplug the refrigerator?

If the power is completely turned off:

1. The freezer will defrost in 12–24 hours (depending on the load).

2. Possible formation of condensation and mold in the refrigerator. refrigeration compartment.

3. The electronic unit may reset, and after switching on it will need to be reconfigured.

4. In models with an inverter compressor, a sudden shutdown reduces the life of the motor.

If none of the methods is suitable, consider using external thermostat (sold in air conditioning equipment stores). It connects to the outlet and turns off the power to the refrigerator by a timer or when the set temperature is reached.

Table: Compatibility of Samsung models with the function of turning off the refrigerator compartment

If your model is not in the table, check its characteristics in official Samsung support (enter the serial number in the search field).

Frequent errors and how to avoid them

When turning off the refrigeration chamber, users often encounter typical problems. Here's how to prevent them:

• 🔌 Error E1 or E2 on the display: appears if the temperature sensor is faulty or disabled incorrectly. The solution is to reset the settings (turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes) or return the sensor to its place.
• ❄️ Icing of the freezer: occurs if the humidity increases after turning off the refrigerator compartment. The solution is to check the door seals and turn on the mode Power Freeze for 1-2 hours.
• 🔊 Extraneous sounds (humming, clicking): in the first minutes after shutdown, the fan or compressor switching valve may operate. It is normal if the sound disappears after 5-10 minutes.
• 💡 The Door Open indicator is flashing: even when the door is closed, the sensor may be triggered due to lack of cooling. The solution is to ignore or turn off the sound signal in the settings.

If after turning off the refrigerator compartment continues to cool, check:

1. If the mode Power Cool (accelerated cooling) is activated.
2. Is it turned on Eco Mode —in some models it blocks separate control.
3. Is the button on the control panel pressed (for example, Freezer instead of Fridge).

How to turn the refrigerator compartment back on

To return the refrigerator compartment to operating mode:

1. Press and hold the button Fridge (or Holodilnik) 3–5 seconds.
2. In the menu, select On or set the target temperature (recommended +4...+5°C).
3. Confirm the selection with the button OK.
4. Wait until the compressor reaches the desired temperature (it may take 1-2 hours).

In models with No Frost after switching on, a short-term smell of ozone is possible - this is normal (dust burns off on the defrost heater. If the smell does not disappear after 30 minutes, check the filter (if any).

If the refrigerator compartment does not turn on:

• 🔄 Reboot the refrigerator (unplug it for 10 minutes).
• 🔧 Check if it is activated Demo Mode (in some models it blocks cooling).
• 📞 Contact the service if the display shows an error E4 or E5 (compressor malfunction).

Energy saving: is it worth turning off the refrigeration chamber

Turning off the refrigeration chamber can save up to 30–40% of electricity, but this is not always justified. Let's consider the pros and cons:

Alternative ways to save:

• 🌡️ Set the temperature in the refrigerator compartment to +6...+7°C (instead of the standard +4°C).
• 🔄 Defrost the freezer regularly (an ice coat increases energy consumption by 15-20%).
• 🔌 Use a surge protector with a timer to turn off the refrigerator for 2-3 hours a day (only for models with good thermal insulation!).

FAQ: Answers to frequently asked questions

Is it possible to turn off the refrigerator compartment in the Samsung RT-32K3030WW model?

No, this model is equipped with one compressor, therefore, separate shutdown of the chambers is impossible. The only option is to physically disconnect the temperature sensor of the refrigerator compartment, but this requires disassembly and can lead to operational errors.

After turning off the refrigerator compartment, the freezer began to operate louder?

Yes, that's normal. The freezer compressor now operates without the “help” of a second compressor (in models with two motors) or takes on the entire load (in models with one compressor). To reduce noise, try reducing the freezer temperature by 1-2°C or moving the refrigerator further away from the walls (for better ventilation).

Error E1 appears on the display after turning off. refrigeration chamber. What to do?

Error E1 indicates a problem with the refrigeration chamber temperature sensor. Possible reasons:

• The sensor is disconnected or damaged.
• The sensor contacts have oxidized.
• Failure in the electronic unit.

Try to restart the refrigerator (unplug it for 10 minutes). If the error persists, contact the service center.

How to turn off the refrigerator compartment in the Samsung Bespoke model?

In modular refrigerators Samsung Bespoke each compartment is controlled independently. To turn off the refrigerator compartment:

1. Touch the touch panel on the door of the refrigerator compartment.
2. Select Settings → Operating modes.
3. Activate the option Disable cooling.
4. Confirm the selection (on some models you will need to enter a PIN code, by default 0000).

The freezer will continue to operate as normal.

Is it possible to disable a refrigerator compartment for the winter, if the refrigerator is in the country house?

Yes, but with reservations:

• 🏠 If the room temperature in winter drops below +10°C, turn it off all refrigerator —the oil in the compressor may thicken.
• 💧 Before turning it off, dry the chamber and leave the door ajar (to avoid mold).
• ⚡ If the freezer remains on, monitor the humidity - at low temperatures, the seals can freeze.

The best option for a summer residence is refrigerator with function Holiday Mode (for example, Samsung RB37J5230SS).