Two-chamber models from the Italian brand Indesit are deservedly popular due to their reliability and ease of operation. However, many owners encounter difficulties when setting the climate inside the chambers for the first time, not understanding the logic of the mechanical regulator. A correctly set mode guarantees the safety of food and the absence of ice on the walls.
Often users mistakenly believe that the numbers on the scale indicate degrees Celsius, which leads to food spoilage or excessive energy consumption. In fact, control microclimate in these devices is carried out through a thermostat, which responds to changes in the temperature of the evaporator. Understanding the principle of its operation will help you avoid common mistakes.
In this article we will look at how to find the optimal balance between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. You will learn why you can't just turn the knob to maximum and how external factors affect the operation of the compressor. Proper adjustment will extend the service life of the unit.
The principle of operation of a mechanical thermostat
Most models Indesit with a drip defrosting system use a mechanical thermostat. This is a device that opens the electrical circuit when the temperature inside reaches a set value. The regulator is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment, often in the upper corner or under the lampshade.
The regulator scale can be designated from 1 to 5, from 1 to 7, or in the form of snowflakes. An important principle applies here: the larger the number or number of snowflakes, the lower temperature (colder) inside. One means minimum cooling, and the maximum value is the intensive freezing mode.
- 🔹 Number 1 - minimum cooling, the compressor works rarely, temperature is about +8...+10°C.
- 🔹 Number 3 or 4 - optimal mode for everyday use, providing +4...+5°C.
- 🔹 The maximum value is the "Super Freeze" mode, the compressor works non-stop, the temperature drops to 0...+2°C.
The mechanical system does not have an accurate calibration in degrees, so the position of the "3" knob in different instances may give different actual temperatures. That is why, after the initial installation, it is necessary to monitor the condition of the products visually and, if necessary, adjust the position of the lever.
Optimal temperature conditions for different compartments
For long-term storage of products, it is important to maintain certain temperature conditions ranges. In the refrigerator compartment, values from +2 to +6 degrees Celsius are considered ideal. Under such conditions, bacteria multiply slowly, and vegetables do not freeze.
In the freezer of two-chamber models Indesit the temperature should be maintained at -18°C and below. This value is considered the standard for deep freezing, allowing meat and fish to be stored for up to 12 months without loss of taste. If you plan to store supplies for a long time, it is better to set the regulator closer to the maximum values.
| Storage area | Recommended t°C | What to store |
|---|---|---|
| Top shelves | +4...+6°C | Ready food, drinks, confectionery |
| Lower shelves | +2...+4°C | Raw meat, fish, dairy products |
| Door shelves | +6...+8°C | Sauces, medicines, bottled drinks |
| Frost | -18°C and below | Frozen semi-finished products, meat, berries |
It is worth considering that the temperature is distributed unevenly. It is always colder at the back wall, where it is located evaporator, than at the door. Therefore, it is better to place perishable foods closer to the back wall, and drinks on the door shelves.
Step-by-step instructions for initial setup
After delivering the new refrigerator Indesit and installing it on a flat surface, you must wait a certain time before turning on. If transportation was carried out in a vertical position, 2-3 hours is enough. If the unit was lying on its side, the waiting time increases to 8-10 hours for the compressor oil to flow into the crankcase.
It is better to perform the initial setup with empty chambers. This will allow the compressor to quickly reach the desired temperature without additional heat load from the products. Set the regulator to the middle position (usually the number 3).
☑️ Initial startup of the refrigerator
After turning on, let the device operate for several hours. If after 5-6 hours of operation a stable coolness has established in the chambers, and the compressor begins to turn off periodically, then the mode has been selected correctly. If the food freezes or, on the contrary, spoils, adjust the position of the handle.
⚠️ Attention: If you set the regulator to maximum immediately after turning on, the compressor may work continuously for days, trying to reach a temperature unattainable in this mode, which will lead to its overheating and breakdown.
The influence of external factors on the operation of the refrigerator
The efficiency of the refrigerator Indesit directly depends on the conditions in the room. In summer, when the ambient temperature is high, heat exchange is difficult and the compressor takes longer to cool. During such periods, a slight shift of the regulator towards lower temperatures (closer to the maximum) is allowed.
In winter the situation is the opposite. If the refrigerator is in an unheated room or next to a window where cold air is blowing, the thermostat may not “see” the need to turn on. This is especially true for single-compressor models, where one sensor controls both chambers.
- 🌡️ Direct sunlight hitting the housing heats the walls and makes the motor work harder.
- 🍳 Installation next to a stove or radiator disrupts the heat transfer of the condenser.
- 💨 Drafts can cause false thermostat readings if it is located close to the door.
It should Remember that a refrigerator is not a heating device. Its task is to remove heat from the inside to the outside. If there is no gap of 5-10 cm around the body for air circulation, efficiency drops and energy consumption increases.
Common mistakes when adjusting
One of the most common mistakes is setting the regulator to the maximum value “forever”. Users think that this way the food will be preserved better, but in practice this leads to freezing of the back wall of the refrigerator compartment. The ice crust acts as a heat insulator, causing the compressor to work even longer, and the temperature inside may even rise.
The other extreme is setting the minimum mode in the hope of saving on electricity. In this case, the temperature in the upper corners of the chamber can rise above +8°C, which creates an ideal environment for the growth of bacteria. Saving on electricity in this case will result in discarded products.
Also, users often forget to check the tightness of the door after adjusting the height of the legs. If the door is skewed, warm air comes inside and thermostat gives a command to cool, although it is already cold inside. This creates the illusion of a malfunction.
Why does the thermostat click?
A click when the compressor is turned off or on is normal operation of the mechanical thermostat relay. A loud click may indicate that the temperature difference is large, or the natural wear of the contacts, but usually this does not require repair.
Seasonal adjustment and “Super Freeze” mode
Many models Indesit equipped with a button or a separate control position for the mode "Super Freeze" (often indicated by a snowflake with an asterisk or an F). This mode forces the compressor into continuous operation, ignoring the readings of the refrigerator thermostat.
You should use this mode only when loading a large amount of fresh, not yet frozen food into the freezer. This allows you to quickly freeze them, preserving the cell structure and vitamins. However, it is strictly not recommended to keep the refrigerator in this mode for more than 24 hours.
After the food has frozen (usually after a day), it is imperative to return the switch to its original position. If you forget to do this, everything in the refrigerator compartment will freeze, and the compressor may burn out from overload.
⚠️ Attention: In models without the No Frost system, prolonged use of the maximum freezing mode leads to the formation of a thick coat of ice on the evaporator, which will have to be defrosted manually.
Diagnostics of problems with temperature
If you set the regulator correctly, but the temperature does not meet expectations, perhaps the problem is not in the settings. Check whether the air ducts between the chambers are blocked by food. In two-chamber models, cold air often circulates through special channels.
Pay attention to the door seal. If it is dirty or damaged, the seal is broken. A simple test with a sheet of paper will help identify problem areas: hold the sheet with a door and try to pull it out. If the sheet comes out too easily or falls out on its own, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
It is also worth checking the operation of the fan (in models with forced circulation). If it does not make noise when the door is open (with the sensor clamped) or makes strange sounds, the air circulation may be impaired, and there will be different temperatures in different corners of the chamber.
Frequently asked questions and answers (FAQ)
Why does ice freeze on the back wall in the Indesit refrigerator?
This is a normal process for a drip defrosting system. The water flows into the drainage hole. If there is too much ice, check whether the drainage hole is not clogged with crumbs, and make sure that the regulator is not turned up to the maximum.
Which position of the regulator should you choose in the summer?
In the summer, when the room is hot, it is more difficult for the refrigerator to give off heat. It is recommended to set the regulator to a value slightly above average (for example, 4 out of 5), but not to the maximum, so as not to overload the compressor.
Is it possible to turn off the refrigerator at night to save money?
It is strictly not recommended. Frequent defrosting and freezing cycles are more harmful to the compressor and food than constant operation. In addition, the refrigerator consumes more energy for re-cooling than for maintaining the temperature.
What to do if the refrigerator stops freezing after defrosting?
Make sure that you turn it on and the regulator is not set to "0". If after 2-3 hours of operation the cold does not appear, and the compressor is silent or hums, but does not start, you need to call a technician to diagnose the start relay or freon leak.