Owners of domestically produced refrigeration equipment are often faced with the need to fine-tune the climate inside the chambers, especially when it comes to a time-tested model Stinol 107. Proper temperature control is not just a matter of comfort, but a key factor influencing the shelf life of food and the energy consumption of your unit. Unlike modern digital panels, mechanical thermostats require an understanding of the principles of their operation to achieve optimal results.
Many users mistakenly believe that it is enough to turn the knob to maximum to get the best cold, but in the case of a mechanical thermostat this can lead to freezing of food or even breakdown of the compressor due to continuous operation. Model 107, being a two-chamber refrigerator, has its own cold distribution features that must be taken into account when setting up. In this article we will analyze a step-by-step algorithm of actions that will help you set up Stinol quickly and efficiently.
Understanding how the control system in your refrigerator works will allow you to avoid common mistakes. A critically important nuance is that the thermostat scale does not display degrees Celsius, but only indicates the relative intensity of cooling. Let's take a detailed look at the design of the control unit and learn how to use it correctly use.
The operating principle of the Stinol thermostat
The refrigerator temperature control system Stinol 107 is based on a mechanical thermostat, which reacts to changes in evaporator temperature. Inside the device there is a sensitive capsule connected by a capillary tube to a bellows. When the temperature in the chamber rises, the gas or liquid in the tube expands, transferring pressure to a mechanism that closes the contacts and starts the compressor.
The reverse process occurs when a predetermined cooling threshold is reached: the refrigerant is compressed, the pressure drops, and the electrical circuit opens, stopping the motor. It is this cycle that ensures a stable microclimate. It is important to understand that thermostat does not measure the air temperature directly, but reacts to the temperature of the evaporator, which creates a certain inertia in the system.
Adjustment is carried out by changing the tension of the spring inside the thermostat. By turning the knob, you change the response threshold: the tighter the spring is, the lower the temperature must drop for the mechanism to turn off the compressor. This means that turning the knob towards larger numbers makes the refrigerator work longer and harder.
⚠️ Attention: Mechanical thermostats are sensitive to sudden changes in voltage in the network. If electricity often fluctuates in your home, it is recommended to use a stabilizer, since burning of the relay contacts can lead to sticking and continuous operation of the compressor.
Capillary tube arrangement
The thermostat capillary tube is a thin copper pipeline filled with freon or other filler gas. It is very fragile and if handled carelessly (for example, when defrosting with a knife), it can burst, which will lead to failure of the thermostat and leakage of refrigerant.
Deciphering the thermostat scale
The control panel in the refrigerator compartment of model 107 is usually a rotary switch with digital designations from 1 to 5 (sometimes marked from Min to Max). Beginners are often puzzled by the question: what figure corresponds to the coldest mode? The logic here is straightforward: the higher the number, the lower the temperature inside the chamber.
The position “1” or “Min” means minimal cooling. In this mode, the compressor will turn on rarely and operate in short cycles. This is a suitable option for the winter, when the room temperature is low, or if the refrigerator is not completely filled with food. On the contrary, the “5” or “Max” position makes the unit work almost without stopping.
The handle position between the values “3” and “4” is considered optimal for everyday use. This provides a balance between high-quality cooling of products and reasonable energy consumption. However, the final setting depends on the load of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the kitchen.
- ❄️ Number 1 - minimal cooling, the compressor rests most of the time.
- ⚙️ Number 3 - standard operating mode recommended by the manufacturer for most situations.
- 🔥 Number 5 is the maximum power, used for quick freezing or when fully loaded with warm products.
- 🚫 Position "0" or "Off" - complete shutdown of the power supply to the compressor.
Step-by-step instructions for setting
The process of adjusting the temperature in Stinol 107 does not require special tools, but requires consistency and patience. First of all, make sure that the refrigerator is connected to the network and is operating normally. If you are making the initial setup after purchase or defrosting, let the unit operate for at least 5-6 hours in the standard position.
First, set the thermostat knob to position "3". Wait a day without opening the door unless absolutely necessary. This will allow the temperature to stabilize. After this, check the products: if the milk in the middle of the shelf is too cold or the water in an open bottle is freezing, reduce the power by turning the knob towards lower values.
If you notice that the products in the depths of the chamber begin to deteriorate or have a temperature above room temperature, you need to increase the cooling. Turn the knob clockwise, adding half divisions at a time, and wait a few hours to evaluate the result. Abrupt changes in settings can disorient the automation and lead to incorrect operation.
☑️ Temperature setting algorithm
The influence of the environment on the operation of the refrigerator
The temperature in the room where it is installed Stinol refrigeratorplays a colossal role in the effectiveness of its work. The mechanical thermostats installed in this model do not have complex electronics to compensate for external conditions. Therefore, in winter and summer, the settings can differ significantly.
In the summer, when the kitchen is hot, heat exchange is difficult. The compressor takes longer to cool the condenser and start the next cycle. During such periods, it is recommended to set the regulator closer to value "4" to compensate for the high ambient temperature. However, make sure that the rear grille of the refrigerator is well ventilated.
In winter, the situation is the opposite. If the temperature in the kitchen drops below +16°C, the refrigerator may “think” that it is already cold enough inside and not turn on at all. In this case, even if the regulator is set to “1”, the food may begin to defrost. Some users use the special “Winter” function (if it is provided for by the design of a particular instance) or simply monitor the temperature in the chamber.
⚠️ Attention: Do not install the Stinol 107 refrigerator in close proximity to heating appliances or in direct sunlight. Local overheating of the housing can cause the thermostat to constantly keep the compressor on, trying to reach an unattainable temperature.
Features of the freezer
The refrigerator Stinol 107 equipped with a freezer a chamber in which the temperature directly depends on the operation of the general cooling circuit and the position of the thermostat. Unlike the No Frost system, ice may be present here, but the main cold is generated in the freezer and distributed throughout the refrigerator compartment.
When the regulator is set to maximum ("Super Freeze" mode or simply number 5), the temperature in the freezer can drop to -24°C and below. This is useful for quickly freezing fresh food, but should not be a constant mode of operation, as it increases the load on the compressor and leads to the formation of a thick ice crust.
If you notice that the ice in the freezer is melting or the meat is becoming soft, this is a signal that the current cooling capacity is not enough. Check the tightness of the freezer door seal. Often the problem lies not in the thermostat settings, but in the leakage of the chamber.
| Position of the regulator | Compressor operating mode | Approximate t° in the refrigerator compartment | Approximate t° in the freezer camera |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | Short cycles, long rest | +6...+8°C | -6...-10°C |
| 3 (Avg.) | Balance of work and rest | +3...+5°C | -16...-18°C |
| 5 (Max) | Long work, short rest | +1...+2°C | -22...-26°C |
Diagnostics of problems with temperature
There are situations when adjusting the thermostat knob does not give the expected result. If you turn the regulator from minimum to maximum, and the nature of the sound of the compressor does not change, or the food spoils/freezes regardless of the settings, it may be faulty itself thermostat or there is a freon leak.
You can check the operation of the thermostat using a simple method: wait until the compressor should turn off (according to the sound), and carefully, without making any effort, turn the knob in both directions. If you hear a characteristic click and the engine stops (or starts), then the mechanics are intact. Lack of reaction indicates the need to replace the part.
You should also pay attention to the evaporator. If, when operating at maximum power, a uniform “coat” of frost does not form on the back wall of the refrigerator, but only individual islands or dry tubes are visible, this is a sure sign of a lack of refrigerant. In this case, adjusting the temperature is useless - you need to call a specialist for refueling.
Why does the Stinol 107 refrigerator constantly work and does not turn off?
This can happen for several reasons: the maximum temperature is set (mode 5), the condenser at the back is dirty, the door seal is damaged, or the thermostat has failed (contacts are stuck). Also, the reason may be a freon leak when the unit tries to gain temperature, but cannot due to a lack of refrigerant.
What temperature should be in the Stinol refrigeration chamber?
The optimal temperature for storing most products in the main chamber is considered to be the range from +3°C to +5°C. In the freshness zone (if there is one structurally) the temperature may be slightly lower, about 0...+2°C. Temperatures above +6°C promote the growth of bacteria, and below 0°C - the freezing of vegetables and dairy products.
Is it possible to replace a mechanical thermostat with an electronic one in Stinol 107?
Theoretically, this is possible, but it requires a deep redesign of the design, laying new sensors and changing the electrical circuit. The manufacturer does not provide for such modernization. It is easier and more reliable to replace a failed mechanical thermostat with an original or high-quality analogue (for example, TAM-133 or its analogues).
How often do you need to defrost Stinol 107?
Model 107 refers to refrigerators with a drip defrosting system in the refrigerator compartment and, as a rule, manual defrosting in the freezer camera (depending on the specific modification, but the classic is manual). It is recommended to defrost the freezer 1-2 times a year, when the ice thickness reaches 5-7 mm. The refrigerator compartment defrosts automatically when the compressor stops.