Owners of Biryusa household appliances often face a situation when the products in the main chamber stop cooling to the required level temperature, and the ice in the freezer compartment is melting. This is a common problem that can be caused by both improper operation and technical faults. Before calling a technician, it is necessary to conduct a thorough diagnosis and try to enhance cooling using available methods.
The efficiency of the compressor directly depends on environmental conditions and the condition of the unit itself. If you notice that the milk quickly turns sour, but the meat does not freeze, it means that the refrigerant system is not working properly. In this article, we will look at mechanical ways to increase cold, regulator settings and hidden reasons for loss of performance.
Checking and adjusting the thermostat
The first step in finding the answer to the question of how to make a refrigerator colder is checking the thermostat settings. In Biryusa models with mechanical control, the regulator is usually located inside the main chamber or on the top panel of the case. If the knob is set to the minimum cold position (number 1 or “Min”), the compressor will turn on rarely, not having time to maintain a low temperature.
To increase freezing, you need to turn the knob clockwise towards higher values (numbers 3, 4, 5 or “Max”). However, it is worth remembering that operating in maximum power mode leads to increased energy consumption and accelerated engine wear. If, after moving the regulator to position maximum cold the situation has not changed within 2-3 hours, the problem lies deeper.
It is important to take into account the seasonal factor when setting up. In the summer, when kitchen temperatures are high, the thermostat takes longer to cool down, so setting the control to medium may not be sufficient. In winter, on the contrary, the unit can work more efficiently even at minimum settings if the room is cool.
The influence of position and loading density
A common reason for insufficient cooling is a simple violation of operating rules. If the door of the Biryusa refrigerator does not close tightly due to the skewed position of the case, warm air constantly flows inside. The compressor wears out, but cannot compensate for heat inflows. Check the horizontal installation using a building level and adjust the legs.
Loading density also plays a critical role. An empty refrigerator cools down faster, but also loses cold instantly when the door is opened. A unit that is too full will block the circulation of air flow, especially in models with a No Frost or improved circulation system. Cold air should freely flow around the food from all sides.
- 📦 Do not place hot or warm food inside - this sharply increases the internal temperature and the load on the compressor.
- 💨 Leave gaps between the food and the back wall of the chamber for free air circulation.
- 🚪 Minimize time opening the door so as not to let the accumulated cold out.
Particular attention should be paid to the location of the unit. If Biryusa stands close to a wall or in a niche, the radiator on the rear panel does not have time to give off heat. This causes the system to overheat and reduce cooling efficiency. The minimum distance from the back wall to the wall should be at least 5–7 centimeters.
Diagnostics of sealing rubber
One of the most insidious causes of loss of cold is damage or contamination of the sealing rubber on the door. If warm air penetrates into the chamber through leaks, ice forms on the walls and food spoils. Visually, the defect may not be noticeable, so a simple test using a sheet of paper is required.
Pinch a sheet of paper between the door and the body in different places around the perimeter. If the paper falls out freely or is pulled out without the slightest resistance, it means that in this place seal it is not adjacent. This may be caused by contamination, deformation or wear of the material.
⚠️ Attention: If the seal is contaminated with grease or sticky dirt, wipe it with a soft cloth soaked in soapy water. Do not use aggressive chemicals or abrasives, which can dry out the rubber and lead to cracks.
If cracks or severe deformation (waves) are detected, the rubber must be replaced. You can temporarily restore elasticity by heating the deformed areas with a hairdryer at a low temperature or pouring silicone sealant into the voids (as a temporary measure). However, complete replacement of the seal is the only reliable way to restore the tightness of the chamber.
How to properly install a new seal?
Remove the old seal, clean the seat from glue and dirt. Before installation, it is recommended to keep the new seal in a warm room for a day so that it becomes elastic. Install starting from the top corner, inserting tightly into the groove along the entire perimeter.
Problems with the defrosting system and ice
If you are the owner of a model with manual defrosting, then a thick layer of ice on the back wall or in the freezer is an excellent heat insulator. The ice does not allow the cold to pass from the evaporator into the chamber, which is why the food is not cooled, although the compressor hums continuously. In Biryusa models with a drip system or No Frost, a malfunction of the defrost system leads to fouling of the evaporator with a “fur coat”.
To restore functionality, it is necessary to carry out a complete defrost. Unplug the appliance, open the doors and leave it for at least 12–24 hours. Do not try to chip ice with a knife - this can damage the evaporator tubes and leak freon, which will be fatal for the refrigerator.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Ice only on the back wall | Violation of the defrosting mode | Carry out complete defrosting (24 hours) |
| Ice in the form of a “coat” on the evaporator | Malfunction of the defrosting heating element | Call a technician for replacement Heating element |
| Water on the floor under the refrigerator | Clogged drainage hole | Clean the channel with a brush or wire |
| Snow coat in the freezer | Loss of tightness doors | Check and replace the seal |
After defrosting, thoroughly wipe the internal surfaces and drainage hole. Often, it is a blockage in the drainage channel (which discharges melt water) that causes the water to freeze and block the operation of the system. You can clean it using a special flexible brush or soft wire.
☑️ Correct defrosting
Ventilation and heat removal of the condenser
The operating principle of any refrigerator, including the Biryusa, is based on the transfer of heat from the chamber out. The capacitor (black grille on the back or side panels) is responsible for this process. If the heat dissipation is impaired, the refrigerant will not condense and the system pressure will drop, making cooling impossible.
Make sure there is free space around the unit. Built-in refrigerators require ventilation ducts in the furniture. If Biryusa is built into a cabinet without proper ventilation, it will work in overheating mode, constantly trying to gain temperature, but not achieving the goal.
- 🌡️ Check the temperature of the side walls - they should be warm, but not hot.
- 🧹 Regularly (every six months) clean the back grill from dust and animal hair with a vacuum cleaner.
- ☀️ Do not install the refrigerator next to a stove, oven or radiators.
The accumulation of dust on the condenser acts as a “blanket”, preventing heat from escaping. This is the most common reason why an old refrigerator suddenly stops freezing. Cleaning the heat exchanger often returns the device to 100% of its factory capacity without repair costs.
Technical malfunctions and freon leakage
If all of the above methods did not help make the refrigerator colder, a technical breakdown is likely. The most common of them is a refrigerant (freon) leak. In this case, the compressor may work continuously, hum, but there will be no cold, since there is insufficient or no circulating substance in the system.
Another possible reason is a clogged capillary tube or a malfunction of the compressor (loss of performance of the piston group). In such cases, it will not be possible to increase the cold on your own. The intervention of a specialist with equipment is required to vacuum the system and refill with freon.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pierce the tubes yourself or change the compressor without the skills and equipment. Freon is under pressure, and improper soldering will lead to complete failure of the unit.
Signs of serious malfunctions are also: failure to start the motor, relay clicks, too hot compressor housing (to the point of being impossible to touch) or complete lack of heating of the condenser when the motor is running. In these cases, operation of the Biryusa refrigerator must be stopped until repaired.
Why does the refrigerator freeze but does not turn off?
This may indicate a freon leak or loss of compressor performance. The system tries to compensate for the lack of cold by constant operation, but due to low pressure or a small amount of gas, the temperature is not reached. It is also possible for the thermostat contacts to become stuck.
Is it possible to increase the power of the refrigerator by installing an additional fan?
Theoretically, improving air circulation inside the chamber can even out the temperature, but this will not solve the problem of lack of cold. Installing third-party fans can disrupt the normal air flow, especially in No Frost models, and lead to freezing of the sensors.
Does the network voltage affect the cold?
Yes, at low voltage in the network, the compressor may not develop full power or is often turned off by protection. If your voltage often jumps, it is recommended to use a stabilizer so that the Biryusa operates normally.
How can you tell if the thermostat has failed?
If the refrigerator does not turn on at all or, on the contrary, works non-stop, turning food into an ice ball, the thermostat is most likely faulty. In the first case, the circuit does not close, in the second, the contacts are “stuck” in the “on” position.