Many users mistakenly believe that a cooler with a refrigerator works on the principle of a conventional household refrigerator, which hums around the clock, maintaining the temperature. In fact, cooling system drinking fountains work differently. It is activated only when it is really necessary, which allows you to save energy and extend the life of the equipment.
The process is based on automatic electronics, which constantly reads readings from temperature sensors. When you open a cold water tap, the system does not immediately respond to the temperature change. First, liquid must be taken, and only after that, if the temperature in the tank rises above a given threshold, compressor or Peltier element will start working. This is a key difference that is often overlooked when diagnosing malfunctions.
Understanding exactly how the mechanism turns on will help you operate the device correctly. Refrigerator compartment the cooler is not designed to instantly cool warm water from the tap. It only maintains the already cooled liquid within specified limits. If you pour hot water into the tank, the system will work hard, trying to achieve target values, which can lead to breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to artificially stimulate the compressor to turn on by frequently draining the water. This creates excess load on the system and can lead to premature failure of the main components.
There are two main types of systems that respond differently to temperature changes. Simpler models use Peltier element, which starts working almost immediately after the device is plugged into the network, but its power is limited. In more complex systems with a compressor, starting occurs strictly according to the thermostat signal. The difference in startup algorithms is critical for understanding why your cooler may not cool the water immediately after installation.
Principle of operation of the thermostat and temperature sensors
The main element responsible for starting the cooling process is thermostat. This is a device that opens or closes an electrical circuit depending on the temperature of the environment. Modern cooler models use electronic thermostats that are highly accurate. They are tuned to a specific range, for example, from +5 to +12 degrees Celsius. As soon as the water in the tank heats up to the upper limit of this range, the thermostat sends a signal to start the cooling element.
The data reading process occurs continuously. Temperature sensor, immersed in the tank or in contact with its wall, transmits data to the control board. If the readings exceed the set value, the board supplies voltage to the compressor starter or directly to the thermoelectric module. It is important to note that there is hysteresis a temperature difference between turning on and off, which prevents too frequent startup cycles.
- 🌡️ The sensor detects an increase in the temperature of the water in the tank above the set one limit.
- ⚡ The control board receives the signal and closes the power circuit of the refrigeration unit.
- ❄️ Active cooling begins until the lower limit of the temperature range is reached.
- 🛑 The thermostat opens the circuit and the system goes into standby mode.
Some users wonder why the refrigerator does not turn on immediately after replacing the bottle. The answer lies in the inertia of the system. The water in the tank is not mixed instantly, and the sensor takes time to detect a real change in thermal state. Electronic board may have a built-in start delay to protect the compressor from water hammer or power surge.
In models with compressor cooling also important The role of the protection relay is played. It blocks the engine from restarting for several minutes after stopping. This is necessary to equalize the pressure in the refrigerant system. If you just turned off the cooler and immediately turned it on again, the refrigerator may not work for 5-10 minutes, and this is a normal situation and not a breakdown.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear the relay click, but the compressor does not start, do not try to turn the device on and off repeatedly. Allow the system to cool and stabilize for 15-20 minutes.
Differences between compressor and electronic cooling
Understanding the type of system installed is critical to answering the question of how and when it turns on. Compressor systems work on the principle of a classic refrigerator: there is a refrigerant, a condenser, an evaporator and motor-compressor. Their start-up is always pulsed: they either work at full power or are turned off. The switching algorithm here is strictly tied to the thermostat readings.
In contrast, systems with Peltier element (electronic cooling) operate continuously while the device is plugged in, but their efficiency depends on the temperature difference with the environment. They do not “turn on” in the usual sense of the word when the temperature rises; they can only change the intensity of work or simply support the heat exchange process. However, some advanced models with electronic cooling also have a thermal relay that completely turns off the element when the water is cold enough to save resources.
The comparison table will help you understand the nuances of starting different types of systems:
| Parameter | Compressor cooling | Electronic (Peltier) |
|---|---|---|
| Start type | By thermostat signal (cyclic) | Constantly or by thermostat |
| Reaction to heating | Powerful jerk, fast cold | Smooth temperature maintenance |
| Noise when turned on | Noticeable hum and clicking | Silent operation |
| Minimum water temperature | Up to +4...+5 °C | Usually not lower than +10...+12 °C |
Motor-compressor creates vibration and noise at the time of startup, which is normal physical process. Electronic modules have no moving parts, so their “switching on” is practically impossible to notice visually and audibly. This is why owners of coolers with Peltier often think that the device does not work, although it simply quietly performs its function.
Why does the compressor hum loudly at startup?
At the moment of startup, the piston group of the compressor must overcome the pressure in the system and the inertia of the resting parts. This requires a large starting current and creates a characteristic sound. If the humming does not stop after 10-15 seconds of operation, this may indicate wear of the bearings or problems with the fastening.
Startup algorithm after installing the bottle
One of the most common scenarios when users are interested in the operation of the refrigerator is replacing the bottle. Many people pour water at room temperature or even warm, expecting the cooler to instantly cool it down. However, working algorithm provides for a certain sequence of actions, ignoring which leads to disappointment.
Immediately after installing a new bottle, water enters the inlet valve and then flows into the tank. At this moment float sensor detects the presence of water and allows the heating element (if any) and the cooling system to operate. But! The refrigerator will not start freezing water from 25 degrees to 5 degrees in five minutes. This is physically impossible for household coolers.
- 🚰 Water entering the tank and activating the float mechanism.
- 🔌 Supplying power to the control board and polling the status of the sensors.
- ⏳ Waiting for the first cooling cycle (can take from 40 minutes to 2 hours).
- 💧 Reaching operating temperature and switching to maintenance mode.
The first start after installing the bottle is always the longest. Thermostat will keep the circuit closed until the entire volume of water in the tank has cooled to the set value. During this time, the compressor (or Peltier element) operates continuously. Only after reaching the target temperature will the system switch to a cyclic mode of operation: turned on - cooled - turned off.
☑️ Check after installing the bottle
There is a common misconception that you need to drain several glasses of water to "start" the refrigerator. This is not true. On the contrary, draining the water accelerates the flow of new, warm water from the bottle, which will only increase the operating time of the system in active load mode. It is better to let the device sit and work the first cycle alone.
Manual control and mode switches
On the back panel of most coolers there are switches that directly affect how and when the refrigerator turns on. Often, users accidentally switch them to the “Off” or “0” position, and then are surprised at the lack of cold. Cooling toggle switch (usually green) - this is the main switch that allows the refrigeration system to operate.
If this switch is off, thermostat physically will not receive power, and the circuit will not close, regardless of the water temperature. Some models also have an "Eco" or "Energy Saving" switch. In this mode, the operating algorithm changes: the refrigerator turns on less often, and the temperature range expands, which saves electricity, but the water may be less cold.
It is important to check the position of these toggle switches every time you wet clean or rearrange furniture. Vibration or careless movement can throw off the switch. Also, on some modern models with touch controls the button lock or the "Vacation" mode can be activated, which disables all functions except basic ones.
⚠️ Attention: Before switching the toggle switches on the rear panel, be sure to make sure your hands are dry. Moisture getting inside the switch can cause a short circuit or oxidation of the contacts, which will lead to failure of the switching system.
For models with electronic control, the temperature and operating mode are adjusted through the panel on the front. Here microprocessor he decides when to turn on the compressor, based on the programmed program. Resetting the settings to factory values can return the switching algorithm to its original state if you are confused in the adjustments.
Typical reasons for the system not responding
There are situations when all conditions are met, the bottle is full, the switches are on, but the refrigerator is silent. In this case, you need to check technical condition devices. The most common, but often forgotten reason is the lack of voltage in the outlet or damage to the power cord.
If there is power, but the refrigerator does not turn on, it may have failed itself thermostat. It could get stuck in the open state. In compressor models, the starting relay or capacitor often breaks, causing the compressor to hum but not start, or not make any sounds at all. In models with Peltier, the thermocouple itself or the blower fan may burn out.
- 🔌 Check the integrity of the power cable and the presence of voltage in the socket.
- 🔊 Listen: is there a click of the relay or an attempt to start the motor.
- 🌬️ Make sure that the ventilation holes in the back are not blocked by furniture.
- 🧊 Check if an ice plug has formed in the tank (for older models).
Another hidden reason is airing the system. If an air lock has formed in the tubes, the temperature sensor may show incorrect data, or water simply does not circulate around the cooling element. In such cases, it is necessary to pump the system through taps.
Do not forget about software failures in electronic control boards. Static electricity or power surges can cause the controller to freeze. In this case, a full reset helps: turn off the appliance from the outlet, wait 10-15 minutes and turn it on again. This is the only case when a full power reset can solve the problem of the refrigerator not turning on without the intervention of a technician.
Features of operation in winter
In winter, the question is "how does the refrigerator turn on" takes on a new meaning. If the cooler is placed in an unheated room or on a balcony, the ambient temperature may drop below the temperature to which the cooler cools the water. In this case thermostat it simply will not give the command to turn on, since the water is already colder than the required minimum.
Moreover, the operation of compressor models at temperatures below +10...+15 degrees Celsius is not recommended by manufacturers. Refrigeration oil the compressor thickens, and when you try to start the mechanism may jam. Electronic systems also work ineffectively in such conditions, since heat removal from the Peltier element is hampered by the low ambient temperature (paradoxically, but true: they need heat for removal in order to operate in heating mode, or effective heat exchange for cold).
If you notice that in winter the water in the cooler has become warm, although the switch is on, check room temperature. Perhaps protection system it is blocking the start, or, conversely, the water has cooled naturally and the refrigerator simply does not turn on because it is not necessary. In the cold season, the operating mode changes dramatically.
Why does the refrigerator turn on more often at night?
At night, the room temperature usually drops. For compressor systems this can mean more efficient heat transfer, but can also affect thermostat performance if it is sensitive to external conditions. However, more often than not, increased noise at night is simply a consequence of silence in the house, and not of increased frequency of work.
Is it possible to speed up the start of the refrigerator?
It is impossible and not necessary to artificially speed up the start. The operating algorithm is laid down by the manufacturer for maximum efficiency and durability. Attempts to “deceive” the thermostat (for example, by heating it with a hairdryer) will lead to incorrect operation and breakdown.
What to do if the cooler hums, but does not cool?
This is a sign of the compressor operating without a cooling effect. Possible causes: freon leak, capillary tube clogged, or condenser fan failure. A call to a technician is required for diagnostics.
How often should the compressor turn on?
Under normal conditions, the compressor operates cyclically: it works for 10-15 minutes, rests for 20-30 minutes. The frequency depends on the temperature in the room, the frequency of water intake and the quality of the thermal insulation of the tank.
Does water hardness affect the operation of the refrigerator?
Directly when turned on - no. But indirectly, yes. Scale on the heat exchanger or inside the tank impairs heat transfer. The temperature sensor may incorrectly read data through the scale layer, which will lead to incorrect on/off cycles.