Owners of domestic equipment often encounter confusion when setting the climate mode for the first time. The question of which direction to turn the thermostat knob to increase or decrease cooling is one of the most common in support services. Incorrect setting of the parameter can lead to spoilage of products or, conversely, to their freezing in the liquid phase.
In this article we will analyze in detail the logic of the operation of mechanical thermostats installed on models of Biryusa different generations. You will learn how to interpret the digital markings on the scale and what physical processes occur inside the chamber when you turn the handle.
Understanding the principle of operation mechanical thermostat will help you avoid mistakes and set up the refrigerator the first time. We will look at the differences between the “1–5” and “1–7” scales, and also explain why the number does not always mean degrees Celsius.
The principle of operation of a mechanical thermostat
The basis of the temperature control system in older and budget models of refrigerators is a mechanical sensor. Inside the device is a bellows tube filled with a temperature-sensitive gas or liquid. When the thermal conditions inside the chamber change, the pressure inside this tube changes, which leads to the opening or closing of the electrical contacts of the compressor.
When you turn the knob, you physically change the tension of the spring, which presses on the bellows membrane. This tension determines at what temperature the contacts will open and the compressor will stop. Therefore, the adjustment does not affect the cooling rate, but the engine shutdown threshold.
Thermostat works in a cyclic mode: it allows the compressor to work until a set point is reached, after which it turns off the power. The more tension the regulator spring is, the lower the temperature must drop before the system gives the command to stop the motor.
How does a capillary tube work?
Inside the fridge compartment there is a thin tube that transmits temperature from the air to the thermostat sensing element. If the tube is pinched or damaged, temperature adjustment becomes impossible or incorrect.
Interpretation of the digital scale: from 1 to 5 and from 1 to 7
On refrigerator control panels Biryusa most often there are two types of markings. Understanding the difference between them is critical to proper operation. The numbers on the scale do not indicate degrees Celsius, they indicate the intensity of the compressor.
Regardless of the number of divisions, the logic remains the same: a smaller number corresponds to weaker cooling, and a larger one to more intense cooling. However, the range of operating temperatures can vary significantly. On a scale up to “5”, the step between divisions is more pronounced than on a scale up to “7”.
In this mode, the refrigerator does not cool food, working only like an ordinary cabinet. Returning from this position requires time to stabilize the pressure in the system.
Which direction to turn the knob to increase the cold
If you are wondering how to make it colder in the main chamber, the answer depends from the current handle position. To enhance the cooling mode, you need to rotate the regulator clockwise, increasing the value of the number on the indicator. Moving from “1” to “3” or from “4” to “6” increases the load on the system.
When you turn the knob to the right (clockwise), you increase the spring tension inside the thermostat. The compressor will run longer without turning off until the internal temperature reaches a lower threshold. This leads to an active decrease in degrees on the shelves.
However, you should be careful: setting the maximum value (for example, “7” or “5”) for a long time can lead to freezing of the evaporator and the formation of a “snow coat”. In such conditions, products may lose moisture, and the engine will wear out.
Adjustment towards minimum cooling
In situations where the food in the main chamber begins to freeze, and the ice in the freezer, on the contrary, melts, it is necessary to reduce the intensity of the unit’s operation. To do this, turn the thermostat knob counterclockwise, decreasing the digital value.
Movement from large numbers to smaller ones (for example, from “4” to “2”) weakens the spring tension. The compressor will stop more often, allowing the interior to warm up to a higher temperature before starting again. This saves energy and prevents deep freezing of vegetables.
The minimum position (number “1”) is often used in the summer or when the refrigerator is fully loaded with warm food, when a gentle mode is required. In this mode, the motor operates in short cycles, maintaining the temperature closer to the upper limit of the norm.
⚠️ Attention: It is not recommended to set the regulator to minimum (1) in the hot season, if there is a lot of food in the chamber. The compressor may not have time to gain cold, and the temperature in the chamber will begin to rise above the safe one.
Table of correspondence between regulator positions and temperature conditions
Although the exact degrees depend on the ambient temperature in the kitchen and the technical condition of the seals, we can highlight average values for standard conditions. Below is a table to help you navigate the expected result of the adjustment.
| Position of the regulator | Nature of operation | Expected effect | Recommended application |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Minimum) | Short cycles, frequent stops | Temperature +6..+8°C | Few products, cool kitchen |
| 3 (Average) | Balanced mode | Temperature +3..+5°C | Daily operation, standard load |
| 5 (Maximum) | Long operation without stopping | Temperature 0..+2°C | Fast cooling, hot weather, full load |
| 7 (Turbo) | Continuous operation | Temperature around 0°C | Short-term freezing (no more than 6 hours) |
The use of extreme positions requires control. If you set the knob to “5” or “7” for quick freezing, be sure to return it to the middle position after a few hours. Constant operation at the limit of capabilities reduces the life of the compressor.
Seasonal adjustment and the influence of room temperature
The efficiency of the refrigerator Biryusa directly depends on the air temperature in the room where it is installed. In summer, when the room is hot, heat exchange is difficult and the compressor takes longer to cool the chambers. In winter, the situation is the opposite.
In the summer, it is advisable to shift the regulator towards higher values (4-5) in order to compensate for the heating of the case from the ambient air. In winter, when the apartment is cool, position 2-3 is sufficient, since it is easier for the motor to give off heat to the environment.
- 🌡️ In summer, make sure that the refrigerator is away from the stove and direct sunlight.
- ❄️ In winter, do not set the regulator to minimum, if the room is colder than +16°C - the oil in the compressor may thicken.
- 🔄 When changing seasons, be sure to check the thermostat settings.
⚠️ Attention: If the room temperature drops below +10°C, the mechanical thermostat may stop turning on the compressor, believing that the cold has already been reached. In such conditions, a special low-temperature kit or transfer of equipment to heat is required.
☑️ Checking the seasonal settings
Typical mistakes when adjusting the temperature
Many users make the mistake of trying to “increase the cold” by frequently twisting the handle back and forth. The thermostat is an inertial mechanism. It takes time (from 30 minutes to an hour) to sense the temperature change and react by turning the motor on or off.
Another common mistake is setting the maximum mode on an empty refrigerator. In the absence of heat-intensive products (water, meat, vegetables), the air inside cools instantly, but the sensor may not have time to operate, which will lead to freezing of the contents during the next load.
Also, do not ignore the formation of ice. If a thick crust of ice appears on the back wall when the regulator is in position “3,” this is a signal of a malfunction (freon leakage, wear of the seal), and not a reason to turn the knob further. Mechanical strengthening of the mode in this case will only speed up the breakdown.
What to do if the knob scrolls endlessly?
If the regulator turns without clicks and without changing the mode, the rod or the thermostat itself is probably broken. The part needs to be replaced because temperature adjustment has become impossible.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
What does the red dot or flashing indicator mean after turning the knob?
A red indicator usually indicates that the temperature in the chamber has not yet reached the normal level. After changing the settings, it may remain on for several hours. If it is constantly on, check that the door is closed tightly.
Is it possible to completely turn off the refrigerator using the thermostat knob?
Yes, if you turn the knob counterclockwise all the way, a click is often heard and the “Off” light comes on (or the main one goes out). In this position, the compressor will not work.
Why does the Biryusa refrigerator not turn off after setting it to minimum?
This may indicate a refrigerant leak or sticking thermostat contacts. Mechanical adjustment will not help in this case - you need to call a technician to diagnose the refrigeration circuit.
How to understand that the thermostat is faulty?
The main symptom is the absence of a click when turning the knob or the compressor operating in any position of the regulator (except “0”). Also, a malfunction is indicated by the lack of response to changing the settings during the day.
Is it necessary to defrost the refrigerator before setting the temperature?
There is no need to specially defrost the unit just to set the regulator. However, if there is ice on the evaporator, its presence will distort the sensor readings. In this case, defrosting is necessary for correct operation.