Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation where Biryusa refrigerator ceases to perform its main function in full. The most common scenario: food freezes in the freezer, and in the upper compartment the temperature rises above normal, and the food begins to spoil. This is a classic sign of a refrigerant circulation problem or a failure in the control system.
Two-chamber models, such as the Biryusa 6, 8, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14 series, have design features that allow you to localize the fault. If the compressor runs continuously without turning off, or, conversely, turns on rarely, but the upper chamber is warm, the problem cannot be ignored. Compressor it may overheat and burn out if the root cause of the breakdown is not eliminated.
In this article we will look at why the upper chamber does not freeze, which elements most often fail and whether it is possible to fix the malfunction yourself. Understanding the operating principle of the system No Frost or drip defrosting system will help you save on calling a technician or correctly describe the problem in the service center.
Operating principle and distribution of cold
In two-chamber Biryusa refrigerators, cold is usually generated in freezer compartment and then distributed to the refrigerator compartment. In models with the system No Frost a fan is responsible for this, which drives cold air through special air ducts. If the upper chamber does not cool, it means that cold air simply does not get there.
In models with a drip system (“crying wall”), the cold is transmitted through a common wall or a separate evaporator. The condition thermostat and the absence of ice plugs in the channels are critically important here. Violation of the tightness of the housing or door seals also leads to loss of cold, since warm air constantly flows inside.
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor operates without interruption for more than 24 hours, and the temperature in the refrigerator compartment does not drop below +10°C, immediately disconnect the device from the network. Long-term wear and tear will lead to expensive compressor repairs.
Understanding exactly how your Biryusa refrigerator should freeze is the first step to diagnosis. Check if the fan is working (if you can hear air noise) and if there is ice on the back wall, which can block the channels.
Basic reasons for the lack of cold in the upper compartment
There are several key factors due to which upper chamber it stops cooling. Most often the problem lies in a refrigerant leak or a clogged system. Freon is a working fluid that, when evaporating, takes away heat. If its quantity in the circuit has decreased due to a microcrack, the pressure is not enough to cool a large volume.
The second common reason is clogging of the capillary tube. Not only freon circulates in the system, but also compressor oil. Over time, the oil may thicken or mix with breakdown products, forming a plug. In this case, freon circulates only in part of the circuit (usually in the freezer), and does not reach the top.
It is also worth considering a malfunction of defrost sensor or the evaporator heating element. If the defrost system does not turn on, the evaporator becomes covered with a “coat” of ice, which tightly blocks the air supply channels. Visually, this may look like a working refrigerator, but physically the cold air is blocked by an ice plug.
Hidden leak
Freon leakage often occurs in the foamed part of the housing (inside the wall). It is not visible from the outside, but over time the refrigerator stops freezing. Repair in this case is complicated and requires the installation of an external evaporator.
Diagnostics of the No Frost system and fan
If you have a model with No Frost, and the upper chamber does not freeze, the first thing you need to check is the fan. It is this that ensures air circulation. Open the freezer and listen: if the fan is silent, although the compressor is humming, the problem may be in the motor winding or that it is jammed with ice.
A situation often occurs when the fan blades freeze to ice. This occurs due to a malfunction of the defrost system. In this case, it is necessary to completely defrost Biryusa refrigerator during the day, without turning it on. If, after defrosting, the upper chamber started working for 1-2 days, and then stopped again, the defrosting system is to blame.
Check the air dampers. Some Biryusa models have mechanical or electrical dampers that regulate air flow. If the damper is stuck in the closed position, cold air physically cannot enter the refrigerator compartment.
Faults in the thermostat and sensors
Thermoregulator (thermostat) is the “brain” that commands the compressor to turn on or off. If it fails and “thinks” the chamber is already cold enough, it will not start the compressor. As a result, the temperature in both chambers increases, but most often this is first noticed in the upper chamber, where the temperature requirements are higher.
In Biryusa electronic models, temperature is controlled sensors (sensors). If the upper chamber sensor shows incorrect data (for example, that it is -5°C, when in fact it is +15°C), the control module will not turn on the cooling. Replacing the sensor usually solves the problem.
It is also worth checking the settings. Sometimes users accidentally switch the refrigerator to the “Vacation” or “Super Freeze” mode, which can change the operating algorithm. Reset the settings to factory settings via the control panel Settings → Reset.
⚠️ Attention: When replacing the thermostat or sensors, make sure that the new element has exactly the same temperature characteristics. Installing an unsuitable sensor will lead to incorrect operation of the compressor.
Table of symptoms and probable malfunctions
For quick diagnostics, use the table below. Compare the behavior of your Biryusa refrigerator with the described symptoms to determine the unit that requires attention. refrigerator Biryusa with the described symptoms to determine the unit that requires attention.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor is humming, does not turn off, the top is warm | Freon leak or clogged capillary tube | High (needs a technician) |
| There is ice in the freezer, it is warm at the top, the fan is silent | Malfunction of the defrost system (heating element, timer, sensor) | Medium (replacement of parts) |
| The refrigerator turns on for 1 minute, then pause | Malfunction of the start relay or thermostat | Low (relay replacement) |
| In the upper chamber +10...+15°C, the compressor does not start | Failure of the thermostat or electronics | Medium |
This table covers the most frequent breakdown scenarios. However, an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist using a manometric manifold to check the pressure in the system.
Instructions for defrosting and checking
Before calling a technician, try to carry out a complete defrost. This is a free procedure that in 30% of cases helps restore operation if the problem was an ice jam. Unplug the Biryusa refrigerator from the mains, remove all food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours. refrigerator Biryusa from the mains, remove all food and leave the doors open for at least 24 hours.
Important: a lot of water can leak under the refrigerator, so spread rags. After defrosting, wipe the chambers dry and turn on the device without food. Wait 2-3 hours. If the upper chamber began to get colder, the problem was in the defrosting system.
☑️ Checklist for complete defrosting
If after defrosting the situation repeats itself a couple of days later, it means that one of the elements of the defrost system (heating element, defrost sensor or timer) requires replacement. You can change the heating element yourself if you have the skills to work with electrical equipment.
When you need to call a specialist
There are situations when independent repair is impossible or dangerous. If you hear gurgling in the pipes, but there is no cold, or if oily spots are visible on the rear grille, these are signs of a freon leak. To eliminate it, you need to evacuate the system, fill with refrigerant R600a or R134a and seal the tubes, which requires special equipment.
Also, a master is needed if the compressor burns out. Replacing the “heart” of a refrigerator is a labor-intensive process that requires qualifications. Do not attempt to open a sealed circuit without skill as this may result in personal injury or property damage.
⚠️ Note: Parts and repair prices may vary. Before ordering spare parts, check the article numbers with the technical documentation of your Biryusa model or consult with official dealers.
Why is there ice in the freezer? Is it warm in the refrigerator compartment?
This is a classic sign of a clogged capillary tube or a malfunction of the defrost system in No Frost models. Ice blocks the channel through which cold air should flow into the upper compartment, or freon circulates only in the first circuit of the evaporator.
Is it possible to add freon yourself?
No. This requires a vacuum pump, pressure gauges and scales. In addition, you need to know exactly the type of freon and the amount of oil in the system. Unprofessional refilling will lead to rapid breakdown of the compressor.
How long should it take to defrost Biryusa?
It takes at least 24 hours for the ice to completely melt in the hidden channels and evaporator. Defrosting for 2-3 hours is often insufficient, and the problem returns after a couple of days.
What does a flashing temperature indicator mean?
A flashing indicator on the control panel usually indicates that the temperature in the chamber is rising above normal. If after defrosting and setting it continues to blink, the temperature sensor or control module is probably faulty.