Correctly setting the temperature in a refrigeration unit is not just a matter of comfort, but a necessity to ensure the safety of products and extend the service life of the compressor. The model Stinol 107, despite its age category, remains a reliable assistant in many homes, however, its mechanical control system requires the owner to understand the principles of operation of thermostats. Unlike modern electronic panels, here the adjustment is done manually, which gives full control, but requires attention to detail.
Errors in the settings can lead to two extreme situations: either the products in the upper chamber will begin to freeze, losing their taste, or ice will no longer form in the freezer compartment, which is critical for long-term storage. Understanding how refrigerant circulation interacts in this particular model will allow you to avoid calling a technician to solve problems that are easy to fix yourself. Let's look at the setup process step by step. thermostat and the circulation of refrigerant in this particular model will allow you to avoid calling a technician to solve problems that are easy to fix yourself. Let's look at the setup process step by step.
It is important to immediately note that the model Stinol 107 refers to two-chamber refrigerators with a drip defrosting system and mechanical control. This means that there is no display with numbers, and all adjustments are made by turning the thermostat knob. Accurate calibration is possible only after the temperature has stabilized for 5-6 hours after each change in the position of the regulator. Do not rush to turn the knob immediately, give the system time to react.
The principle of operation of a mechanical thermostat
The main control element in Stinol 107 is the thermostat located inside the refrigeration chamber. This device reacts to changes in air temperature and, upon reaching set values, opens or closes the electrical circuit of the compressor. Understanding the operating logic of this unit is critical for proper operation. The adjustment is carried out by turning the handle, on which divisions from 1 to 5 (or up to Max) are marked.
Many users mistakenly believe that the number on the regulator corresponds to degrees Celsius. In fact, these are symbols of cooling intensity. One means the minimum production of cold, and five means the maximum. When the knob is set to position "Min" or "1", the compressor will turn on less often and work for less time, maintaining a lower temperature inside the chambers.
Conversely, turning the knob towards the maximum values makes the unit work almost non-stop, trying to achieve extremely low values. This may be justified during initial startup or loading a large volume of warm products, but in normal operation it leads to increased energy consumption and wear of the motor. The mechanical sensor is sensitive to location: if it is covered with food, the readings will be incorrect.
⚠️ Attention: Never immediately set the regulator to the maximum value (5 or Max) under normal conditions. This will lead to freezing of the evaporator in the fridge compartment and the formation of a “snow coat” on the back wall, which will disrupt heat transfer.
The design of the thermostat Stinol 107 assumes the presence of a sensitive tube, which is attached to the evaporator or in a special channel. It is she who transmits information about temperature. If you notice that the refrigerator stops turning off or, on the contrary, does not start at all, the problem often lies not in the settings, but in the loss of tightness of this system or the displacement of the sensor.
Optimal parameters for the refrigerator compartment
For the main chamber, where ready-made dishes, vegetables and drinks, there are standards set by food manufacturers. The temperature here should be maintained in the range from +2 to +6 degrees Celsius. In Stinol 107 this can be achieved by correctly selecting the position of the thermostat handle depending on the season and load.
In the summer, when the ambient temperature (ambient temperature) is high, the heat flow into the chamber increases. The compressor has to work harder. On hot days, it is recommended to move the regulator closer to average or slightly above average, but not to the maximum. In winter, when the apartment is cool, the load can be reduced by turning the knob towards the minimum.
The distribution of cold in the chamber is uneven, and this must be taken into account when placing products. On the shelves near the back wall the temperature is always lower than at the door. Therefore, it is better to place perishable foods such as meat or fish closer to the source of cold, and drinks and sauces on door shelves, where it is warmer.
To control the situation, you can use a simple household thermometer by placing it in a glass of water on the middle shelf for several hours. This will give an objective picture of what is happening inside, regardless of the readings of the mechanical regulator. If the water has cooled to +4°C, it means operating mode it has been selected correctly.
Adjusting the freezer compartment
The freezer compartment in the model Stinol 107 does not have its own independent thermostat. Its temperature directly depends on the operation of the compressor, which is controlled by the refrigeration chamber sensor. This means that the cooling of the “freezer” occurs according to the residual principle: while the compressor for the upper chamber is working, the lower one freezes as well.
To ensure high-quality freezing and long-term storage (up to 3-6 months), the temperature in this compartment should be -18°C or lower. If you notice that the ice in the molds has become soft or condensation has appeared on the products, it means that the current compressor power is not enough. In this case, it is necessary to increase the cooling intensity by turning the thermostat knob of the main chamber towards higher values.
However, here lies the main nuance: by increasing the cold in the freezer, you risk freezing the food in the upper compartment. This is why balance is so important. If, when the “three” is set, it is warm in the freezer, but the milk in the refrigerator is already freezing, it means that the efficiency of the system has decreased. This may be a sign of a freon leak or a leak in the door seals.
There is a fast freezing mode, indicated by a red button or a separate position on some modifications, but in the classic Stinol 107 the role of “super freezing” is performed by manually setting the regulator to maximum for a short time (2-3 hours). After this, be sure to return the handle to the operating position, otherwise the compressor may burn out from overload.
Seasonal adjustment and environmental influence
External temperature has a tremendous impact on the operation of any refrigeration equipment. The instructions for Stinol 107 imply operation in climate class SN-T, that is, at ambient temperatures from +10 to +43 degrees Celsius. Going beyond these limits makes normal temperature adjustment impossible or dangerous for equipment.
In winter, when the heating in apartments is not operating at full capacity or, conversely, in summer in extreme heat, the thermal load on the condenser (black radiator at the back) changes. If the room is cold (below +16°C), the compressor may turn on very rarely. Under such conditions, the oil in the engine thickens, which harms the lubrication of rubbing parts during rare starts.
Summer heat forces the unit to work at its limit. At this time of year, it is not recommended to place the refrigerator near the stove or in direct sunlight. Even setting the thermostat correctly will not help if the heat gain is too great. In hot weather, it is better to reduce the temperature in the chamber by reducing the power to give the compressor the opportunity to rest, albeit at the expense of the cooling rate.
| Position of the regulator | Operating mode | For what season | Impact on products |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 (Min) | Economical, rare inclusions | Winter (heated room) | Risk of defrosting with heavy load |
| 2-3 (Average) | Normal, standard cycle | Spring / Autumn | Optimal storage of most products |
| 4 (High) | Intensive | Hot summer / Heavy load | Possible freezing at the rear wall |
| 5 (Max) | Continuous operation | Only for quick freezing | High risk of compressor damage and products |
Remember that sudden voltage surges in the electrical network can also affect the operation of the control electronics (if modified) or the starting relay. Voltage stability is the key to ensuring that the settings you set will work correctly.
Typical mistakes when setting the temperature
One of the most common mistakes is trying to adjust the temperature immediately after turning on the refrigerator or after defrosting. Thermal Stabilization in two-chamber models it takes time. If you've just cleaned your refrigerator and turned it on, let it run for 5-8 hours with the chambers empty before making any adjustments.
Another mistake is to close the air ducts between the chambers or tightly pack the shelves with food so that cold air cannot circulate. In Stinol 107 circulation is natural, convection. If the air path is blocked, the temperature sensor located at the top will indicate heat and the compressor will not turn off, freezing everything around it.
⚠️ Attention: Do not put hot or warm food in the refrigerator. This causes a sharp jump in temperature, forcing the compressor to work for wear for several hours in a row, which disrupts the set temperature regime in all chambers.
Often users ignore the condition of the seals. If the rubber of the refrigerator door has dried out and does not fit tightly, warm air constantly flows inside. The thermostat will “scream” about the lack of cold and spin the engine without stopping, but it will never reach the desired temperature. In this case, it is useless to turn the regulator - the seal needs to be replaced.
☑️ Check before setting
It is also worth mentioning the error of ignoring defrosting. Although Stinol 107 equipped with a drip defrosting system (“crying wall”), it is effective only if the defrost heater is working properly and the water flow is normal. If the drainage hole is clogged, ice builds up, thermal conductivity deteriorates, and temperature adjustment becomes ineffective.
Diagnostics of faults through temperature mode
The behavior of the refrigerator when trying to adjust the temperature can tell about its technical condition. If you have set the average values, but the compressor hums continuously and there is no cold, this is an alarming symptom. Most likely there is a refrigerant leak or a blockage in the capillary tube. In this case, adjusting the thermostat will not help; repairs are required.
The opposite situation: the refrigerator does not turn on at all, although it is warm in the chamber. If turning the thermostat knob all the way to the right (including a click) does not start the motor, the thermostat itself or the start relay may be faulty. You can check this by closing the thermostat contacts (for specialists), but at home it is easier to replace the entire unit.
Sometimes the problem of “under-switching off” occurs. The compressor works, there is cold, but the pauses between starts are too short (less than 10-15 minutes). This indicates that the insulation has deteriorated or that the door is being used too often. The cause may also be wear and tear on the compressor, which has lost performance and cannot gain the required pressure within the standard time.
Hidden function of the thermostat
Some thermostat models have a calibration screw under the handle. Turning it can shift the entire temperature range, but without special equipment and knowledge, it is strictly not recommended to touch it, since you can reset the factory settings irreversibly.
It is important to listen to the sounds of the operating unit. Gurgling, hissing or sharp clicking sounds may indicate problems with freon circulation, which directly affects the ability to maintain the set temperature. If adjusting the regulator does not change the nature of the motor operation, the problem is deeper than simple adjustment.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the food on the top shelf freeze in the Stinol 107 refrigerator?
This happens if the temperature regulator is set to position 4 or 5, or if the thermostat is faulty and does not turn off the compressor in time. The reason may also be the location of the products close to the back wall where the evaporator is located. Try lowering the value on the regulator to 2-3 and moving the food away from the wall.
What temperature should be in the Stinol 107 freezer?
For long-term storage of food, the optimal temperature is -18°C. In model 107, this is achieved by setting the refrigerator compartment regulator to the middle position (3). If the freezer is warmer (for example, -12°C), the products can only be stored for 2-3 weeks.
Is it possible to replace a mechanical thermostat with an electronic one in Stinol 107?
Theoretically, this is possible, but it requires a serious redesign, laying new wires and installing a control unit. The factory does not provide for such a modification. It is easier and more reliable to replace a failed mechanical thermostat with a similar original or compatible one (for example, TAM-133).
How long should the compressor rest between starts?
In normal operation, with the correct temperature setting, the compressor operating cycle is approximately 10-15 minutes of operation and 20-30 minutes of rest. If the refrigerator runs non-stop or turns on every 2-3 minutes, this is a sign of a malfunction or incorrect settings.
What to do if, after defrosting, the refrigerator takes a long time to gain temperature?
After complete defrosting, the refrigerator needs time to stabilize. An empty unit can gain cold for up to 2-3 hours. If you loaded it with products immediately, the time will increase to 6-8 hours. At this time, you should not often open the door and change the regulator settings.