Many users are faced with a misunderstanding of the operating principle of office and home drinking water supply devices. The question of how to turn on a refrigerator in a cooler often arises because these devices are not equipped with a classic freezer compartment or a button labeled “Refrigerator.” In fact, the cooling system is built into the main body and is activated automatically or through a special control panel, depending on the model.
Unlike kitchen units, water cooler is not designed for freezing food, but it effectively lowers the temperature of the liquid to comfortable values. This process is not instantaneous and requires compliance with certain time intervals after the first connection. Understanding the physics of operation of a compressor or electronic module will help to avoid false alarms and incorrect operation of equipment.
In this article we will analyze in detail the algorithms for activating cold water supply, the difference between compressor and electronic models, and also answer questions about setting up thermoregulation. You will learn why the water may not cool immediately and how to properly prepare the device for the first start in order to extend its service life.
The principle of operation of the cooling system in coolers
To understand how to start the cooling process, you need to understand the structure of the device. There are two main types of systems, which differ radically in their operating principle and reaction speed. It uses freon and a motor-compressor similar to those found in ordinary household refrigerators. Such devices are powerful, quickly cool large volumes of water and are able to maintain low temperatures even in a hot room. compressor models Freon and a motor-compressor are used, similar to those found in ordinary household refrigerators. Such devices are powerful, quickly cool large volumes of water and are able to maintain low temperatures even in a hot room.
Electronic coolers operate based on the Peltier effect. They have no refrigerant and no moving parts in the cooling system, with the exception of the fan. Cooling occurs due to the passage of electric current through special plates. Thermoelectric modules quieter, lighter and cheaper, but their performance is highly dependent on the ambient temperature. If the room is very hot, the electronics may not cope with the task.
What is the difference in energy consumption?
Compressor models consume more energy at startup, but reach the set temperature faster and turn off. Electronic coolers consume energy constantly and evenly while they are plugged in, but their absolute power is lower.
It is important to note that not a single cooler begins to freeze the water in the tank immediately after being plugged in. Water must travel from the bottle through a system of tubes to the internal reservoir, where heat exchange occurs. This process takes time, and waiting 2-3 hours is absolutely normal for the initial launch.
Preparation for the first launch and installation of the bottle
Before wondering why the cold does not work, you need to properly prepare the device. Errors at the installation stage often lead to the protection system blocking the operation of heating or cooling elements. First, make sure that the cooler is installed on a flat, hard surface away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
It is critical to fill the internal tank with water before turning on the electricity. If you turn on heating or cooling on an empty tank, you can damage the heating element or damage the circulation system. Water should fill the tanks by gravity after installing the bottle and opening the taps.
☑️ Check before turning on
After water has flowed from the taps and the level in the tank stabilized, you can move on to the electrical part. Some models have hidden switches on the back, while others are controlled by a touchpad on the front. Carefully inspect the case to find the controls before searching for instructions on the Internet.
Instructions: how to activate the cooling mode
The activation algorithm depends on the type of control of your model. In most modern devices with a bottom loading bottle, the controls are placed on the top panel, often under a decorative cover, to prevent accidental pressing by children. You will need to look for a switch with a picture of a snowflake or text Cool.
If you have a mechanical model, the switch is a detent key. Press it to the "On" position (usually the top position or the green indicator lights up). Electronic models may require a short press to activate the screen, and then a long press on the snowflake button (3-5 seconds) to unlock the controls.
⚠️ Attention: Do not turn on the cooling mode if the bottle runs out of water. Running the system dry can lead to overheating and automatic shutdown of the device by the protective thermostat.
After activation, you may hear a slight hum or click - this is the start of the compressor or the turning on of the electronic system fan. Do not be alarmed if cold water does not come out immediately. Cooling cycle It takes time, since you need to cool the entire volume of water in the internal tank (usually 0.5 - 1 liter), and not just what is in the tap.
Temperature settings and thermoregulation
In simple mechanical models, temperature control is often absent or implemented through an internal thermostat, access to which requires removing the back cover. However, in many modern devices, especially electronic ones, there is the possibility of fine tuning. For this purpose, thermostatis used, which can be presented in the form of a wheel inside the case or a digital menu.
In electronic coolers, the temperature is often displayed on the display. The standard cooling range is +5 to +15 degrees Celsius. To change settings, you usually need to enter programming mode (a combination of buttons) or simply use the "+" and "-" buttons on the control panel. The optimal temperature for drinking water is considered to be +8...+10°C.
If you notice that the water has become warmer than usual, check if the settings have gone wrong. Room temperature also affects efficiency. Electronic coolers can only cool water 10-12 degrees below the room temperature. That is, if the office is +28°C, then water below +16°C will not physically cool down.
| Parameter | Compressor cooler | Electronic cooler |
|---|---|---|
| Min. water temperature | +4...+6 °C | +10...+15 °C |
| Primary cooling time | 1.5 - 2 hours | 3 - 4 hours |
| Productivity (l/hour) | 2.0 - 3.5 l/hour | 0.5 - 0.8 l/hour |
| Operating noise | Medium (compressor hum) | Low (fan noise) |
Why the cooler does not cool the water: diagnostics
The situation when the device is turned on, the indicators are on, but the water remains warm, occurs quite often. The first reason is often insufficient waiting time. As mentioned earlier, primary cooling takes several hours. If you turned on the device 15 minutes ago, just wait.
The second common reason is the location of the device. If the cooler is located close to the wall, in a niche or next to the battery, heat exchange is disrupted. The rear grille must breathe. For compressor models, a gap of at least 15-20 cm from the walls is required, for electronic models - at least 10 cm.
It is also worth checking the operation of the fan (in electronic models) or compressor (in mechanical ones). Place your hand on the back wall or listen to the machine. If the compressor is silent, although the "Cool" indicator is on, the thermal protection may have tripped or the starter may have failed. In this case, you need repair or calling a specialist.
Operation in winter and at night
Many users ask whether they need to turn off the cooler at night or on weekends. From the point of view of energy saving, turning off makes sense if the device is not used for more than 8-10 hours. However, frequent heating and cooling cycles can reduce the life of the heating element and compressor.
In winter, when central heating is running in the room, the air becomes dry and hot, which increases the load on the cooling system. It's especially important to keep your vents clean this time of year. If you go on a long vacation, you need to turn off the power to the cooler, drain the water from the tanks and leave the taps open.
⚠️ Attention: During the winter, when transporting the cooler (if you are moving), you cannot turn it on immediately after bringing it into a warm room. Allow the device to warm up to room temperature for 3-4 hours to avoid condensation on the electronic boards.
Modern models are often equipped with a Energy Saving or night mode that automatically turns off heating and cooling at set hours. Study the instructions for your model Vatten, AquaWork or Ecotronicto find out if this function is available.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
How long do you need to wait until the cooler starts cooling the water?
After turning on for the first time and filling the tanks with water, the primary cooling process takes from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the model and room temperature. Turning it on again after a break is faster.
Is it possible to use the cooler as a full-fledged refrigerator for food?
No, absolutely not. The volume of the cooled chamber in the cooler is minimal and is intended only for water flow. Placing food there will lead to damage to equipment and products.
Why does warm water come from a cold water tap?
This can happen if heating and cooling are turned on at the same time, and the water intake was very active. Also, warm water can flow if the taps are located too close to each other and heat exchange occurs through a common spout. Give the device 10-15 minutes of rest.
Is the compressor humming constantly?
No, the compressor operates in cycles. It turns on when the water temperature rises above the set temperature and turns off when the desired degree is reached. A constant hum may indicate a malfunction of the thermostat or a freon leak.
Is it necessary to defrost a water cooler?
Unlike freezers, coolers do not require regular defrosting, since ice does not form inside them during normal operation. However, preventive cleaning and disinfection of internal tanks is recommended once every 6 months.