The situation when freezer compartment properly freezes food, and there is heat in the main compartment of the Biryusa refrigerator, which is a classic symptom of a refrigerant circulation problem. Owners often encounter this phenomenon suddenly: yesterday everything was working normally, but today perishable products are already spoiling on the shelves of the upper chamber. This indicates that the cooling system is not working at full capacity, and the cold simply does not reach the upper compartments.
Refrigerators Biryusa, especially older models with a single compressor, are designed so that cold air or refrigerant first passes through the evaporator of the freezer, and then, cooling, it flows into the main chamber. If this balance is disturbed, we see a disproportion of temperatures. Causes there may be several: from banal icing to a serious freon leak. Understanding the physics of the process will help you quickly diagnose the problem and avoid unnecessary expenses on calling a technician for simple cases.
It is important not to panic and carry out an initial diagnosis. Often the problem lies in the fact that thermostat “sees” the low temperature in the freezer and turns off the compressor, preventing the system from cooling the upper part. In other cases, a clog or faulty defrost system is to blame. Next, we will look at the main breakdown scenarios and how to fix them on your own or with the help of specialists.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell chemicals or burnt wiring, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Further operation may be hazardous to health and lead to fire.
The operating principle of the Biryusa single-compressor system
To understand why it is warm in refrigerator compartment you need to know how Biryusa works. Most models use a static defrost system with one circulation circuit. The refrigerant (freon) is compressed by the compressor, turned into liquid in the condenser (grid at the back) and sent to the evaporator. First of all, it cools the evaporator freezer compartmentwhich is located in the upper part or in the form of a shelf-box.
After the freon has given the cold to the freezer, it goes into the channels located in the wall between chambers or in the back wall of the main compartment. This is where the air in main compartmentcools. If the system is working correctly, the temperature is distributed evenly. However, if an obstacle arises in the path of the refrigerant or its quantity decreases, it is the upper compartment that suffers first, since the cold “does not reach it.”
The key element here is capillary tube. It regulates the pressure and supply of freon. If the system is out of balance, the compressor may run non-stop, trying to get up to temperature, but due to insufficient cooling efficiency, the top will remain warm. This is a characteristic feature of many budget models, where the compressor power reserve is small.
System malfunctions defrosting and freezing
One of the most common reasons why it is warm in Biryusa refrigerator is banal freezing of the evaporator. In models with manual defrosting or a No Frost system (less common, but it happens), ice can block the channels through which cold air should flow into the main chamber. Visually, the freezer can work perfectly, but the air flows are blocked by a “fur coat”.
If you have a model with No Frost system, the heating element, defrost timer and temperature sensor are responsible for defrosting the evaporator. Failure of any of these elements leads to the evaporator becoming overgrown with ice. The fan that is supposed to blow cold air into the chamber either stops due to ice, or blows air that cannot pass through the ice jam. As a result, there is ice in the freezer, and warmth in the refrigerator.
- 🧊 Defrost heating element - a heating element that melts ice on the evaporator; if it burns out, the ice does not melt.
- ⏱️ Defrost timer —switches the “cooling” and “defrosting” modes; if it breaks down, the refrigerator may be stuck forever in cooling mode without defrosting.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor — controls the evaporator temperature; if it “lies”, the heating element may not turn on in time.
For diagnostics, complete defrosting is often required. Disconnect Biryusa refrigerator from the network for at least 12-24 hours. Keep doors open. If, after turning it on and setting the temperature, the problem disappeared for several days and then returned, the problem is definitely in the defrost system. If the cold does not appear even after defrosting, the problem is deeper.
☑️ Diagnostics of the defrosting system
Refrigerant leak and blockage of the capillary system
A more serious reason for which the freezer is freezing, and there is heat in the main chamber - this is a partial leak of freon or a clogged capillary tube. Unlike a complete leak, when it doesn’t freeze anywhere, with a partial leak or micro-clog, the freon pressure is only enough for the primary circuit (freezer chamber). The gas can no longer reach the heat exchanger of the refrigeration compartment.
When the capillary is clogged clogged capillary you can often hear a specific gurgling or murmur inside the refrigerator, which is replaced by silence. In this case, the compressor may work constantly, trying to push through the plug, or turn on rarely, since the sensor in the freezer records the norm and turns off the unit. Leaks most often occur in the foamed part of the case or in the places where the capacitor is soldered.
Symptoms of a leak or blockage:
- 🔇 The compressor operates with short cycles or, conversely, hums without stopping.
- 🌡️ The condenser (grid at the back) is warm only partially or completely cold.
- ❄️ Ice freezes in the freezer only at the entrance of the tubes or in one corner.
⚠️ Attention: Independent refilling with freon or cleaning the capillary system is impossible without professional equipment. An attempt to pick at the walls or tubes will lead to permanent failure.
Is it possible to restore operation if there is a leak?
On your own - no. It is necessary to find the location of the leak (often it is necessary to open the housing), evacuate the system and charge it with a strictly defined type and amount of refrigerant. This is work for a licensed master.
Problems with the thermostat and electronics
If the Biryusa refrigerator is mechanically correct, but the temperature regime is broken, the culprit may be the thermostat (thermostat). This device controls the temperature inside the chambers. In older models it is a mechanical “twist”, in new ones it is an electronic sensor. If the thermostat is “stuck” or its sensitive element (bellows) has lost its seal, it can turn off the compressor.
The logic is simple: the sensor is often installed in the freezer area or in the partition. It “feels” that it is already -18°C in the freezer and commands the compressor to stop. But at this time it may be +15°C in the main chamber. The compressor stops, the freezer slowly heats up, and the cycle repeats. As a result, the food in the upper compartment spoils.
To check the mechanical thermostat, you can try to temporarily close its contacts (only for experienced users!). If after this the refrigerator starts to freeze in both chambers (be careful not to overfreeze!), then the regulator needs to be changed. In electronic models Biryusa with a display, the sensor error is often displayed in the form of a code (for example, F1, F2), which simplifies diagnosis.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Actions |
|---|---|---|
| The compressor does not turn on | The thermostat or start relay is faulty | Measure the resistance, replace the part |
| Works without stopping | Freon leak or blockage | Call a technician to find the leak |
| Turns on for 1-2 minutes | Thermostat “does not see” heat | Replacing the thermostat |
| Error lamp is on | Electronics or sensor failure | Rebooting or replacing the sensor |
The influence of seals and operating rules
You should not discount simple factors related to the tightness of the chambers. If sealing rubber the door of the refrigerator compartment does not fit tightly, warm air from the room constantly flows inside. The compressor tries to compensate for the heat, but its power (which is already limited by design) is only enough for the freezer.
Checking the seal Biryusa is easy: close the door by holding a sheet of paper. If the sheet is pulled out without resistance in different places around the perimeter, the elastic band needs to be changed or restored. Also, frequent opening of doors or placing hot products into the chamber creates an excessive thermal load, which old equipment copes with poorly.
- 🚪 Warped door - check the hinges, perhaps the door is simply sagging and does not fit.
- 🥘 Hot food - never do not place hot pans, this sharply increases the temperature and humidity.
- 🌬️ Ventilation —make sure that the refrigerator is not close to the wall, clearance is required.
Do-it-yourself troubleshooting algorithm
If you are faced with the problem “the freezer is freezing, but the refrigerator is warm,” act consistently. Don't rush to buy a new refrigerator or call a professional for money until a basic check has been carried out. Many problems can be solved by simply defrosting or replacing inexpensive parts.
First eliminate operating errors. Check that the doors are tightly closed, there are no gaps, and that the products are installed correctly (if they are blocking the air supply channels). Then carry out a complete defrost. If this does not help, listen to the operation of the compressor and look at the rear grille.
If you do not have the skills to work with electricity and a multimeter, it is better to stop at the stage of checking the electric motor and heating element. Further repairs require disassembling the case and the availability of tools. Remember that incorrect assembly can lead to damage to the plastic elements or loss of tightness.
⚠️ Attention: Technical characteristics and location of parts in Biryusa refrigerators may vary depending on the year of manufacture and the specific model. Always check the technical documentation of your device before disassembling.
Why is the refrigerator after defrosting? Biryusa stopped freezing again after a couple of days?
This is a sure sign of a malfunction of the defrosting system (heating element, timer, sensor). Ice builds up again on the evaporator and blocks air circulation. The burnt element needs to be replaced.
Could the cause be a compressor failure?
Yes, but less often. If the compressor loses performance (valve wear), the freon pressure is not enough for the entire circuit. It works, hums, but there is not enough cold. Often in such cases the compressor is very hot.
How long should the Biryusa refrigerator rise to temperature after turning it on?
Usually the first temperature rise to operating values takes from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the ambient temperature in the room. If after 6 hours it is still warm in the main chamber, and the freezer is barely freezing, there is a problem.
Is it necessary to change freon if it has simply “run out”?
Freon is not consumed as fuel in the car. If it is gone, it means there is a hole (leak) somewhere. You can’t just “add” gas - you need to find and seal the leak, otherwise the situation will repeat itself in a week.
Why is there ice in the freezer and water below?
This may indicate a clogged drain hole. The condensate, which should go into the tray above the compressor, does not find a way out and flows out or freezes in the lower part of the chamber, disrupting the operation of the system.