The freezer in the Biryusa refrigerator works, but the main chamber does not: 7 reasons and what to do

The situation when freezer compartment in the refrigerator Biryusa is working properly freezes, but main compartment does not cool, is familiar to many owners of this equipment. At first glance, it seems that the problem is serious and requires calling a specialist. However, in 60% of cases, the malfunction can be fixed independently - just understand the principle of operation of the system and check several key components.

Biryusa is one of the most common brands of refrigerators in Russia, and their design has its own characteristics. For example, in models with one compressor (such as Biryusa 18C, Biryusa 22K), the cold first enters the freezer, and then, through a special valve, into the main chamber. If this process is disrupted, a temperature imbalance occurs. In this article we will look at why the refrigerator all possible reasonswhy a refrigerator Biryusa doesn’t cool, but the freezer works - from banal freezing of pipes to breakdown of electronics.

1. A clogged capillary tube is the most common problem

In 40% of cases, the thin tube through which the refrigerant (freon) circulates between the compressor and evaporators is to blame. Over time, particles of oil, moisture or freon decomposition products accumulate in it, which leads to clogging in the capillary system - a thin tube through which the refrigerant (freon) circulates between the compressor and evaporators. Over time, particles of oil, moisture, or freon decomposition products accumulate in it, which leads to blocking the flow towards the main chamber. The freezer continues to work because it is connected to the system first.

How to check? Touch condenser (the grill at the back of the refrigerator): if it is cold only in the upper part (closer to the freezer) and warm at the bottom, this is a sure sign of a blockage. Another symptom is that the compressor runs without stopping or turns on too often.

• 🔧 What to do: Cleaning the capillary tube requires special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauges). It is difficult to do this on your own, but you can try blow out the system compressed nitrogen (if you have experience working with refrigeration equipment).
• ⚠️ Danger: If blown incorrectly, you can damage the evaporator or damage the compressor. If you are not sure, it is better to call a specialist.
• 💡 Prevention: Once every 2-3 years, carry out preventative cleaning systems (especially if the refrigerator is more than 5 years old).

2. Malfunction of the magnetic valve (for single-compressor models)

In refrigerators Biryusa s one compressor responsible for the distribution of cold between the chambers magnetic valve (aka solenoid valve). Its task is to switch the freon flow either to the freezer or to the main compartment. If the valve is jammed or its winding is burnt out, the cold stops flowing into the refrigerator compartment, and the freezer continues to freeze.

Signs of valve failure:

• 🔊 The compressor runs continuously, but the main chamber is not cooled.
• 🧊 The freezer freezes food (temperature below -20°C).
• 🔌 When when switching the thermostat, no changes occur.

How to check the valve? Unplug the refrigerator, remove the back cover and locate the valve (usually a small box of wires attached to a tube). When you turn on the refrigerator, it should make a weak sound—this means that the valve is activated. If there is no click, the part is faulty. click - this means that the valve is activated. If there is no click, the part is faulty.

⚠️ Attention: In some models Biryusa (for example, Biryusa 130) the magnetic valve is integrated into the control board. Replacing it requires soldering and adjusting the electronics - it’s better not to take risks without experience.

3. Freon leak - why the compressor is idling

Freon is the “blood” of the refrigeration system. If it becomes less than normal, the compressor begins to wear out, but cannot provide sufficient cooling. There is still cold in the freezer (since it is closer to the compressor), and the main chamber is gradually warming up.

Causes of leakage:

• 🛠️ Mechanical damage to tubes (for example, when moving the refrigerator).
• 🔥 Corrosion of aluminum parts (typical for old models).
• 🧊 Soldering failure at the joints of the tubes.

How to detect a leak? Inspect the back wall of the refrigerator: if there are oily spots or traces of rust, this is a sure sign. Another way is to apply a soap solution to suspicious areas: if bubbles appear, it means there is a microcrack.

In Biryusa models with freon R600a (isobutane), the leak is dangerous - the gas is explosive! Do not attempt to repair the system yourself if you are not confident in your skills.

4. Failure of the thermostat or temperature sensor

If the freezer works but the refrigerator does not, the problem may lie in thermostat (in mechanical models) or temperature sensor (in electronic ones). These devices are responsible for turning the compressor on/off depending on the temperature in the chamber. If they fail, the compressor either does not turn on at all or does not work correctly.

How to check the thermostat?

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Remove the thermostat handle and the protective casing.
3. Close the two contacts of the thermostat directly (for example, with a screwdriver).
4. If the compressor works, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.

In electronic models (for example, Biryusa 145) the problem is often associated with temperature sensor. It can be checked with a multimeter: the resistance should change with temperature changes. If the readings are static, the sensor must be replaced.

Disconnect the refrigerator from the network|Remove the thermostat handle and casing|Close the contacts directly|Listen to the compressor starting|Replace the thermostat if necessary-->

5. Freezing of the evaporator in the refrigerator compartment

In refrigerators Biryusa s drip defrosting system (No Frost only in the freezer) the evaporator of the main chamber may freeze due to:

• 🚪 Frequent opening of the door (humid air gets inside).
• 🔧 Malfunction of the seal (the elastic band does not seal the chamber).
• 🧊 The drainage hole is clogged (water does not drain, ice forms).

The ice on the evaporator blocks the air circulation, and the cold stops flowing into the chamber. At the same time, the freezer works normally, since it has a separate evaporator. To fix the problem:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours.
2. Check the rubber seal - if it is torn or deformed, replace it.
3. Clean the drainage hole (you can use a wire or a special brush).

⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to remove ice from the evaporator - you can damage the tubes and cause freon leakage.

6. Fan breakdown or freezing of the air duct (for models with No Frost)

In refrigerators Biryusa with a system No Frost (for example Biryusa 140NF), the cold is distributed among the chambers using a fan. If it breaks or the air duct becomes clogged with ice, the cold stops flowing into the main compartment, and the freezer continues to work.

Signs of fan malfunction:

• 🔇 There is no characteristic noise (light humming) when the refrigerator is operating.
• ❄️ There is a thick layer of ice on the back wall of the freezer (clogging the air duct).
• 🌡️ The temperature in the refrigerator compartment increases, and in the freezer it decreases norms.

How to fix?

1. Defrost the refrigerator for a day.
2. Check the fan blades - they should rotate freely. If it is jammed, replace the motor.
3. Clean the air duct from ice and dust (you can use a vacuum cleaner).

What will happen if you ignore the fan malfunction?

If the problem is not corrected, the compressor will wear out, trying to compensate for the lack of cold. This will cause it to overheat and break down in 3-6 months. In addition, such a thick layer of ice may form in the freezer that the door will no longer close.

7. Problems with the electronic control board

In modern models Biryusa (for example, Biryusa 220) is responsible for cold distribution electronic control unit. If it fails, the following symptoms may occur:

• 📛 Errors appear on the display (for example, E1, E2).
• 🔄 The compressor turns on and immediately turns off.
• ❄️ The freezer works, but the refrigerator does not (or vice versa).

The most common causes of board failure:

• ⚡ Power surges in the network.
• 💧 Moisture ingress (for example, during defrosting).
• 🔥 Overheating due to poor ventilation.

How to check the board? Inspect it for blackened elements, swollen capacitors or traces of oxidation If there are no such signs, but the refrigerator behaves. inadequate, it may be required flashing (this can only be done at a service center).

Frequently asked questions about Biryusa refrigerators

❓ Why does the freezer work, but the refrigerator does not, but the compressor does not turn off?

This is a typical symptom leaks. freon or clogging of the capillary tube. The compressor is trying to catch up with the cold, but due to a lack of refrigerant or a blockage of the system, this is not possible. As a result, the freezer is still somehow coping (since it is closer to the compressor), and the main chamber is getting warmer. You need to check the pressure in the system and, if necessary, top up the freon or clean the capillary.

❓ Is it possible to fill freon into the Biryusa refrigerator yourself?

Theoretically yes, but in practice it is dangerous. For refilling you need:

• Vacuum. pump.
• Gauge manifold.
• Cylinder with freon (for Turkish usually used R134a or R600a).
• Experience in working with refrigeration equipment.

If you have never done this, it is better to call a specialist. Errors during refueling can lead to damage to the compressor or leakage. gas.

❓ How much does it cost to repair a Biryusa refrigerator if the main chamber does not work?

The cost depends on the cause of the breakdown:

Type of repair	Approximate price (2026)
Replacing the thermostat	1 200 – 2 500 ₽
Cleaning the capillary tube	2 000 – 3 500 ₽
Refilling freon	2 500 – 4 000 ₽
Replacing the magnetic valve	1 800 – 3 000 ₽

⚠️ Attention: Prices may vary depending on the region and model of the refrigerator Some services provide diagnostics. paid separately (500–1,000 ₽).

❓ How to defrost the Biryusa refrigerator if it does not turn off?

If the refrigerator does not turn off due to freezing of the evaporator, do the following:

1. Unplug it.
2. Remove all food and shelves.
3. Leave the doors open for 12-24 hours (you can use a fan to speed up the process).
4. After defrosting, clean the drainage hole and check the seal.

If after defrosting the problem repeats, look for the cause in thermostat or No Frost system.

❓ Which Biryusa models break more often?

According to statistics from service centers, most often problems arise with:

• Biryusa 18C — weak point: magnetic valve.
• Biryusa 22K —frequent freon leaks due to corrosion of tubes.
• Biryusa 140NF - problems with the No Frost fan.
• Biryusa 130 - malfunction of the thermostat.

If you have one of these models, it is recommended to carry out a preventive inspection once a year preventive examination.