The situation when refrigerator compartment stops cooling food, while freezer compartment continues to work normally, is one of the most common complaints from equipment owners Biryusa. This phenomenon often baffles users, since it intuitively seems that if the freezer is functioning, then the entire unit should be working properly. However, in systems No Frost and even in classic models with drip defrosting, these circuits may have their own operating characteristics, failures in which lead to the described temperature imbalance.
The main reason lies in a violation of the refrigerant circulation or a failure in the cold removal system. In most cases, compressor hums and tries to start the refrigeration cycle, but the cold simply does not reach the upper or lower compartment, depending on the design. The most common technical reason is a freon leak or blockage of the capillary tractwhich physically prevents the gas from reaching the evaporator of the refrigerator compartment, getting stuck in the freezer circuit.
Before calling a technician, it is necessary to carry out an initial diagnosis to eliminate common operating errors. Sometimes the problem is solved by simply defrosting or resetting the thermostat. However, ignoring the problem can lead to damage to products and more expensive repairs, so it is important to carefully study the symptoms and compare them with the description of the malfunctions below.
The principle of operation of a single-compressor system
To understand the essence of the breakdown, you need to know how a typical one works. Biryusa refrigerator. The vast majority of models use one compressor, which drives freon along a single closed circuit. First, the gas is compressed and heated, then passes through the condenser (grid at the back), cools and enters the evaporator. In models with the system No Frost cold air is forced by a fan from the freezer into the refrigeration compartment through special channels.
If the freezer is working, this means that the compressor is working and the refrigerant is in the system is present at least in the first section of the circuit. The problem is localized either in the moment of cold transfer from one chamber to another, or in physical damage to the tubes leading to the main evaporator. In two-chamber models with one motor, a scheme is often found where freon first passes through the freezer chamber and then through the refrigerator.
A malfunction of thermostat or the defrost sensor can lead to the system “thinking” that it is already cold enough in the main chamber and stopping the supply of air or freon. It is also possible that a frozen evaporator blocks the air flow, and the fan simply circulates warm air in a circle, unable to cool the food.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the No Frost system, it is strictly forbidden to try to speed up defrosting with a hairdryer or hot water. A sharp temperature change can lead to deformation of plastic air ducts and damage to the defrost heater.
Freon leak as the main reason
The most likely scenario why Biryusa refrigerator it stopped freezing in the main compartment is a partial leak of refrigerant. Freon is a gas that circulates under pressure. If a microcrack appears in the system, the gas begins to escape. Since the compressor takes gas from a certain area, when the freon level is low, there is simply not enough of it to go full circle and cool the second chamber. The freezer, located closer to the beginning of the cycle, still has time to gain temperature, but the gas does not reach the refrigerator compartment or reaches it already warm.
Signs of a leak are often accompanied by a change in the behavior of the motor. The compressor can work without stopping, trying to compensate for the lack of cold, or, conversely, turn on for a short time and turn off due to protection. On the back wall of the unit you can notice swelling or, conversely, a lack of heating of the condenser grille in certain areas. Refilling with freon at home, this is impossible, as it requires evacuation of the system and searching for leaks.
Places of probable leaks in equipment Biryusa are often located in the foamed parts of the body or in the heating circuit of the door perimeter. If you notice oily stains on the floor under the refrigerator or at the junction of the pipes, this is a sure sign of depressurization. You cannot seal such places yourself; you need to call a specialist with equipment for soldering and refilling.
Why can’t you just add freon?
Simple refueling without looking for leaks will only give a temporary effect. After a few weeks or months, the gas will evaporate again, and the compressor, running idle, may burn out due to lack of cooling of the windings or moisture entering the system.
Malfunctions of the No Frost defrost system
In refrigerators Biryusa with the system No Frost a critical element is timely defrosting of the evaporator. Over time, ice builds up on the evaporator, which is hidden behind a plastic panel in the freezer. In normal mode, this ice periodically melts thanks Heating element for defrosting, and water flows into the pan. If this process is disrupted, the ice coat grows so much that it blocks the channels for supplying cold air to the refrigeration compartment.
As a result, the fan continues to work, the freezer cools (since the evaporator is there), but cold air does not physically enter the main chamber. You may hear the fan hum, but the food in the upper compartment will be warm. Often in such cases, you can notice that the back wall in the refrigerator compartment is covered with frost or, conversely, absolutely dry and warm, while there is an ice crust in the freezer.
The main elements that fail in the defrost circuit:
- ❄️ defrost heating element —a heating element that could burn out and stop heating.
- ❄️ Defrost sensor —a thermostat that should turn off the heating element when a certain temperature is reached; if it is “stuck,” the heating does not turn on.
- ❄️ Defrost timer —a mechanical or electronic device that regulates operating cycles; a failure in its program blocks defrosting.
- ❄️ Fuse - burns out when the heating element overheats, breaking the circuit.
Diagnostics often require complete defrosting of the refrigerator within 24 hours. If after turning on the network a day later cold appeared in both chambers, then the problem was precisely the freezing of ice. This confirms the malfunction of one of the elements of the defrost system, which needs to be replaced.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Problems with the compressor and start relay
Although a working freezer usually indicates that the compressor is spinning, there are nuances of its operation that can lead to the problem described. Compressor may lose performance. This means that it hums and creates pressure, but its power is not enough to pump freon through the entire circuit. As a result, the gas circulates only in a small circle (freezer), without reaching the main evaporator.
Another culprit is start relay. This small element is responsible for starting the compressor engine. If the relay is faulty, the compressor may hum, click, but not start fully, or start jerkily. In some cases, the relay may work but intermittently, resulting in unstable cooling. You can check the relay by gently shaking it: if you hear a ringing inside, most likely it is broken.
It is also worth paying attention to the operation of the capacitor (black grille at the back). During normal operation it should be warm or hot evenly. If you notice that only part of the grille is heating up, and the rest is cold, this may indicate:
- 🔥 Blockage of the capillary tract (clogging).
- 🔥 Local freon leak.
- 🔥 Malfunction of the compressor itself (low compression).
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor runs very hot (temperature exceeds 90-100 degrees) and does not turn off constantly, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Operating in this mode can lead to a fire or complete failure of the motor.
Clogged capillary tract
Inside the freon circulation system there is a very thin tube - a capillary. Its diameter is so small that even a microscopic particle of debris remaining after installation, or a product of oil breakdown can cause clog. This mechanical obstacle prevents freon from circulating freely through the system.
The symptoms of a clog are very similar to a leak: the refrigerator does not freeze, the compressor is overloaded, trying to push gas, and the condenser can only be hot to a certain point. Often, when clogged, you can hear a characteristic gurgling or hissing sound inside the housing, especially after turning off the device. The pressure in the system is disrupted, and the cold ceases to be produced in full.
Removing the blockage is a complex technical procedure. The technician needs to:
- Drain the remaining freon.
- Open the system and clean the capillary with nitrogen under pressure.
- Replace the filter drier, which collects moisture and debris.
- Evacuate the system and fill it with a new one refrigerant.
Comparative table of faults
For ease of diagnosis, we suggest summarizing the main symptoms in a table. This will help you quickly navigate the nature of your breakdown Biryusa refrigerator and understand what repairs will be required.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of work compressor | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| The freezer is freezing, the refrigerator compartment is warm | Freon leakage | Works without stopping or turns on frequently | High (needs soldering and refilling) |
| The chamber is dry, there is no frost on the back wall | No Frost system malfunction (heating element, sensor) | Operates in normal mode | Average (replacement parts) |
| Gurgling is heard, the compressor is hot | Clogged capillary tract | Operates with overload | High (system purging) |
| The compressor hums, clicks and turns off | Malfunction of the starting relay | Short-term attempts to start | Low (replacement of the relay) |
| There is cold, but weak, products thaw | Compressor wear or door leakage | Works constantly | Medium/High |
Analysis of the table shows that external signs often overlap. For example, in the event of a leak or a blockage, the compressor will work in increased mode. That is why an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist with a manometric manifold who will measure the pressure in the system.
When you need to call a technician
Understanding the limits of your capabilities is the key to saving money and time. If you have defrosted for 24 hours, checked the tightness of the doors and made sure that the thermostat is working properly, but Biryusa refrigerator still does not work properly, it’s time to call service. Especially when it comes to violations of the tightness of the circuit.
A master is needed if:
- 🛠 The compressor needs to be replaced or overhauled.
- 🛠 Refueling is needed freon (license and equipment required).
- 🛠 The evaporator has become over-foamed (corrosion inside the housing).
- 🛠 Complex electronic diagnostics of the control board is required.
Attempts to independently repair complex equipment often lead to higher costs for the service in the future. For example, replacing a compressor that burned out due to improper soldering is more expensive than simply finding and soldering the leak at an early stage. In addition, professional repairs are usually accompanied by a guarantee for work performed and components replaced.
In conclusion, it is worth noting that equipment Biryusa is famous for its maintainability and availability of spare parts. Most problems can be solved, and timely contact with specialists will extend the life of your refrigerator for many years. Do not ignore the first signs of a malfunction, such as the appearance of puddles under the unit or a change in the sound of the motor.
Is it worth repairing an old refrigerator?
Repair makes sense if the cost of the work does not exceed 50-60% of the price of a new analogue. Replacing the compressor in very old models may not be economically feasible.
Why does the Biryusa refrigerator hum a lot, but does not freeze?
A strong hum in the absence of cold often indicates that the compressor is running “idle”. This is typical for a freon leak or a serious blockage. The motor tries to create pressure, but due to the lack of a working medium or an obstacle in the tubes, no useful work is done, and the energy turns into noise and heat.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if one chamber is not working?
For a short time - yes, if you transfer the food into a working chamber or use cooler bags. However, prolonged operation in this mode is harmful to the compressor, as it will work against wear and tear, trying to reach an impossible temperature. This can lead to its complete combustion.
How often do you need to defrost the Biryusa No Frost refrigerator?
The No Frost system involves automatic defrosting of the evaporator. However, it is recommended to completely defrost the refrigerator (unplug it for 24 hours) at least once a year for hygienic cleaning and odor removal, as well as to reset possible electronic errors.
What to do if ice is frozen in the refrigerator compartment?
The presence of ice in the main chamber (not in the form of frost on the back wall, namely freezing) indicates a violation of the outflow of water or malfunctions in the defrost system. It is necessary to defrost the unit, clean the drainage hole (often clogged with crumbs) with warm water. If ice appears again, the heating element or sensor needs to be replaced.
Why did the refrigerator turn on after defrosting, but a day later it stopped freezing again?
This is a classic sign of a freon leak or blockage. During defrosting, the ice blocking the capillary could melt and the system would work. But as soon as the ice formed again (due to moisture in the air) or the freon completely escaped through the crack, the cooling stopped. Repair is required.