The situation when refrigerator compartment stops cooling products, while freezer compartment continues to work normally, is one of the most common complaints owners of brand equipment Biryusa. This symptom often misleads users, since a running compressor and the presence of cold in the freezer create a false impression that the entire system is working properly. However, the physics of cooling processes in two-chamber units is designed in such a way that a disruption in the circulation of the refrigerant or a malfunction in the temperature control system can selectively affect different zones.
Owners equipment Biryusa, be it old models with mechanical controls or modern units with the system No Frost, you need to understand that ignoring the primary signs of a malfunction can lead to complete damage to products and expensive repairs. Most often, the problem lies not in a breakdown of the compressor itself, which continues to hum, but in heat transfer disturbances, freon leakage, or sensor failure. Correct and timely diagnostics allows you to determine whether the malfunction can be fixed on your own or whether you need to call a technician.
In this article we will analyze in detail the main reasons why the refrigerator Biryusa may not freeze in the upper compartment, maintaining the functionality of the freezer. We will look at the mechanical and electrical aspects of the unit's operation, self-test methods, and algorithms for action when specific symptoms are detected. Understanding these processes will help you avoid unnecessary costs and correctly assess the scale of the problem.
The operating principle of a two-chamber refrigerator Biryusa
To understand why a temperature imbalance occurs, you need to briefly consider cooling cycle. Most models Biryusa use one compressor that pumps refrigerant (freon) into the condenser. After condensation, the freon enters the evaporator, which is usually located in the freezer. This is where the main cooling process takes place. Then the cold air or refrigerant (depending on the design) is transferred to the refrigeration compartment.
In models with a drip system (crying evaporator), cooling of the upper compartment occurs due to natural convection or forced air circulation from a common evaporator. If there is an obstruction in the system, the cold simply does not reach the upper shelves. In systems No Frost a fan is responsible for the distribution of cold, which drives air through special channels. If the fan stops or the ducts freeze, the refrigerator compartment remains warm, despite the compressor running.
The key element here is thermostat or the electronic control module. They read the temperature in the chambers and give a command to the compressor to turn on or off. In some configurations, the temperature sensor is located in the refrigerator compartment, and if it is "lying", the compressor may not turn on long enough to cool the upper section, even if the freezer is already warm. Also plays an important role tightness of the circuit, since even a microscopic leak of freon first affects the distant section of the circuit - the refrigeration chamber.
Mechanical reasons: freon leakage and blockages
One of the most common reasons why Biryusa refrigerator stops freezing in the upper compartment is a partial leak of refrigerant. Freon circulates in a closed circuit, and if a hole has formed in the tubes (due to corrosion or mechanical damage), the pressure in the system drops. The compressor continues to work, trying to pump gas, but there is not enough gas to cool the entire volume. Since the evaporator in the freezer is located closer to the beginning of the circuit, there is still cold there, and the freon simply does not reach the refrigeration chamber in the required quantity.
The second common mechanical problem is clogged capillary tube. There is a very narrow section in the freon circulation system - a capillary tube, which creates the necessary pressure. Over time, oil oxidation products or moisture may accumulate in it, turning into an ice plug. This blocks the flow of refrigerant. A symptom of a blockage is often that the compressor works almost non-stop, trying to break through the plug, but there is no cold in the chambers or it is very weak.
⚠️ Attention: An independent attempt to clean the capillary tube or top up the refrigerator with freon without special equipment (vacuum pump, pressure gauge station) impossible and dangerous. An incorrect amount of refrigerant or moisture entering the system will lead to compressor failure.
To diagnose a leak or blockage at home, you can conduct a visual inspection. Pay attention to the back wall of the refrigerator: if you see swelling on the metal surface or traces of oil, this is a sure sign of depressurization. Also, a sign of a leak may be a hot condenser (grid at the back) only 1/3 or half, while in good condition it should be warm evenly along its entire length.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and sensors
If the compressor is working properly, but temperature mode is broken, there is a high probability of failure of the thermostat (thermostat) or air sensor. Older models Biryusa use a mechanical thermostat with a bellows tube that senses the temperature in the chamber. If the contact inside the thermostat is stuck or oxidized, the signal to turn on the compressor may not arrive on time, or, conversely, the compressor will work too little, not having time to cool the refrigerator compartment.
In modern models with electronic control for temperature respond thermal sensors (thermistors). They are resistors that change resistance depending on temperature. If the sensor in the refrigerator compartment shows incorrect values (for example, it “thinks” that it is already -5°C, although in fact it is +10°C), the control module will not give a command to cool. In this case, the sensor in the freezer may show normal, and the freezer will work, and the refrigerator compartment will defrost.
You can check a mechanical thermostat by temporarily closing its contacts (if you have skills in working with electrical equipment). If after closing the contacts the compressor starts and the refrigerator starts to freeze, the problem is in the thermostat. For electronic systems, diagnostics is only possible using a multimeter, measuring the resistance of the sensor at different temperatures and comparing the readings with a resistance table for a specific model Biryusa.
How to check a thermostat without instruments?
Remove the thermostat, lower its sensitive tube into ice water (about 0°C). If a click (closing of contacts) does not occur within 3-5 minutes, the thermostat is faulty and requires replacement.
Problems with the defrost system (for No Frost models)
In refrigerators Biryusaequipped with the system No Frost, lack of cold in the top compartment when the freezer is running often indicates problems with the evaporator defrost system. Ice accumulating on the evaporator in the freezer must be periodically melted by a heating element (heating element). If the heating element is burned out, or the defrost relay is stuck, or the timer/control module does not start the defrost cycle, the evaporator becomes overgrown with a “fur coat.”
When the layer of ice becomes too thick, it blocks the channels through which the fan should supply cold air to the refrigerator compartment. As a result, the fan hums, the compressor works, the freezer freezes (since the evaporator is there), but no air enters the refrigerator compartment. Often in such cases you can hear the fan touching the ice, producing a characteristic crackling or buzzing sound.
To confirm this hypothesis, it is enough to completely defrost the refrigerator (unplug it for 24 hours with the doors open). If after defrosting the unit begins to freeze normally in both chambers, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returns, it means that the defrosting system is not working. It is necessary to check the circuit: evaporator heating element, defrost sensor (defroster), thermal relay and timer.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to chip the ice with a knife or sharp objects to free the channels. Damage to the evaporator tubes will lead to an immediate leak of freon and expensive repairs, which may not be economically feasible.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
Comparative table of symptoms and malfunctions
To simplify diagnostics, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the table that systematizes the main symptoms and probable causes. This will help narrow down the search for a fault before calling a technician.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Nature of compressor operation | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| The refrigerator does not freezes, the freezer works poorly | Freon leak | Works without stopping | High (requires a technician) |
| It’s warm in the refrigerator compartment, normal in the freezer | Clogged capillary tube | Works continuously, hot | High (requires a technician) |
| Periodically stops freezing, then works again | Fault thermostat/sensor | It turns on rarely or at the wrong time | Medium (you can replace it yourself) |
| No cold at the top, fan noise is heard | Evaporator freezing (No Frost) | Operates in normal mode | Average (replacement of the heating element/relay) |
| The refrigerator is turned off, but it’s warm inside | Failure of the compressor or start relay | Does not turn on or is humming and clicks | High (compressor replacement) |
Analyzing the table data, you can see that the nature of the compressor operation is an important diagnostic sign. If it works without a break, the system “fights” a leak or blockage. If it is silent, the problem is in the electrical control circuit (thermostat, relay, module). If it turns on, buzzes for a few seconds and clicks, most likely the start relay is faulty or the compressor itself is jammed.
Algorithm of actions when a malfunction is detected
If you find that your Biryusa stopped freeze in the refrigerator compartment, do not rush to panic. Follow these steps to make an initial assessment of the situation. First, make sure that the refrigerator is plugged in and the voltage at the outlet is stable. Secondly, check to see if your air ducts are clogged with food, especially on No Frost models. Thirdly, listen to the sounds of the unit operating.
Next, you need to evaluate the temperature in the chambers. Use a thermometer if possible. If the temperature in the freezer is below -18°C, and in the refrigerator above +10°C, the problem is clearly in the distribution of cold or lack of freon. If the temperature in the freezer is above -10°C, then the problem is global (compressor, leak, serious blockage). It is important not to overload the chambers with products during diagnostics in order to ensure free air circulation.
If you do not have the skills to work with electrical equipment and tools, the best solution would be to call a specialist. However, if you decide to diagnose yourself, remember safety precautions. All work on replacing electrical components (thermostats, relays, fans) should only be carried out with completely disconnected from the network the refrigerator completely disconnected from the network
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Can the Biryusa refrigerator not freeze due to improper installation?
Yes, this is possible. If the refrigerator is installed too close to the wall, the radiator (condenser) at the back will not have time to give off heat. Also, if the floor is uneven and the door does not fit tightly, warm air enters the chamber and the system cannot cope. Make sure that the gap to the wall is at least 5-10 cm, and the door closes tightly.
How long should the refrigerator take to restore the temperature after defrosting?
Usually the process of reaching operating mode takes from 2 to 6 hours, depending on the volume of the chambers and the ambient temperature in the room. If after 8-10 hours of operation it is still warm in the refrigerator compartment (above +10°C), and in the freezer the temperature does not drop below -10°C, there is likely a technical fault.
Why has the situation not changed after replacing the thermostat?
If replacing the thermostat did not help, the reason may be deeper. Perhaps the compressor itself is faulty (lost performance), there is a freon leak, or there is a problem in the electronic control module (in models with electronics). It is also worth checking the compressor starting relay, which could fail simultaneously with the thermostat due to a power surge.
Is it dangerous to operate the refrigerator if the upper chamber does not freeze?
Operation in this mode is not recommended. Firstly, food in the refrigerator will quickly spoil. Secondly, if the cause is a freon leak, the compressor will work for wear without stopping, trying to gain temperature, which will lead to overheating and eventual combustion of the windings. This will turn an inexpensive repair into a compressor replacement.
How often do you need to defrost Biryusa with a drip system?
Refrigerators Biryusa with a drip system (crying wall) require manual defrosting approximately once every 6 months, or when the layer of ice in the freezer reaches 5-7 mm. Excessive icing worsens heat transfer and increases the load on the compressor, which can indirectly affect the cooling efficiency of the refrigeration chamber.