Sudden decrease in cooling capacity refrigerator Biryusa is always an alarming signal for any homeowner. If you notice that the food in the main chamber has stopped freezing, and ice has formed in the freezer compartment or, conversely, everything has begun to melt, you cannot ignore this. Deterioration of inventory can lead to significant financial losses and the need for emergency replacement of equipment.
Most often, the reason lies in a malfunction of one of the components of the cooling system or in a banal failure to comply with operating rules. Compressor it can work in increased mode, trying to compensate for the loss of cold, which leads to overheating and engine failure. It is important to quickly identify the source of the problem in order to minimize the damage.
In this article we will analyze in detail why your unit can no longer cope with the load and draw up a step-by-step action plan. In 80% of cases, the problem is solved by replacing the thermostat or removing the blockage in the capillary tube without replacing the compressor. We will consider both simple faults that can be fixed independently, and complex breakdowns that require the intervention of a specialist.
Violation of the rules of operation and placement of equipment
Before you panic and call a technician, you should exclude the human factor. Often the reason that Biryusa refrigerator does not freeze enough is trivial and lies in the conditions of its use. The equipment should be positioned at a distance of at least 5-10 cm from the wall to ensure free circulation of air around condenser. If the radiator is pressed against the wall or covered with furniture, heat transfer is disrupted and operating efficiency drops.
Another common scenario is loading the chamber with warm products. If you just returned from the store and put a hot pan or a large amount of food at room temperature inside, compressor may not be able to cope with the sudden increase in heat load. In this case, the temperature inside the chambers rises, and it may take several hours of continuous operation to restore the mode.
⚠️ Attention: Never place the refrigerator close to heat sources such as radiators, stoves or in direct sunlight. This creates a critical load on the cooling system and can lead to premature wear of the compressor.
It is also worth checking the tightness of the door. If sealing rubber is worn out, dirty or deformed, warm air from the room constantly enters the chamber. This causes the unit to work almost non-stop, but never reach the desired temperature. Check whether crumbs are stuck in the seal and whether the magnetic tape keeps the door tightly closed.
Malfunctions of the thermostat and temperature sensors
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator Biryusa stops freezing is a failure of the thermostat. This small device is responsible for turning the compressor on and off depending on the temperature inside the chambers. If the contacts inside the thermostat are stuck or oxidized, the signal to start the engine may not be received, or, conversely, the compressor will not turn off, working for wear.
In models with electronic control, temperature sensor (thermistor) is responsible for this process. Its resistance changes depending on the heating, and if the readings are distorted, control module receives incorrect data. As a result, the system “thinks” that it is already cold inside and does not start the cooling cycle. Diagnosis of such faults requires a multim
To check a mechanical thermostat, the exclusion method is often used. If the compressor starts directly when the thermostat contacts are closed, then the problem is in the regulator. However, you should be careful: incorrect diagnostics can lead to water hammer in the compressor if refrigerant remains under pressure in the system.
How to check the thermostat with a multimeter?
To check, remove the thermostat and immerse its sensitive tube into cold water with ice. Ring the contacts: in the cold the circuit should open (the resistance is infinite), and when heated in the hand, it should close. If there are no changes, the part is faulty.
Problems with refrigerant circulation: leaks and blockages
If the compressor is humming, running continuously, but there is no cold, there is a high probability of a leak freon or blockage in the capillary tube. Freon is the working fluid of the refrigerator, and without it heat exchange is impossible. Leaks often occur at the soldering points of the tubes or in the evaporator, especially if it is made of aluminum and has suffered corrosion or mechanical damage during defrosting.
Clogged capillary tube is another common problem. Moisture may accumulate inside the narrow tube through which the refrigerant circulates, turning into an ice plug, or oxidation products of oil and metal. In this case, freon cannot circulate freely throughout the circuit, and the pressure in the system drops. Evaporator in this case, it either does not cool at all or is only partially cooled (for example, at the inlet).
Diagnosing these faults at home is difficult, since it requires special equipment: a pressure gauge manifold, leak detector and vacuum pump. Attempts to simply “refuel” the refrigerator without finding and eliminating leaks or purging the system will only lead to temporary results and damage to compressor due to moisture ingress.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is compressor. If it fails, no cold will be produced. Signs of a malfunction may be: a complete absence of operating sound, clicks when trying to start and subsequent shutdown, or a characteristic hum without starting the engine. Often the culprit is not the motor itself, but start-up protection relaywhich supplies current to the windings.
The relay wears out from time to time, and its contacts stop closing. Replacing this part is one of the simplest and cheapest repair procedures. However, if the relay is working properly, and the compressor hums but does not start, the piston group may have jammed or the motor winding has burned out. In this case, the entire unit must be replaced.
It is also worth mentioning inverter models Biryusa. In them, the compressor operates smoothly, regulating power. If it fails inverter modulethe compressor may not receive the correct control signals and stop. Diagnostics of electronics requires deep knowledge and circuits.
Icing of the evaporator and malfunctions of the No Frost system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost (or “Crying evaporator” in some Biryusa models) the correct operation of the defrost system is critically important. If the defrost heating element, timer or defrost sensor fails, a huge “coat” of ice grows on the evaporator hidden behind the back wall. This ice blocks the circulation of cold air, and it stops flowing into the chambers.
The user sees that it is warm in the chamber, but does not realize that behind the plastic, everything is frozen into an ice monolith. The fan that is supposed to blow out the cold may become jammed with ice or stop rotating due to a malfunction. As a result air circulation is completely disrupted.
To check this version, it is often enough to defrost the refrigerator for 24 hours (without plugging it in). If, after complete defrosting, it begins to freeze normally, but after 1-2 weeks the problem returns, it means that the defrosting system is faulty and requires replacement of components (heating element, sensor or timer).
Table: Diagnosis of the main symptoms
To quickly navigate the problem, use the table below. It will help narrow down the troubleshooting by external signs.
| Symptom | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Compressor does not start, silence | Faulty relay, thermostat or wiring | Low |
| Buzzes, clicks and turns off | The compressor is stuck or the starter is burned out | High |
| Works non-stop, no cold | Freon leak or clogged capillary | High |
| Freezes, but there is ice on the walls | Faulty defrost system (No Frost) | Medium |
| The rear grill gets very hot | Condenser contamination or leakage | Low/High |
Prevention and care of the refrigerator Biryusa
In order refrigeration equipment to serve for a long time and not create problems, it is important to regularly carry out preventive measures. First of all, this concerns cleaning the condenser from dust. The dust container on the rear grille or at the bottom of the case (depending on the model) must be cleaned with a brush or vacuum cleaner at least once every six months. A radiator clogged with dust does not give off heat well, which forces compressor to work with overload.
Also, do not forget to periodically check the condition of the seals. They can be wiped with a soft cloth and soapy water to remove grease and dirt that can damage the rubber. If the rubber has become hard, you can try to restore it with a special conditioner or replace it.
⚠️ Attention: When defrosting the refrigerator, it is strictly forbidden to use sharp objects (knives, screwdrivers) to chip ice. One awkward movement can puncture the evaporator channel, and repairs will become economically unfeasible.
Compliance with temperature conditions and chamber loading rules also extends the life of the equipment. Do not fill the refrigerator with food to capacity; leave space for air circulation. Regularly check that the ventilation holes inside the chambers are not blocked.
☑️ Monthly check-up of the refrigerator
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the Biryusa refrigerator freezing only in the freezer, but it’s warm in the main chamber?
Most likely, the capillary tube is clogged or there is a freon leak. In this case, the refrigerant does not reach the evaporator of the main chamber. It is also possible that the damper that blocks the cold air supply channel (in No Frost models) may fail.
How long should the new Biryusa refrigerator cool down before turning it on?
If the refrigerator was transported in a horizontal position, it needs to stand vertically for at least 4-6 hours (preferably a day) for the oil to drain into the compressor. If transported vertically, 2-3 hours is enough.
Is it possible to replace the compressor on the Biryusa refrigerator yourself?
Replacing a compressor requires professional equipment: a burner, a vacuum pump, pressure gauges and a supply of freon. Without the skills to solder copper tubes and refill the system, it is not recommended to undertake this - there is a high risk of ruining the new compressor.
What to do if there is a burning smell inside the refrigerator?
Urgently unplug the device! A burning smell may indicate overheating of the wiring, melted insulation, or a faulty start relay. The operation of such a refrigerator is a fire hazard.