Refrigerator Thermostat

A refrigerator thermostat works with the compressor, the condenser, the metering device, and the evaporator to keep the air inside a refrigerator at the temperature setting for the appliance. The thermostat is found in the interior of the refrigerator on older models and sometimes on the outside in newer ones.

How a Refrigerator Thermostat Works

Refrigerator thermostats may be manually operated by knobs or be part of an electronic control panel. When the set temperature reading is reached in the interior of a refrigerator, the thermostat cuts power to the compressor to stop further cooling or freezing. When the temperature rises, it restores power to allow the compressor to continue cooling until it has once again attained the designated temperature.

How to Buy a Replacement Thermostat

The thermostat ensures the right temperature is maintained in the interior of a refrigerator so that food does not spoil. Sometimes, however, a thermostat malfunctions and does not control the temperature accurately. If the temperature inside a refrigerator is too high, food will rot, and if it is too low, food will freeze. A quick way to find out if your thermostat is working is to reduce the temperature below the current setting and see if the compressor responds to the new demand for cooling. Another, and possibly more accurate way, is to measure the temperature inside the fridge with a thermometer to see if it matches the reading on the thermostat.

Replacement thermostats are usually available from appliance repair services and department stores like Sears. Universal replacement thermostats are also available but should be used carefully. When buying a replacement thermostat, make sure it is suited to your brand and specific model number. The wrong thermostat can damage the refrigerator's compressor.

Who Makes Thermostats?

Most home appliance manufacturers such as Whirlpool, Maytag, and Electrolux make genuine spare parts for their products which includes thermostats. Franklin Machine Products, a company that supplies parts and accessories to the food service industry, also includes refrigerator thermostats in their line of products.