Refrigeration overcooling increases energy consumption and operating costs. It also adds excess wear and tear to refrigerator components — especially the expensive compressor. For a typical refrigeration unit where freezing is not required, the ideal temperature should stay slightly below 40 degrees. This temperature ensures foods stored there remain fresh while also inhibiting bacteria growth on foods. It also supports optimum energy efficiency.
If you’re noticing refrigeration overcooling, you may be facing these potential problems:
- Incorrect damper position. Most residential refrigerators have an adjustable damper door. The door may be manual or automatic. If it’s a manual door, check and see that it’s only slightly open to allow cold airflow from the freezer to enter the lower compartment. An automatic damper will require professional service to test the damper motor and replace it if necessary.
- Defective temperature sensor. Also known as a thermistor, the sensor controls internal temperatures. A refrigerator typically has more than one temperature sensor, installed in different locations. Each sends temperature information to the refrigerator’s temperature control board. A defective temperature sensor may send inaccurate information and result in overcooling. These sensors require special equipment and technical information to test and identify a failing sensor. Contact a refrigeration professional for more information.
- Temperature control dial. This is the manual dial that allows you to set a specific, desired temperature setting. Some refrigeration units have separate temperature controls for both the refrigerator compartment and the freezer. You may rotate the dial from low to high and back to low while listening to determine if the refrigerator compressor responds. If there is no compressor response or if the compressor activates at incorrect dial settings, you’ll need qualified repair service to trace the problem.
For information only. We do not service Residential Refrigerators or Freezers. For HVAC / heating and cooling your home or business contact Hansberger Refrigeration and Electric Company.
