Most modern refrigerators and freezers feature separate thermostats or temperature sensors for each compartment. This allows you to control the temperatures of both sections independently.
To reset a freezer thermostat, turn the thermostat dial to “0” or “Off”. Unplug the freezer, wait 5 to 10 minutes to clear residual electrical charge, then plug it back in and adjust the dial to the ideal setting (typically 0∘𝐹 or −18∘𝐶).
The compressor, coils and control board are the most expensive repairs. Your fridge's brand, model and size, plus your location, will impact repair costs. If your refrigerator is more than 6 years old and it will cost you more than half its original price to repair it, consider replacing it instead.
There are two thermostats, one for the refrigerator, one for the freezer. Both are pressure bulbs (older units) and/or temperature sensors (newer units). Here's how it works.
To tell if a freezer thermostat is bad, listen for a distinct "click" when turning the dial back and forth. If you hear no click, or if the compressor runs constantly, the freezer fails to start, or internal temperatures fluctuate wildly, the thermostat is likely failing and requires testing.
How can you tell if a thermostat is bad?
Replacing a thermostat usually costs between $150 and $400.
Remove the old thermostat - Once you've located the thermostat, use a screwdriver to remove the screws holding it in place. Carefully pull out the thermostat from its socket, and disconnect any wires attached to it. Use pliers to remove the wire connectors from the old thermostat.
If a thermostat is faulty it will show one of the following symptoms: 1) The thermostat does not switch on, the light inside (if fitted and the bulb has not failed) will light up but the motor will not try to start. 2) The fridge will not switch off, the motor runs continuously and everything is freezing solid inside.
The higher the number, the colder your fridge will be.
This can be counterintuitive, as many people assume a higher number means warmer. For most standard fridges, setting the dial to the middle number (3 on a 1-5 scale or 4 on a 1-7 scale) typically achieves the recommended temperature of 3-5°C.
Bottom-freezer refrigerators should be repaired within seven years and considered for replacement after that. Top-freezer refrigerators should be repaired within three years, considered for repair within three to six years, and replaced if older than seven years.
Replacing a refrigerator thermostat typically costs between $𝟏𝟓𝟎 and $𝟒𝟎𝟎 in total. This range can be broken down into two main parts: the cost of the replacement part itself, which runs from $𝟏𝟎 to $𝟖𝟎, and professional labor, which typically adds $𝟏𝟎𝟎 to $𝟑𝟓𝟎.
The typical lifespan of a standard refrigerator is 10 to 15 years. Premium built-in models and simpler, basic units can sometimes last 15 to 20+ years, while compact or mini-fridges generally last 4 to 12 years.
Yes, unplugging your refrigerator does reset it. It works much like rebooting a computer, allowing the main control board to clear minor glitches and recalibrate its sensors.
Signs That You Should Reset Your Thermostat
Green = Run. The green run light indicates the compressor is running. If the indicator is dark it does not mean the unit is off. The compressor only runs when the compartment temperature is too high.
Confused by the numbers on your fridge's temperature dial? The numbers relate to how much power the fridge is using. So the rule is always the same: the higher the number, the colder the fridge. Setting the dial to 5 will make the fridge the coldest it can be.
A continuous hum is usually a sign your fridge is safely keeping food cold. However, it shouldn't run endlessly. Modern, energy-efficient compressors are designed to run 80% to 90% of the time to maintain consistent temperatures, but if the motor never shuts off, you may have an underlying mechanical issue.
Refrigerating the wrong items can ruin their flavor, alter their texture, and cause them to spoil faster. Avoid keeping produce like tomatoes, onions, potatoes, and garlic in the fridge, as well as pantry staples like bread, coffee, and honey, to maintain optimal quality.
A faulty fridge thermostat will fail to regulate internal cooling. The most common symptoms include the compressor running constantly (freezing food), the fridge not cooling at all, or temperatures fluctuating wildly. This often leads to spoiled food, higher energy bills, and frost buildup.
One of the most common causes of thermostat failure is also the easiest to fix. Batteries are not permanent and need to be regularly changed. If your thermostat is unresponsive, change the batteries and reset the system. This often resolves the problem right away.
There are several possible causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location, and malfunctioning internal parts.
Replacing a refrigerator thermostat typically costs between $𝟏𝟓𝟎 and $𝟒𝟎𝟎 in total. This range can be broken down into two main parts: the cost of the replacement part itself, which runs from $𝟏𝟎 to $𝟖𝟎, and professional labor, which typically adds $𝟏𝟎𝟎 to $𝟑𝟓𝟎.
If you find yourself asking, “How do I install a thermostat if my wiring doesn't match the guide?”, it may be time to bring in a licensed HVAC technician or electrician. A professional can: Verify compatibility with your HVAC system. Run a new C-wire if your system needs one.
Here's the step-by-step process.