Replacing Your Cold Control

If your refrigerator is freezing food or is not cold enough, you may need to replace the cold control thermostat.The temperature controller on a commercial refrigerator or freezer is a vital component to maintaining food-safe holding temperatures. If it begins to malfunction, finding the right replacement quickly is of utmost importance.

Thermostats are typically found inside the refrigerator and have a knob that allows users to adjust the temperature setting. Once a user sets the desired temperature, the thermostat maintains that temperature by controlling the flow of electricity to the compressor. If the thermostat is the brain, the compressor is the heart of the operation, responsible for pumping the refrigerant through the coils.

There are two types of temperature controls used in commercial refrigeration:
1. Thermostatic (either an air sensing type or evaporator coil sensing type)
2. Low pressure control

So what happens when these are not functioning properly?

A commercial refrigeration thermostat can fail in two ways: in an open position or a closed position.

If the thermostat fails in the open position, the unit will not run at all. To check this, remove the screws from the evaporator housing (make sure the unit is unplugged or the breaker is off) and pull the housing down. Locate the wires attached to the thermostat and remove them. Connect the two wires together and tape with electrical tape. Turn on the breaker or plug the unit back in. If the unit runs, replace the thermostat.

If the thermostat fails in the closed position, the unit will run all the time. Running constantly will cause the evaporator to freeze up, restricting the airflow and causing the temperature to rise. Use the same procedure described above to test the unit and replace the thermostat if necessary. Also be sure to defrost the evaporator before turning the unit back on.

Hinged Parts selection of commercial refrigerator controls includes both digital and mechanical styles to match the one that came with your refrigerator or freezer. Visit us Online @ HingedParts.com or give us a call @ 844.292.6694.