Looking deeper into the cooling system of a refrigerator is an interesting process that should be appreciated—as corny as it may sound. With a combination of physics, timing, devices and coordination, we don’t have to rely on a big block of ice to preserve our leftovers (like our ancestors did back in the day)…could you only imagine doing that now? We have offered a simple, yet thorough explanation of how your refrigerator thermostat maintains the equilibrium of the internal temperature in your fridge. Let’s begin!! A refrigerator thermostat is the managing element of your refrigerator’s cooling coordination. The compressor, metering device, evaporator and condenser are all included in this big job of coordination, making sure your food stays nice and cold. Most thermostats are situated inside your fresh food section and also have a dial so you can alter the temperature to your liking. The thermostat regulates the internal temperature of your refrigerator by prompting the compressor to turn on or off; it is the thermostat that can detect the slightest temperature variations. Your compressor is the hard-working, all-star device behind your refrigerator’s cooling system. It contains a pump and electric motor in an enclosed section where the refrigerant (or cooling liquid) goes through. So, when your thermostat detects a warm air fluctuation, it tells the compressor to turn on. Your compressor will then begin to alter the cooling liquid from a low-pressure state to a high-pressure gaseous state. This gas travels to the condenser, becomes a liquid, thus releasing heat. Now you are back to having a liquefied refrigerant that is forced into a capillary tube. Once the liquid refrigerant gets to your evaporator, pressure is lost and your cooling liquid becomes a gas again. A lot of physics going on, isn’t there? Though, this phase change from fluid to gas actually soaks up the warmth in the your fridge, resulting in a cool and maintained temperature. Photo Source: Don Hankins via Flickr
