How does a fridge with freezer work? (2 thermostats)

[luvit]

my side-by-side fridge with freezer has two thermostats.
i assume there is one compressor.
• does the fridge receive it's normal cooling operation when the freezer kicks-on it's own thermostat?

i guess what i mean is
does a fridge with freezer (2 thermostats) operate like a furnace with two thermostats that has one heating zone?

--thanks

 

[jhelrey]

Every normal fridge and freezer I have worked on have just one. The freezer vents into the fridge. The thermostat is in the fridge.

 

[404]

The knob in the freezer controls how much cold air gets into the fridge, like a duct damper. Only 1 tstat AFAIK

 

[joel63]

The knob in the freezer controls how much cold air gets into the fridge, like a duct damper. Only 1 tstat AFAIK

^^^^^^^^^ In most cases this is normal set up

 

[domain]

Side x side with one evap in freezer and two mechanical thermostats works as follows... freezer stat has a median set point around 0 degrees f. This controls the compressor. The fresh food side has a median at point around 37 degrees f. This one only controls damper from freezer into fridge and fan. The fridge can cool just fine pulling freezer air into fresh food compartment without the need of compressor.

 

[luvit]

wow great answers, which helps me a lot.
btw, i have 4 adult-age folks who opens both doors several times a day to determine there are still no snacks on either side.

 

[Milton Shaw]

Age of refig needs to be stated. Older ones are what has been described above. A lot of newer refigs use electronic controls and have thermistors in both sides and electronic control boards that control fans, damper doors and compressor run times to control the temp. This was started about 10 years ago by GE and other mfgs that needed the newer controls to give the energy usage that was being required by federal laws. Newer side by side big refigs use less energy than a 70 watt light bulb on a 24 hour test cycle.