View Full Version : Thermostat modification
madboar
May 9, 2011, 11:05 PM
I have a freezer that I plan to use to cool beer. Can I change out the thermostat to change my cooling range? Currently the freezer sets from -5 degrees F to +11 degrees F. Obviously this is too cold for beer which should be around 36 deg.F or so. Is controlling the temperature as easy as replacing the thermostat that will cut off the cooling motor much sooner? Does that typically mean that the thermostat resistance is decreased? I appreciate any input. Thank you.
ma0641
May 10, 2011, 08:04 PM
The problem is that the system is designed for a freezer, compressor, coil etc. Cheaper and easier to sell the freezer and buy a used refrigerator on Craigslist. Freezers sell fast and there are a ton of refrigerators for sale. I just sold a used 15 cu ft. on CL in 1 day. -
madboar
May 11, 2011, 01:05 AM
Thanks for taking the time to answer. I think I have a solution. Johnson Controls thermostat. It bypasses the freezer's thermostat and controls the freezer to shut off at a certain temperature. Should work great. I had limited space and kegs would not fit into the refrigerators I looked at. The freezer I bought is just about perfect to cool the space beneath my custom built bar. I removed the door and the freezer will cool a size about double it's capacity. With the new thermostat sensor, I can set it between 20 and 80 degrees. Should work fine. (I hope).
drtom4444
May 11, 2011, 12:57 PM
Go to the refrigeration parts house in your area and get a constant cut-in thermostat that cuts in at about 35-40 degrees if the capillary tube from t-stat is on the coil. The cut-out is what is adjusted on these t-stats; the cut-in is constant. So you set the cut-out at 25 degrees; the cut-in stays at 35-40 degrees. If the t-stat cap-tube is just sensing air temp then get a regular refrigerator t-stat that is universal. Ranco makes several that will work. Make sure that the cap-tube is mounted correctly like the old one, usually as it controls how the t-stat works. DrTom4444