Stabilize Thermostat Settings KitchenAid KRD520 Refrigerator

Welcome to your quick reference for stabilizing the thermostat settings on your KitchenAid KRD520 refrigerator. Whether you are a new owner who wants to set the perfect temperature or an experienced user looking to troubleshoot a stubborn heat level, this guide will walk you through each step in detail.

The KitchenAid KRD520 is a high‑performance appliance that uses a combination of mechanical and electronic controls to keep your food fresh. Understanding how to stabilize its thermostat ensures that the interior stays consistently cold, reduces energy consumption, and extends the life of the appliance.

Why Temperature Stabilization Matters

Consistent refrigerator temperatures are critical for food safety. The USDA recommends that the refrigerator compartment be kept at or below 40 °F (4 °C) and the freezer at or below 0 °F (-18 °C).
When the thermostat is out of sync, the fridge may cycle on and off erratically, leading to:

• Food spoilage due to temperature spikes
• Increased energy use as the compressor works harder to compensate
• Wear and tear on the compressor and evaporator coils
• Unpleasant odors if condensation drips onto warm surfaces

Stabilizing the thermostat ensures a steady environment, protects your groceries, and keeps your energy bill in check.

What You’ll Need

Preparing Your Refrigerator

Before making any adjustments, make sure the refrigerator is in a stable state:

1. Turn off the appliance for a minute, then turn it back on.
2. Check the ambient room temperature. A warm kitchen can affect the fridge’s ability to maintain set temperatures.
3. Clear the freezer of any large items that might block airflow.
4. Remove all food from the main compartment to avoid temperature reading interference during testing.

These simple steps give the fridge a clean slate and prevent accidental over‑cooling or under‑cooling during the calibration process.

Locating the Thermostat

The KitchenAid KRD520 uses a combination of a mechanical dial and a digital control panel.

Mechanical Dial

The mechanical thermostat is situated on the interior side of the door, just above the door gasket. It typically appears as a round dial with a plastic ring and a small plastic keyhole.

Digital Control Panel

The digital interface is mounted on the top of the main compartment. It features a small screen and a series of push‑button controls. The panel shows the current temperature setting and may allow you to adjust it directly.

Adjusting the Mechanical Thermostat

1. Turn the dial clockwise to lower the temperature (cooler) or counterclockwise to raise it (warmer).
2. Make small increments—each click usually changes the temperature by about 1 °F (0.5 °C).
3. Wait 10–15 minutes after each adjustment for the refrigerator to reach a new steady state.
4. Record the new setting in a notebook or on your phone for future reference.

Tips

• If you feel the dial is loose, use the screwdriver to tighten the mounting nut gently.
• Avoid excessive force; the dial is designed for modest adjustments.

Using the Digital Control Panel

1. Press the “Settings” button on the panel.
2. Use the arrow buttons to scroll to the “Temperature” option.
3. Select the desired temperature using the + or – buttons.
4. Confirm by pressing the “OK” or “Apply” button.
5. The panel will display a confirmation screen for a few seconds before returning to the main view.

The digital panel often offers a more precise control than the mechanical dial, with 0.5 °F increments available.

Verifying the Internal Temperature

After adjusting the thermostat, it’s important to confirm that the fridge is holding the correct temperature.

Using a Refrigerator Probe

1. Insert the probe into the middle of the fridge’s main compartment.
2. Wait for the digital display to stabilize.
3. If the temperature is higher than 40 °F, repeat the adjustment.
4. If it’s lower than 40 °F, adjust the dial or panel upward.

Using a Thermometer

1. Place a kitchen thermometer on the middle shelf, away from the door.
2. Read the temperature after 15 minutes.
3. Adjust accordingly until the reading is between 35 °F and 40 °F.

Consistent readings over an hour or two confirm that the thermostat is stable.

Checking Door Seals

A faulty door seal can allow warm air in and cause temperature fluctuations.

1. Close the refrigerator door on a sheet of paper.
2. If you can pull the paper out easily, the gasket is not sealing properly.
3. Clean the gasket with mild detergent to remove grime.
4. If the gasket remains loose after cleaning, consider replacing it.

A tight seal keeps cold air inside and helps the thermostat maintain a steady temperature.

Cleaning the Condenser Coils

Dust and lint on the condenser coils can reduce cooling efficiency, making the thermostat work harder.

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Locate the coils behind the rear panel.
3. Use the vacuum or compressed‑air can to remove dust.
4. Replace the panel and plug the appliance back in.

Clean coils allow the compressor to run efficiently, stabilizing the temperature.

Power Cycling the Appliance

If the thermostat still seems erratic after adjustments, a power cycle can reset the internal electronics.

1. Unplug the refrigerator for 60 seconds.
2. Plug it back in and let it stabilize for 30 minutes.
3. Recheck the temperature.
4. If still unstable, proceed to the next troubleshooting step.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

1. Thermostat Not Responding

• Check the wiring behind the control panel.
• Look for any disconnected or frayed cables.
• If you are comfortable, use a multimeter to test continuity.
• If the wiring appears fine, the thermostat module may need replacement.

2. Temperature Fluctuations After Adjustment

• Check for blocked airflow. Ensure that the freezer door is closed properly and that shelves are not blocking vents.
• Inspect the evaporator fan. If the fan is noisy or stopped, it may be failing.
• Verify the compressor operation. Listen for a smooth humming sound; a whirring or clicking noise may indicate a problem.

3. Excessive Condensation

• Ensure the door is closing fully. A partial seal can cause moisture to condense.
• Keep the fridge at a stable ambient temperature. A hot kitchen can increase humidity inside the appliance.
• Check the humidity control settings if your model includes them.

Maintenance Schedule

Keeping the thermostat stable is part of regular refrigerator care.

• Monthly: Clean the interior surfaces and door gasket.
• Quarterly: Inspect the condenser coils and evaporator fan.
• Bi‑Annually: Verify the temperature setting with a probe.
• Annually: Have a professional technician perform a full diagnostics check, especially if you notice any performance issues.

Sticking to this schedule will help prevent future thermostat instability.

FAQ

Q: How often can I adjust the thermostat?
A: You can adjust it as needed, but frequent large changes may cause the compressor to cycle more often, increasing wear.

Q: Can I set the fridge to a temperature below 32 °F?
A: While you can technically set it lower, it may freeze items that shouldn’t be frozen and reduce airflow. Stick to the recommended range.

Q: Does the KitchenAid KRD520 have a self‑calibration feature?
A: It does not automatically calibrate; manual adjustment is required.

Final Thoughts

Stabilizing the thermostat on your KitchenAid KRD520 refrigerator is a straightforward process that offers long‑term benefits. By understanding how to locate the controls, adjust settings precisely, verify temperatures, and maintain essential components, you keep the appliance running efficiently and your food safe.

Take the time to perform these checks regularly, and you’ll enjoy a cooler kitchen, lower energy bills, and peace of mind that your groceries are stored at the right temperature.