What symptom might indicate a faulty thermostat in a refrigeration unit?

A faulty thermostat in a refrigeration unit can lead to an inconsistent refrigerator temperature. The thermostat is responsible for regulating the temperature by cycling the compressor on and off to maintain the desired setting. When the thermostat malfunctions, it may not accurately sense the temperature, resulting in the compressor not running when it is needed, or running continuously without reaching the set temperature. This inconsistency can cause food spoilage and affect overall food safety.

In contrast, while a constant running compressor can suggest issues related to the thermostat, it can also be influenced by other factors such as low refrigerant levels or poor insulation. Leaking refrigerant typically signals a leak in the system, impacting performance but not directly indicating thermostat issues. Excessive noise can arise from different mechanical problems in the unit and does not specifically point to thermostat malfunction.