Abstract: A refrigeration system having compressor controls responsive to the heat load on the system. Each selected evaporator of the system has a thermostatic switch unit which includes an associated temperature sensor in proximity to the evaporator. The thermostatic switch unit has an operating range with ON and OFF threshold values and function to operate an electromagnetic valve which controls the refrigerant admitted to the evaporator. The heat load to which the compressor controls are responsive is derived from the accumulated ON and OFF times of the switch insert.