When we talk about cycling in refrigerators and freezers, we're referring to how they periodically turn on and off to maintain the right temperature. The compressor, the heart of your appliance, works hard to keep food fresh by cooling the interior whenever the temperature rises above the set level.
It is not normal for a fridge/freezer to turn itself on and off - what you are probably hearing is the thermostat maintaining the temperature you set for your fridge/freezer. Fridge thermostats can often be heard clicking on and off - especially in warmer weather.
Ticking can come from the condenser coils of a freezer, compressor, starter relay or condenser fan. If every few seconds you start to hear a constant “clicking” sound from the back of the freezer, the motherboard may be out of order.
Thermostat. An incorrectly adjusted thermostat can cause the freezer's compressor to start and kick off. The compressor provides the power behind the cooling function of the freezer. The inside temperature of the freezer determines when the thermostat sends the signal to power the compressor.
Normally the freezer turns on the compressor roughly or twice an hour, with a typical duty cycle of about 40%.
For Refrigerators and Freezers to maintain the proper temperature, the compressor will run much of the time. Refrigerators and Freezers have compressors that are designed to run 80% to 90% of the time.
It is normal for temperatures to fluctuate slightly (+/- 5°F) in a Sub-Zero refrigeration product depending on external influences. An open door, humidity, and room temperature can all affect temperatures. If the temperature is too high, try cleaning the condenser. For instructions, refer to Clean the Condenser.
Be sure to check the electrical outlet, thermostat and airflow around vents. Cooling problems can also be caused by dust on condenser coils, faulty gaskets, clearance space around the refrigerator, a broken or stuck condenser fan or a faulty circuit board.
This issue could be due to a faulty thermostat or a clogged condenser coil. Start by cleaning the condenser coil, located at the back or bottom of the freezer, to remove dust and debris. If the problem persists, it might be a malfunctioning thermostat, which may need professional attention.
Food that won't stay frozen may be an obvious sign of a faulty freezer, but signs like excessive frost build-up on the walls or freezer-burnt food can also indicate unstable freezer temperatures. You may also notice your freezer making unusually loud humming, clicking or buzzing noises as parts struggle to operate.
Common Reasons for Cycling On and Off
If you have the fridge set to a colder temperature, the compressor will kick in more often to maintain that chill. Plus, opening the door frequently or placing warm items inside can trigger the compressor.
Humming, clicking, buzzing, or other noises coming from your freezer are often part of its normal operation. For example: A low humming or buzzing noise can be heard when the compressor is running. A clicking sound can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off.
Certain types of refrigerators use condenser fans to force air through the condenser coils and create that all-important cooling effect. If that fan malfunctions, it's more than likely that the compressor will eventually overheat. That's when you'll hear it clicking off and clicking on again.
If the thermostat is adjusted wrong, your refrigerator may shut down and restart as temperatures rise. The thermostat that controls the temperature sends a direct current to different parts of the fridge, and if it is not working properly, the fridge does not get cold.
How often should a fridge start and stop? All fridges are 'on' most of the time. And by that I mean — it is typical for a refrigerator compressor to run anywhere between 4 and 8 hours before turning 'off'. Newer models run even more frequently — about 80% of the time.
Turn off the refrigerator and freezer from the control panel. After unplugging the refrigerator, turn off the fridge and freezer using the control panel inside the fridge. To do so, set the controls to “zero" or switch them off entirely. Once you're done, you can plug your refrigerator back into the wall socket.
Walking through the steps of resetting a freezer should only take a few minutes, but it can take up to 24 hours for the freezer's temperature to stabilize upon resetting. Freezers that were only briefly disconnected should reach the desired temperature sooner.
If your fridge is cycling on and off incessantly, it is likely due to either a faulty thermostat, or the defrost timer or defrost thermostat. The defrost timer turns on and off the defrost heater which keeps your fridge at the right temperature.
Make sure the fridge or freezer door is not open for a prolonged period of time as the temperature can suddenly rise, causing the alarm to engage. Make sure the door is sealed shut as any gaps or bulges can allow warm air to enter, thus triggering the alarm.
Haier - Freezer Running All the Time
For a freezer to maintain the desired temperature of 0 degrees F, the compressor will usually run more than 50% of the time. Modern chest freezers have smaller, more powerful, high-speed compressors that generally cost less to operate than those in older refrigerators.