For a freezer to maintain the desired temperature of 0 degrees F, the compressor will usually run more than 50% of the time.
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.
Normal Cycling Patterns
So, how often should a fridge/freezer cycle on and off? On average, most refrigerators run for about 45 minutes to an hour before taking a break. This means the compressor is actively cooling your food for around 80–90% of the day.
It is also normal for the compressor to start and stop often as the temperature control tries to maintain even temperatures (much like an air conditioner's thermostat). The refrigerator may run 75% - 90% of the time, and in hot, humid areas, may even approach 100% run time.
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.
It is normal for the compressor to go on and off frequently. It is normal for the refrigerator to work longer when the room or outside weather is too warm or hot. If the refrigerator doors are opened too frequently or too long allows warm air to enter the product and therefore causes it to run more often.
It might sound strange to think but a freezer shouldn't run all the time because if it does it will actually build-up to much ice. This can make your freezer to cold and will make opening it and then closing it a problem, it will also be sure to put more stress on the motor.
Most of the time, the length of the cycle – from the period of turning off to turning back on – should be about 7 to 10 minutes. The system will often complete a full cycle every 15 to 20 minutes, then turn off for up to 10 minutes before turning back on.
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.
For coolers the average is 16 hours and freezers average 18 hours per day. This will give you the daily amount of kilowatts required daily. Multiply the daily required kilowatts by 30.42 which is the average days per month to get the monthly required kilowatts.
Your fridge should run from around 35% of the day to around 85% of the day. A refrigerator that gets opened more frequently has to operate more often to lower the temperature of warmer items, so this amount varies. However, no fridge should run all the time. Try following these steps to diagnose the problem.
When you have just one compressor the air from the refrigerated section and the freezer section all run through the same compressor, which can cause odors to be shared by both spaces. It also takes a lot of energy to control the different temperature and humidity needs of each section through one compressor.
The answer is no. The temperature of a refrigerator needs to be maintained at a certain level, and if you unplug it, the temperature inside drastically changes leading to many problems. Even when not in use at night, it is best left plugged in to preserve the quality of the food stored inside.
However, the compressor and fan motors should only have to run occasionally throughout the day to maintain that cool temperature. If the compressor and fan motors are continuously running, it means the system is having trouble maintaining the temperature.
On average, they can last between 8-10 years, which still varies. There are many variables such as the type of compressor and maintenance schedules that can affect compressor failure rates.
The Compressor Pulls Up the Gas and the Cycle Starts Again
That depends on the age of your fridge, as newer refrigerators can run for up to 90% of the time. However, your refrigerator does not—and should not—run constantly.
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.
A compressor turning on and off repeatedly can be frustrating for homeowners. Low refrigerant levels, a faulty compressor, electrical issues, short cycling, and thermostat problems are some common causes behind this problem.
Ideally, air conditioning systems should cycle for 15 to 20 minutes. Instead of frequently turning on or running continuously, the air conditioner will turn on two or three times an hour.
Short cycling means your compressor turns off before completing one full cycle only to turn on again not long after. The main cause stems from an overheated air conditioning system since the compressor likely has a thermal cuff that turns off by default when the system exceeds a specific temperature.
Most standard Compressors have a duty cycle between 50-100%. This means they should be turned off after running for 50-100% of the time, allowing the motor to cool back down before being used again.
A freezer must run more to maintain temperatures low enough to satisfy the temperature control and turn the compressor off. A freezer should be at least 3/4 full to maintain proper temperatures and reduce time. Door openings contribute significantly to the run time of any refrigerator.
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.
A gasket with cracks or leaks will lead to frost buildup on the evaporator, which causes the compressor to run continually. Check the gasket for any signs of damage. Areas where there is significant frost buildup can indicate where cracks or leaks are on the gasket.