Is it bad for a fridge to run all the time?

Author: Mr. Cory Littel  |  Last update: Sunday, October 5, 2025

If your refrigerator doesn't stop running, it can lead to higher electricity bills and reduce the lifespan of your appliance by months or even years. Several potential causes could be making your fridge run continuously: dirty condenser coils, a faulty defrost heater, and problems with the defrost thermostat.

Is it normal for a refrigerator to run constantly?

Yes. The compressor runs until the refrigerator hits its target temperature and then cycles off until that temperature rises out of range again. Unless the compressor is rapidly cycling on and off, this is exactly how the system is supposed to work.

How long should a refrigerator run before shutting off?

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.

Is it OK to leave refrigerator on all the time?

You most certainly can. In fact, it will run somewhat more efficiently since the doors will be closed all that time. You might want to toss anything that will spoil in that time though (even refrigeration doesn't keep things fresh indefinitely).

Why is my refrigerator not shutting off?

If your refrigerator is running too long, it could be due to a malfunction of the defrost termination thermostat. This is the component in charge of turning off the defrost heater at the end of the defrost cycle, when the evaporator gets up to 35 to 47 degrees F. It can normally be found on the evaporator tubing.

Why Is My Refrigerator Always Running?

Should you hear a refrigerator running all the time?

But if your refrigerator seems to be “running” all the time, then the appliance is working too hard. While having a refrigerator that works overtime might give the impression the appliance is especially robust, it's actually an indication that something could be wrong with your refrigerator parts.

How often should a refrigerator cycle on and off?

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.

Is it bad to keep turning a fridge on and off?

Damages the Compressor and Rubber Seals

Additionally, the rubber seals around the refrigerator door may lose their flexibility, allowing warm air to enter and cold air to escape when you eventually turn it back on. This compromises the appliance's efficiency & energy consumption, leading to frequent fridge repairs.

Will unplugging a refrigerator reset it?

Reset your refrigerator

Follow the instructions below depending on your model and what you would like to reset: Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Is the fridge supposed to be on all 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.

Should a refrigerator fan run all the time?

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.

How to tell if a fridge compressor is bad?

A hum or a slight buzz is typical, but if your refrigerator starts making strange or loud noises, the compressor might be struggling. Professional Repair Required: Compressors have numerous components, and diagnosing the source of the noise can be complicated.

What if my fridge is off for 8 hours?

Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, eggs, and leftovers after 4 hours without power. After a power outage never taste food to determine its safety.

Do refrigerators run 24 hours a day?

Step Three: Most “average” refrigerators run for about eight hours per day. Multiply 8 hours of usage by the number of watts you came up with in step two, or 8 x 960 = 7,680 watts per day, on average.

How do you know when a refrigerator is going bad?

Your refrigerator starts making strange noises. A gentle hum is normal as the fan motors inside your refrigerator do their job. Unusual sounds like grinding, scraping, knocking, or rattling are signs of bigger issues. You should also check your ice maker if you hear strange noises coming from your fridge.

Should the refrigerator be turned off?

But there are more than a few reasons why you shouldn't be turning off your fridge at night. With the fridge switched off, the temperature inside rises, so will the chances of growth of harmful bacteria. This results in the store food items getting stale and making them dangerous for consumption.

Is it bad to unplug a fridge often?

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.

When should I be worried about my fridge running constantly?

If it seems to click on every few minutes or doesn't shut off at all, it's time to troubleshoot a few areas to avoid overheating internal components. A broken refrigerator could be in the future if the running issue isn't dealt with swiftly.

What do I do if my fridge keeps shutting off?

It May Be a Thermostat Issue

To check, the next time your refrigerator shuts off, turn the thermostat knob all the way off and then turn it back on. If it starts running, then it is likely the thermostat that needs to be replaced.

Can I leave my fridge on all the time?

If you are going to be away for a month or less, we recommend the following: Leave the refrigerator running. Leave the temperature controls at the normal settings. If all the food is removed and you want to save energy, the temperature control may be set to a warmer temperature setting during the absence.

Should the fridge run all the time?

If your refrigerator doesn't stop running, it can lead to higher electricity bills and reduce the lifespan of your appliance by months or even years. Several potential causes could be making your fridge run continuously: dirty condenser coils, a faulty defrost heater, and problems with the defrost thermostat.

Why is my refrigerator cycling on and off constantly?

If your refrigerator is cycling on and off incessantly, it is possible that the evaporator fan is not working properly. The evaporator fan circulates cold air from the freezer to your fridge. When it stops, warm air will enter and the fridge will work its compressor harder in order to maintain a constant temperature.

Why is my GE refrigerator running constantly?

If your GE refrigerator runs constantly, first check its temperature settings. If the internal temperature is set too high, the refrigerator has to run constantly to keep cool. GE recommends setting the refrigerator's internal temperature within the range of 34-42℉ and the freezer between -5-8℉.

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