Should a new refrigerator run all the time?

Author: Mr. Boyd Kshlerin PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, July 2, 2025

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.

Should I always hear my refrigerator running?

When a refrigerator runs normally, you'll hear the compressor click on several times a day.

How long should a new refrigerator run?

According to Whirlpool, it generally takes about 24 hours for a fridge to reach the correct internal temperature of 37 degrees Fahrenheit to 40 F (3 C to 5 C). During this time, the fridge is working to remove heat from the interior and establish a stable environment for food storage.

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.

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 Refrigerator Always Running?

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.

Do modern refrigerators 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.

What are the rules for a new refrigerator?

Once you have received your new refrigerator it is best to let it sit for at 4 hours before you turn it one. This needs to be done to let the gas and lubricants settle back into the compressor again. You will then need to wait for your refrigerator to come to temperature before you start to use it.

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.

Is a fridge supposed to hum all the time?

A mild hum or even a clear humming sound is normal for a fridge that is switched on. It comes from the compressor, and there is nothing to worry about. However, if the hum becomes deafening or the cooling capacity has decreased considerably, call a professional to fix the compressor.

Should a refrigerator fan run all the time?

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.

Should a fridge ever be silent?

Refrigerators will make some noise whilst operating. If your fridge is making no noise, the interior is not cold enough but the light is on, it may be an indication that there is a fault. For example, your compressor may be damaged.

Should I hear my new refrigerator running?

The noise comes from the compressor of the refrigerator when the compressor gets ON then you will listen to that noise. It is common so before purchasing go with the refrigerator which produces less noise. Some of the refrigerators feature this functionality.

Why does my brand new Whirlpool refrigerator run constantly?

One of the most common reasons a Whirlpool refrigerator runs constantly is because the internal temperature is too high. If your fridge isn't set to the manufacturer's recommended temperature settings, it will run constantly in an attempt to reach the desired temperature.

How long does a new fridge need to settle?

Once your fridge has been safely moved into the kitchen of your new home and is in the desired position, you should let it stand unplugged, in an upright position, for at least 4 hours to allow its compressor oil to settle.

What is the first thing you should do with a new fridge?

Once the unit is in the house you should: Leave the appliance to sit for 3 hours. Then plug it in and switch it on. It should then be left overnight to stabilize before putting any fresh food into it.

Which brand of refrigerator is the best?

Our Top Pick: LG produces excellent refrigerators that perform well in our tests and receive high satisfaction ratings from consumers, including our survey participants. The Smart French Door Refrigerator with Dual Ice Maker stands out for its simple, user-friendly design and customizable features.

Can a new fridge be used immediately?

To keep your fridge or freezer working properly, it's recommended to wait a few hours, at least 4-6 hours, before plugging it in after it's been moved. This allows the compressor oil, which lubricates the internal components, to settle back into place.

Why does my new fridge run constantly?

Several potential causes could be making your fridge run continuously: dirty condenser coils, a faulty defrost heater, and problems with the defrost thermostat. To fix this issue, clean the condenser coils, replace the defrost heater if necessary, and check and replace the defrost thermostat if it's malfunctioning.

Does a fridge draw power all the time?

A home refrigerator's power consumption is typically between 300 to 800 watts of electricity, or between 3 and 6 amps and about 120 volts. Importantly, refrigerators generally have a much lower "running" wattage than their stated average wattage – this is because they cycle on and off throughout the day.

Why is my new 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℉.

Should the fridge be always on?

We recommend unplugging your refrigerator from power when you go out for a longer period. You will not need fresh food then. Make sure to dispose of any item that will go rotten without cooling. If your use of the refrigerator is minimal, then you can try turning off the fridge for a few hours at night.

How often should a refrigerator kick off and on?

However, your refrigerator does not—and should not—run constantly. Every 12 to 15 hours, the refrigeration defrost cycle should begin, which uses a defrost heater to melt any frost that has accumulated on the evaporator coils. Once the defrost cycle is complete, the refrigeration cycle will begin again.

How long should my new Whirlpool refrigerator run?

If your refrigerator was recently installed, it may take up to 24 to 48 hours for your refrigerator to reach the correct temperature.

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