How long can the refrigerator compressor run without stopping and how often should the refrigerator turn on?

Frequent turning on and off of the refrigerator

Refrigeration equipment operates cyclically. There is a thermostat inside the equipment that records temperature changes. When the temperature rises in the refrigerator, the element sends signals to the compressor to cool the air. When the optimal value is reached, the engine turns off. After heating, the compressor starts working again.

In the case when the engine is turned off at a large interval, there is an increase in the time of inactivity and the period of active operation. If the device operates without interruption, the stored products begin to freeze. Prolonged idle time leads to the melting of the evaporator, which in turn provokes the appearance of ice on the internal surfaces.

If the compressor changes operating phases more frequently, this reduces time intervals, which threatens to increase waste on electricity bills. After all, the motor in this case consumes a lot of energy.

The best refrigerator models

Our experts bring to your attention 3 models of refrigerators that have proven themselves best among Russian users.

Indesit ITF 118 W

Household appliances from an Italian manufacturer have dimensions of 60 x 185 x 64 cm. The model has the option of No Frost, super freezing and a freshness zone. The volume of the refrigerator compartment is 223 liters, the freezer compartment is 75 liters. In addition, the equipment has a discreet design and is equipped with a top display. The advantages of the device also include:

Relatively low cost;
Energy saving;
Compact and well-arranged shelves.

ATLANT ХМ 4426-080 N

The premium device has dimensions of 59.5 x 206.5 x 62.5 cm. The total volume is 357 liters, almost a third of which is in the freezer. The advantages of the model are:

Fast and high-quality freezing;
Good build quality;
Availability of the “Vacation” function;
The design fits perfectly into any interior style;
Possibility of reversing the door.

Bosch KGV36XW2AR

A powerful German refrigerator with two compressors looks harmonious in any kitchen interior. With dimensions of 60 x 185 x 63 cm, the volume of the refrigerator compartment is 223 liters, another 94 liters fits in the freezer. The equipment is equipped with a drip defrosting system and quickly freezes food. Among the advantages it is also worth highlighting:

Low power consumption;
Low noise operation;
Reversible door.

To choose the optimal model that meets all your needs, please contact.
The main activities of our company: Urgent repair of refrigerators at home in Moscow and the region Spare parts for refrigerators with home delivery throughout Russia We have also collected some useful information on refrigerators: Go to the table of contents of the directory

Frequency of shutdown of a refrigerator with a long service life

The compressor activation interval is determined by the conditions of use of the equipment, the model and volume of refrigeration equipment.

To evaluate the efficiency of work, you need to use the formula that calculates the operating time coefficient: K = Vtsr / (Vtsr + Vo), where Vtsr is the designation of the work cycle time; During rest time.

For example, the unit runs for 10 minutes. and is inactive for 15 minutes. According to calculations, it turns out: K = 10/(10+15) = 0.4. Considered an acceptable value. Acceptable values for the calculated coefficient are in the range of 0.2-0.6.

The average value of a normal cycle is 0.5. This means that the compressor is running exactly half of the time, and the rest is off. A coefficient of less than 0.2 is considered evidence that the temperature is set to high, but the device does not freeze well or the chambers have lost their integrity.

If the number exceeds 0.6, this indicates a malfunction of the device. The duty cycle of a household appliance increases when the storage compartments are overloaded. A product on a shelf that has been there for a long time absorbs the cold and retains it for a long period.

More about refrigeration modes

What is the compressor switching frequency?

In other words, what is the normal cycle time?

The frequency at which the compressor is turned on directly depends on the degree of cold loss. The refrigerator will turn on more often if more heat enters it.

Causes of loss of cold:

Poor thermal insulation of the walls of the unit;
The unit door is not closed tightly;
Damage to the seal (displaced, cracked, worn out);
Frequently opening the refrigerator door;
Placing hot foods in the refrigerator.

Refrigerator maintenance and repair specialists calculate the refrigerator efficiency coefficient using a formula that you can also easily use:

K = Tr / Tp,

Where Тп – downtime); Тр – operating time; K – efficiency coefficient.

The ideal value is considered to be 2. However, if your refrigerator is in a room with a low air temperature or you have set the temperature in the refrigerator too high, then this value will most likely be lower. If this indicator is more than 2, most likely your unit needs repair.

You can also evaluate the efficiency of the refrigerator/working time coefficient using the formula:

K = Vrts/ (Vrts+Vo), where: Vrts - operating cycle time; During - time of rest.

Based on the results of applying this formula, you can conclude that the refrigerator is operating normally if you get a result in the range from 0.2 to 0.6.

The reasons for the refrigerator to turn on frequently may also be due to a malfunction of any of the units or parts of the unit:

Temperature sensor malfunction. It is better to entrust the troubleshooting of this problem to a specialist.
Thermal protection relay is faulty. The purpose of the relay is to prevent overheating of the compressor above the maximum operating temperature; it operates automatically. If the relay malfunctions (broken contacts, short circuit), the temperature will be determined incorrectly, which means the compressor will also turn on incorrectly.

What determines the continuous operation time of a compressor?

From the type of freon, since all refrigerants have different characteristics;
Whether your refrigerator was operating normally, or whether you turned it off (for example, for the purpose of transportation or defrosting);
From the volume of the refrigerator and working chambers;
From the chamber being filled with products;
From the temperature set in the refrigerator. The higher the temperature set, the less time is required for the compressor operating cycle. Therefore, the greater the temperature difference between the inside and outside of the refrigerator, the longer it takes the compressor to cool.

ON A NOTE:

The average temperature in the main compartment should not be lower than +2 degrees, in the freezer - minus 15-18 degrees.

The maximum time for non-stop operation of a refrigerator is considered to be 8 hours, provided the air temperature is high and the refrigerator is fully loaded. If the refrigerator is empty and runs for more than 1 hour, you need to seek help from specialists.

ON A NOTE:

In normal mode, it is acceptable to turn on the refrigerator 2-8 times per hour. The normal ratio of downtime to operating time is 2 to 1.

It is very easy to measure how long the refrigerator works and how long it rests. And if the rest time is less than the working time, or the specified ratio is disproportionately violated, this should be taken as a signal of a malfunction of the unit.

Reasons for non-stop operation of the compressor

Insufficient amount of freon, which can in turn be caused by an error when filling the refrigerant, its leakage or decomposition due to dirt and impurities;
Fast freezing mode enabled;
Problems with the control board;
Charging with non-standard refrigerant;
Technical malfunction of units or parts of the unit;
Blockage of the system through which freon circulates: when the cross-section of one of the units (evaporator, capillary tube, condenser) is reduced, its passage through the system becomes difficult;
Evaporator icing. To eliminate this reason, it is enough to defrost the refrigerator;
Incorrect installation of the refrigerator. Manufacturer's recommendations must be used.

IMPORTANT!
Maintain distances from the device to walls or furniture;
Do not install the refrigerator near the stove;
Do not install the refrigerator near radiators or other heating devices.

It is possible that the refrigerator turns off immediately after being turned on.

Reasons for this disconnection:

Breakdown of the start-protection relay. This can be signaled by characteristic clicks;
Compressor failure. This can be indicated by intense heating and buzzing, clicking sounds.
Failure in the control unit. This may be indicated by the refrigerator turning off at irregular intervals.

If the control unit malfunctions, the refrigerator stops freezing. The technician will fix minor faults on the spot; in case of serious faults, the chip will most likely need to be replaced.

How often should the unit change operating phases?

The best indicators are considered to be from 4 to 8 on/hour. The compressor runs for 2-4 minutes. It is unacceptable if the engine started only once in the past hour or did not turn off at all, which is a serious problem.

Important! When connected, a new refrigeration unit must operate without interruption for 2-8 hours or more until the optimal temperature is established. Devices equipped with know frost, after turning on and freezing, activate the defrosting mode, driven by a thermostat and heating element.

The average operating cycle is 9-16 minutes, with freezing requiring 2-5 minutes, then the thawing process begins.

Eliminating all of the above problems requires qualified assistance from a specialist.

If your refrigerator has two compressors

The compressors in such refrigerators do not operate synchronously, but with a time difference. This often suggests that the refrigerator is malfunctioning, because the compressors turn on and off at different intervals. However, this is the operating principle of two-compressor refrigerators. However, if you are alarmed by the fact that the temperature you set is not reached, you need to consult a specialist.

If your refrigerator has two circuits / two freon systems

There are models in which there is one compressor, but two separate freon systems. The first of them works to cool the main compartment, the second - to cool the freezer. Due to the difference in temperature in the main compartment and in the freezer, they cool unevenly. And since there is only one compressor, it works alternately to cool the main compartment and then to cool the chamber. Accordingly, the refrigerator will turn on for different amounts of time and at different intervals.

If your refrigerator is equipped with a No Frost system, then after starting and freezing, the defrosting mode is activated. This mode is activated using the thermostat and the evaporator heating element. In such refrigerators, the average operating cycle is from 9 to 16 minutes, 2-5 minutes of which are cooling, and the remaining time is defrosting. In refrigerators with the No Frost function, the automation that regulates the process of distributing cold air flows may fail. In this case, the unit operates continuously.

If you have an inverter refrigerator, the compressor runs almost constantly, only its speed changes. Frequent changes in speed will indicate problems with the unit.

Factors affecting cooling duration

The lifespan of household appliances and ensuring their stable operation directly depends on the correct installation. The device must stand on a flat floor, it must be leveled and the position of the legs must be adjusted.

It is not recommended to place the unit near heating equipment. It is also prohibited to move the equipment close to the wall; it is better to leave a gap of 15-20 cm to ensure air circulation.

A newly purchased refrigerator is first connected to the outlet after 3-4 hours, then it will have time to adapt to the temperature conditions of the home. Connection to the power supply network must be carried out using a protective device “barrier”, which disconnects the device from the power supply during voltage surges.

If there are regular voltage drops in the room, you need to install a stabilizer that allows you to adjust the value of the indicator without the need to turn off the refrigerator.

When switching on for the first time after defrosting or repair work, do not place too much food in the refrigerator compartment. It is safer to connect an empty refrigerator and wait until the optimal temperature is reached. The unit can then be loaded.

The time period after which the device produces cold is determined by the brand, type of freon, room temperature, chamber volume, and the number of products placed inside.

The first operating cycle usually lasts depending on the size: for large refrigerators - 2-2.5 hours; for medium devices - 1-1.5 hours; for small models - 30-40 minutes. In order to reduce energy costs by increasing the period of inactivity, it is permissible to fill the refrigerator chambers to the maximum if it has been in service for several years.

The products allow you to store accumulated cold for a long time. When the chambers are half-empty, they quickly warm up, which provokes frequent restarts of the unit. If you need to lengthen the cycle in hot weather, you should try to open the door more rarely.

When hot air currents from a hot room enter the refrigerator, food begins to heat up, and as a result, the temperature becomes higher, and the device restarts more often.

What can affect the device's operating cycle?

An increased operating time indicates that the motor works harder, freezes more intensely, and there is an overconsumption of electricity.

If the operating interval of the refrigerator between shutdowns has increased, this does not mean that the device is faulty.

Perhaps the reason is a violation of the rules for using the unit:

incorrect installation of the device with an angle - the seal is broken;
overloading of chambers with products - the movement of cold air flows is difficult;
heat in the apartment - when opened, hot air enters the unit, heating it;
incorrectly set temperature - the settings force the compressor to start more often or operate at increased power.

The frequency of turning the refrigerator on and off depends on the technical parameters:

dimensions of the unit, volume of compartments;
type of refrigerant;
motor performance.

You can control the operating time of the refrigerator before shutting down by adjusting the temperature. Manufacturers indicate the optimal mode in the instructions.

Reasons for the compressor to function without shutting down

When the unit stops turning off, you should first check the set mode. If the maximum setting is turned down or the “super freezing” mode is activated, the refrigerator will start working continuously. To fix the problem you will need to change the settings. If this is not the reason, you need to inspect the location of the equipment. The surface must be flat, installed at a distance from the stove and heating equipment at standard temperature.

If the room temperature is high, the compressor begins to operate at its limit. Next, you should check the tightness of the door. This is probably prevented by the dishes or damage to the seal. Therefore, heated air flows enter the chamber, and then the compressor continuously tries to cool it down.

To repair the malfunction, the seal must be washed with soapy water and dried, and the containers must be removed. If it has been determined that the operating requirements are met, then the refrigerator must be defrosted. When it thaws, you will need to wipe it and leave it for 1-2 hours to evaporate any remaining moisture.

After this, the unit can be reconnected to the network, allowed to run idle for a couple of hours and then filled with products. If after defrosting the equipment does not turn off or connect, then we can talk about a breakdown.

In such a situation, it is preferable to call a professional to diagnose and fix the problem. Do-it-yourself repairs can cause final failure.

First start

So, having bought a new refrigerator or repaired an old one, the user brings it home and, in most cases, starts the unit. There is no need to do this. Especially if the temperature outside is sub-zero. Any household appliance that has been outside in sub-zero temperatures or hot weather should be left at home for several hours. During this time, the mechanisms will accept the room temperature, which will allow the device to start without harm to the internal parts.

Another nuance that affects the operating time after the first launch is the number of products loaded into the chambers. The more products, the longer the refrigeration unit will cool them and reach the desired temperature. Therefore, there is no need to rush to load cameras to capacity. It is better to place some food in the new Atlant refrigerator, start the device and wait for the first shutdown.

If you need to check the performance of Indesit equipment after repair, it is better not to load the chambers with products. The device needs to be started, and without opening the door, wait until it turns off. On average, the first cycle after repair should last:

about 2 hours for large models,
for medium-sized LG refrigerators the cycle lasts 60-90 minutes,
for small ones – 30-40 minutes.

The device of a household refrigerator

If the equipment cools weakly but continuously

The reasons that caused insufficient freezing, while the unit is operating without interruption, may be as follows:

Seal wear. If it is damaged or displaced, heated air enters the chamber, and ice appears on the back side of the refrigerator, and it does not freeze well.
Broken temperature sensor. A broken element indicates the need for cooling. Therefore the engine does not turn off.
Problems in the control unit. This provokes power surges or water ingress. Moreover, an error code is displayed on the screen.
Cupping of the capillary tube. If oil clots accumulate in the cavity, then freon circulates unevenly.
Freon leak. In most cases, the coolant leaks through the weld joints, but the engine does not turn off at all.
Compressor malfunction. Possible with long-term service of the refrigerator.

First start

about 2 hours for large models,
for medium-sized LG refrigerators the cycle lasts 60-90 minutes,
for small ones – 30-40 minutes.

The device of a household refrigerator

What measures are taken in the event of a breakdown?

Do-it-yourself repair requires experience and skills. For this reason, refrigerator repair is difficult. You can eliminate the causes caused by setting the wrong mode and the door not being tightly closed.

The equipment will have to be reconfigured, placed level and as far as possible from the heating equipment or moved to another place, and objects that prevent the door from fitting tightly should be moved away.

If the gasket is damaged, it needs to be replaced - either on your own or contact a specialist. First of all, you need to install a similar gasket and carefully glue it to the door.

Serious reasons caused by technical problems will require diagnostics. A professional will detect and get rid of freon leaks, blockages in the capillary tube, and replace broken elements with new ones (temperature sensor, compressor and start relay). When breakdowns occur in the control unit, a restart can help. The refrigerator must be disconnected from the power supply and left for 15-20 minutes, and then connected. If this method does not work, you must contact a competent technician who will reprogram the unit or replace individual parts.

Important! If the warranty period of the equipment has not expired, you must immediately contact the service center.

How long should a refrigerator run without turning off?

There is no specific amount of time for non-stop operation of the refrigerator. It is influenced not only by the model of the device, but also by the temperature in the kitchen, the level of compressor wear, the number of chambers, the settings, etc.

You can highlight the average value for uninterrupted operation of a compressor in a refrigerator: it is 1 hour .

But don’t worry if your household appliance periodically makes noise longer than usual. After all, the thermostat and sensor constantly analyze the condition inside the refrigeration chambers. If the food placed inside is warm or the refrigerator has not been operated for a long time, the operating time of the compressor will increase.

But there are still a number of alarming signs that, combined with long-term operation of the device, indicate possible defects:

The “rumbling” sound becomes too loud and a rattling sound appears;
Household appliances emit an unpleasant burnt smell;
The noise either increases or decreases sharply over a short period of time.

In this case, the compressor or other part of the refrigerator fails and you should call a technician.

In this video, master Dmitry Kondrashev will tell you how to understand whether your refrigerator is working correctly at the moment:

Reasons for constant operation of the refrigerator

The frequency with which the refrigerator should be opened and closed depends on the compressor. Sometimes it's not just about old parts or incorrect parameters - the compressor may not turn off. It all depends on the brand, make, etc. Older appliances have a thermostat, while newer appliances have technical sensors. All of them can break due to a sudden short circuit or burnout of the contacts.

The management unit is also vulnerable. If it breaks, the camera will stop freezing. The problem can be easily solved by replacing the chip or updating the firmware. Antifreeze equipment has a thermostat that distributes air currents throughout the chamber. When it fails, the compressor continues to operate.

A refrigerant leak may occur, which will also cause the compressor to be constantly active. The removal of warm air from the chamber is reduced to 0, and the engine runs at full power to add cold. Only professionals can fix the leak or replace any of the parts.

Continuous operation of the refrigerator, is this normal or a deviation?

Should the refrigerator be running all the time? Continuous operation is bad for the refrigerator. If the fault is not corrected, the engine will overheat and break down. In this mode, depending on the modification, the equipment can last about six months. To avoid problems, it is important to correct faults immediately and return to optimal operation.

Common faults in refrigerators

Common problems with refrigerators include:

The device does not cool or does it poorly even when the maximum power is selected. In this case, the compressor is almost always to blame. It is worn out or the relay has failed. There is also a possibility that almost all of the refrigerant in the system has been released due to the appearance of microcracks;
Intensive formation of a layer of ice inside the freezer. Often the root cause is loss of tightness. In this case, the rubber seal is replaced or the door is adjusted;
Water accumulates below. Almost always the problem lies in the joints of the drainage pipes. As a result of moving the refrigerator, they sometimes move out of place.

How long after a device that has been in operation for a long time should it turn off?

Every refrigeration device has a thermoregulatory mechanism and a special controller in its design. These elements allow the user to set the required temperature, and the device to turn off the compressor as soon as the corresponding values are reached. If the unit has been in operation for a long time and is not empty, the compressor will rarely turn on, since the food supplies have already cooled down.

Attentive housewives may notice that the working and resting phases of the device are approximately equal in duration. The following term was introduced: average cyclicity coefficient. Its value is 0.5.