Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:
About run times as a compressor ages
Thanks for a nice site. Have noticed that my refrigerator stays on longer and off shorter. Times are on 20 minutes and off for 10. It used to be when I bought it [used] 4 years ago, that it would be on for about 8 and off for about 8. On your page you mentioned that it probably is not the Freon. Hmmm. I am into computers, and have taken 2 of the 110 v cooling fans used on the computers and put 1 onto the cooling fins on the back of the unit, and the other blowing onto the "compressor" { is that the big black round object which seems to get VERY hot? ]
If you have a suggestion or can direct me to a place on the web that I can get help, thanks.
Here are two things about compressors that may help explain.
One, they do run very hot. The outside case can get to about 180F in normal ambient temperatures. This means that you can touch it but you can't leave your hand there past the count of 2. Compressors have thermal overload protectors though so it will cut out if it gets too hot.
Two, speaking generally here, the older a compressor is the more it has to run. As it wears down it gets more blow by past the piston ( like compression on a car) and has to run longer to do the same amount of work. There is a trade off though, the less work it does the less energy it uses. So energy consumption is about the same in it's golden years, except for some motor running losses.
When the old boy is just about done you'll notice it running almost constantly.
The fans are a good idea, you want to get as much air back there as possible. It can't hurt anyway.
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