Frequently Asked Questions About Domestic Refrigerator Repair:
Do run times and cycle length indicate a problem?
I live in a rented house, so I don't know the refrigerators complete history, but it is a general electric form the 80's I think. The problem I have is that it runs a lot! It has been running for about 15 to 20 minutes, then stops for about 45 then runs again for another 15 - 20 minutes. The last few days it started a new pattern of running 2-5 minutes then stopping for 10 or so then again running for 2-5 minutes, So it still runs about 15-20 minutes of every hour. It is set on 3 on a 0-8 setting selection and seems to keep things cold enough. I am just afraid this constant running means it will soon quit. Any ideas? I live in the USA. Thanks.
Actually run times or length of duration between them is not a feasible way of determining if the unit has a mechanical problem. The reason being as there are just too many factors at play, some of which are: the volume of load inside the cabinet relative to the size of the unit, the ambient temperature, the relative humidity, the time and duration of the last automatic defrost cycle, the age and design of the compressor, how many times the door has been opened, and how well the doors seal. As well, the run cycle right after an automatic defrost cycle, (which for all normal observation purposes will seem exactly like a normal off cycle) can be 45 to 90 minute in duration.
This makes observing and recording these cycles futile. The fact that your unit is keeping your food cool enough and it does cycle on and off means that the hermetic system is satisfying the cold control, which is a good thing.
So when to worry? When one or the other sections can't be set cold enough and the unit runs constantly.
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