Knowledge Builders

does refrigerator condenser fan always run

by Prof. Queenie Green Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The fan runs whenever the compressor runs, and it draws cool room air through the front grille, and circulates it through the condenser coils, over the compressor, and back out the front grille into the room. The circulating air helps cool the compressor and the refrigerant in the condenser coils.May 1, 1998

Full Answer

What happens if the condenser fan is not working on a refrigerator?

However, if the condenser fan isn’t working, your refrigerator will still be drawing in air, just much less efficiently. The refrigerator will have to run almost constantly in order to make up for the fan not working anymore. The small bit of good news is that this fan motor is pretty easy to test.

Should the evaporator fan run all the time in a refrigerator?

If you understood the refrigerator cycle earlier, you would know that a faulty evaporator fan will prevent cool air from circulating. The evaporator fan is not supposed to run all the time but until the refrigerator reaches a set temperature. However, it runs in combination with the condenser and compressor fan. This is one school of thought.

How does a condenser fan work on a refrigerator?

A refrigerator has a number of working parts that are continually in motion, ranging from air compression units to the refrigeration pump, coolant circulation and more. The condenser fan is part of the motor which helps keep it cool by taking the hot air from working parts and pushing it out of the working environment.

Why does my Fan Fan keep running on and off?

Fan Motor Defect. If this happens there could be a short in the motor’s electrical components which is forcing the motor to continually run even when it is clear there is no thermostat damage, airflow issues or condenser buildup. This is the least likely scenario, but it can happen with fridges that have seen decades of continual use.

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Should a refrigerator compressor fan run all the time?

The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating the cold air from your coils and into the refrigerator section. Without it working, the cool air will not be efficiently blown onto your fresh food. However, your refrigerator will still try to maintain that temperature by instead just running all the time.

How often should refrigerator fan come on?

The evaporator coils are usually located behind the freezer compartment, and the evaporator fan should be right in front of them, although it may be offset to one side or the other. The fan should come on whenever the compressor cycles on. If it doesn't, the refrigerator won't get cool enough to preserve your food.

Does fridge fan go on and off?

A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. This sensor takes readings from the refrigerator (and freezer if you have one) and flips the cooling system on when it sees the temperature isn't where it needs to be.

When should my condenser fan run?

Anytime the air conditioning is on, your condenser fan should be running. If you start the engine, you should see this fan spinning with the AC system.

How often do refrigerators cycle on and off?

The Compressor Pulls Up the Gas and the Cycle Starts Again 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.

How often should a fridge freezer cycle on and off?

The average freezer cycle is about 30 minutes. The freezer should cycle on and off every 30 minutes and stay running about 80 to 90% of the day. But there are a few things that can alter your freezer's run time.

Should freezer fan always be running?

It might sound strange to think but a freezer shouldn't run all the time because if it does it will actually build-up to much ice. This can make your freezer to cold and will make opening it and then closing it a problem, it will also be sure to put more stress on the motor.

Significant Changes in Temperature Matter

The fan doesn’t need to be constantly running as long as there are no significant changes in temperature within the unit itself. If there is an increase in heat or humidity, it will turn on automatically without any input from us humans!

Bonus: Tips on Keeping It Running Smoothly

Make sure there is enough space inside the compartment so that hot air has some room to escape instead of staying trapped with all those cold items;

Conclusion

The answer to this question is not always as simple as it may seem. Many factors can determine whether or not a refrigerator’s fan will be running, but the most common reason a fridge runs its cooling fan without stopping is because of heat from food being stored in the freezer.

Why does my refrigerator fan run with no break?

When the evaporator fan runs only with the condenser, you save up a lot of power. When the fan runs without any break, it causes air to circulate properly. This will produce an even temperature throughout the refrigerator. This is what some experts believe.

Why shouldn't an evaporator fan run all the time?

Most people believe that the evaporator fan runs all the time. However, others think it shouldn’t because it will use a lot of power. A faulty evaporator fan does not cool the food and defrosts the one in the freezer. The inside is warmer than it should be.

How does a compressor work?

The compressor converts the liquid refrigerant into gas and pumps it into the condenser coils. Here, the fan cools the gaseous refrigerant, and the heat is pumped out of the refrigerator.

What is inside a refrigerator?

Inside the refrigerator are the evaporator coils. The evaporator fan takes the air from the refrigerator. It blows the air into the evaporator coils. The refrigerant, present in the evaporator coils, in turn, gives off cold air to cool the items inside. The compressor converts the liquid refrigerant into gas and pumps it into the condenser coils.

What happens if the evaporator fan fails?

When the evaporator fan fails, the stuff in your freezer will defrost. Open the freezer and check if you can feel cold air. If yes, then the problem may not be the evaporator fan.

Why is the evaporator fan important?

The working of the evaporator fan is important as it blows the air from the coil into the refrigerator. So, when the cool air does not reach your food, it will ruin over time. The refrigerator tries to handle the situation by working overtime. The problem may also lie with the evaporator fan’s motor.

How much does it cost to change an evaporator fan motor?

When the evaporator fan motor changes, it will cost you anywhere between $150-250. It will not break your bank, but surely will be a hit to your monthly budget. So, during your kitchen work, if you noticed the refrigerator didn’t shut off, the problem can lie anywhere.

What happens if the condenser fan isn't working?

However, if the condenser fan isn’t working, your refrigerator will still be drawing in air, just much less efficiently. The refrigerator will have to run almost constantly in order to make up for the fan not working anymore. The small bit of good news is that this fan motor is pretty easy to test. With the power disconnected from your ...

What happens if the refrigerator fan goes out?

If the fan has gone out or is only working sometimes, then the cool air will not be able to circulate. The evaporator fan is responsible for circulating the cold air from your coils and into the refrigerator section. Without it working, the cool air will not be efficiently blown onto your fresh food. However, your refrigerator will still try ...

Why does my refrigerator fan run louder?

A refrigerator fan may have gone faulty and stays on. However, if a compressor is malfunctioning and staying on, it will be a lot more noticeable. Your refrigerator will not only run more loudly all the time, but it will also have some effects on the inside.

What is the purpose of a condenser coil?

Specifically, the condenser coils are responsible for releasing heat gathered from inside the refrigerator back outside of it. The process used by the condenser coils can produce slight condensation that makes it kind of a serious magnet for dust and dirt in the home. Overtime as this builds up on the coils, the condenser coils have ...

Why is my refrigerator running all day?

The answer is simple, the condenser coils in the back are dirty. Located either behind or underneath your refrigerator, these coils are part of the sealed system in your refrigerator-that cools it.

How to check if refrigerator door gasket is bad?

If your refrigerator is running constantly, the easiest check is to visually inspect your door gasket. Look around the whole edge of the gasket for gaps or damage. If any area is not even in look or appears rough, then the gasket will need to be replaced so it can form a tight seal. If the gasket is bad, it is letting cold air escape ...

Why does my refrigerator have a plastic seal?

In refrigerators, the outer door or inner compartment is lined with a pliable plastic seal. When the door is closed, this plastic seal molds to the refrigerator and keeps the cool air in. However, with time, these plastic seals may fail due to damage or even just because of age. If your refrigerator is running constantly, ...

Can you check a condenser motor from an electronic board?

Note: some electronic board models have condenser motors that run off of 115V AC. If yours does you cannot check the motor from the board. The DC motors are fully enclosed and are normally white (ceramic). The 115 V AC motors are metal with exposed copper coils.

Is a condenser fan motor bad?

Yes, that is your condenser fan motor, it should be running at all times when your compressor is running. You'll need a multimeter to see if your getting 120 volts to it. If your getting 120 volts to it and its not turning then its bad. Here's the condenser fan motor for your model you can order (Install video included):

How long does an evaporator fan stay on?

The evaporator fan usually stays on except when you are in defrost mode. Usually half an hour or so every 8 hours. Sounds like you have a defrost problem. The unit will run OK for a few days till the evaporator coils again get clogged up with ice/frost again.

Can you defrost a heater with a thermostat?

No if the heater comes on the defrost thermostat is OK as it is in series with the heater. One proviso is that the defrost thermostat can go intermittent, often you can see that it is bulged out. Keep an eye on the defrost timer it could be that it is hanging up at one spot in it's cycle.

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1.Refrigerator Condenser Fan Is Always Running - Home …

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/refrigerator-condenser-fan-always-running-37696.html

6 hours ago  · Does the refrigerator fan always run? No, It Doesn’t! The fan doesn’t always run because it only runs when needed to cool down or maintain the temperature inside the refrigerator compartment—the fan functions to maintain the food’s desired temperature and keep the refrigerator from heating up. The fan can run when one of these three events happen:

2.Thing You Should Know- Does Refrigerator Fan Always …

Url:https://coolhomemakerguide.com/freezer/does-refrigerator-fan-always-run/

28 hours ago The condenser fan should always be running if the compressor is on. The fan runs Model # W10822259. The result Both radiator fans should always run when the AC compressor is engaged. If the fan is defective, the refrigerator wont cool. If the fan does not run, the refrigerator will not cool properly.

3.Does The Evaporator Fan Always Run? - Miss Vickie

Url:https://missvickie.com/does-the-evaporator-fan-always-run/

30 hours ago ANSWER Edward, The condenser fan motor should be operational when the compressor is running. This will allow it to pull the air across the compressor so that it does not overheat. It does sound like the condenser motor has failed and would need to be replaced. As long as there is 120 vac going to the motor then it should run.

4.Why a Refrigerator is Running All the Time

Url:https://flamingoappliance.com/refrigerator-repair/why-a-refrigerator-is-running-all-the-time/

20 hours ago Should condenser fan always be running? Condenser Dirt The more dust and grime on the coils, the less efficiently the condenser can operate. The result is a condenser that must run almost constantly in order to keep the refrigerator cool.

5.FIXED GSS25WGPDBB How often condenser fan should …

Url:https://www.applianceblog.com/mainforums/threads/gss25wgpdbb-how-often-condenser-fan-should-run.63327/

8 hours ago  · Yes, that is your condenser fan motor, it should be running at all times when your compressor is running. You'll need a multimeter to see if your getting 120 volts to it. If your getting 120 volts to it and its not turning then its bad. Here's the condenser fan motor for your model you can order(Install video included): Condenser Fan Motor WR60X10220

6.evaporator fun runs constantly!!! - Appliance Repair …

Url:https://forum.appliancepartspros.com/posts/t38519-evaporator-fun-runs-constantly

19 hours ago  · The evaporator fan usually stays on except when you are in defrost mode. Usually half an hour or so every 8 hours. Sounds like you have a defrost problem. The unit will run OK for a few days till the evaporator coils again get clogged up with ice/frost again. This can be caused by a bad defrost timer, defrost thermostat or defrost heater.

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