Why Does My Whirlpool Refrigerator Keep Running?

Not knowing what is wrong with your kitchen appliances can be a real hassle. Is your Whirlpool refrigerator running non-stop and you don't know why or what to do about it? Well, we've done some digging and have the answers waiting for you.

The most common reason a Whirlpool refrigerator keeps running is that its thermostat isn't set correctly. Most times, if you keep your freezer too cold, this will cause your fridge to overwork and constantly run, which isn't good for it. Your Whirlpool refrigerator may also have dirty or clogged condenser coils if it frequently runs, so make sure to clean your appliance regularly.

As we begin, we will cover all things Whirlpool appliances and discuss how to keep your fridge from running. Whether this just started or you've noticed it get worse over time, we're here to help. With that said, let's dive right into this topic!

How Often Should A Refrigerator Cycle On And Off?

A refrigerator will generally cycle on and off between four and five times per day. Although this depends on how often you open it and how much food is inside, it's normal for a fridge to cycle on periodically.

During your refrigerator's cycle, you may hear it run anywhere from four to eight hours before shutting off, so don't be alarmed by this. It's also common for new refrigerators to run about 80-90 percent of their lifetime, so if your Whirlpool is more recent, expect to hear it often.

Should A Whirlpool Refrigerator Run All The Time?

No, a Whirlpool refrigerator should not be running all the time. Even a newer appliance won't constantly run, so if your fridge does this, check its condenser coils.

As mentioned, dirty or clogged coils will cause your fridge to run all the time, which isn't good for its health. Your Whirlpool may also be set too cold, so try not to go overboard with its freezer and main refrigerator settings.

How Many Hours Does A Fridge Run Per Day?

Typically, you can expect a refrigerator to run about eight hours per day. Although your fridge isn't ever really "off," it won't be actively cooling down 24/7.

Again, it's normal for a refrigerator to cycle on and off throughout the day, but it shouldn't run at all times.

How Do I Stop My Refrigerator From Running Constantly?

If your fridge won't stop running, it's a good idea to clean out its condenser coils. To do this:

1. Turn off your refrigerator and unplug it from the wall.
2. Locate its condenser coils (underneath the fridge).
3. Using a soft cloth, clean out the condenser coils.
4. Plug your appliance back into the wall and see if you notice any changes.

Of course, if this doesn't help, your fridge may be too cold or on the wrong setting, so it's also good to double-check those.

How Long Does It Take For A Refrigerator To Get Cold?

It will usually take between three and 24 hours for a fridge to get cold. Although this depends on whether your refrigerator is new or you just haven't used it in a while, expect to wait at least three hours.

For example, a brand new fridge may only need three to four hours to completely cool after you turn it on, while an older appliance you just plugged in might take up to 24. Again, every appliance will be slightly different, so give your refrigerator plenty of time to chill before placing food inside.

How Cold Should You Keep A Whirlpool Refrigerator?

Ideally, you want to set your Whirlpool refrigerator to around 37 degrees. Although it's generally OK to keep your fridge between 33-40 degrees, Whirlpool's factory setting will be 37.

That said, the amount of food in a refrigerator can affect how well it stays cold, so you might need to turn yours down a bit to keep everything safe.

What Are The Signs Of A Bad Refrigerator Compressor?

One of the easiest ways to tell if your refrigerator's compressor is bad is if it's making unusual sounds. These often include rattling and squeaking, so it may be time for a new compressor if you notice these symptoms.

Another sign of a bad compressor is if it overheats while on, so we recommend placing your hand near your fridge's compressor to see how warm it is. A refrigerator that clicks on and off more than usual might also indicate a faulty compressor, so there are a few signs to look out for.

How Often Should You Replace A Refrigerator Compressor?

You shouldn't need to replace a refrigerator's compressor more frequently than every ten years. Considering the average lifespan of a fridge is around 10-15 years, many people won't ever need to worry about their appliance's compressor.

That said, replacing the compressor in a refrigerator can cost upwards of $450, so you're sometimes better off purchasing a brand new appliance instead.

Should We Switch Off The Refrigerator At Night?

No, you don't want to turn off your refrigerator at night. Even though this may seem like a good way to reduce energy usage, turning off your fridge can spoil the food inside.

Even in colder weather, refrigerators will maintain their internal temperature, even heating up a bit while turned off, so this isn't a good idea. If anything, it's safer to turn up your refrigerator's temperature to around 40 degrees overnight rather than risk spoiling all of your food.

How Can I Reduce The Electricity Consumption Of My Refrigerator?

A good way to reduce your refrigerator's electricity consumption would be to clean its condenser coils regularly. Doing this will help keep your fridge running smoothly and keep it from overworking itself.

Another way to reduce electricity consumption is to set your fridge's temperature to its factory settings, which will keep your food safe while using less energy. Even turning up your refrigerator and freezer one to two degrees can make a big difference, so you don't need to do much.

Are Whirlpool Refrigerators Energy-Efficient?

Yes, most Whirlpool refrigerators will be energy efficient. Especially with their newer 2020 and 2021 models, Whirlpool offers plenty of ENERGY STAR-rated refrigerator options.

That said, even Whirlpool's non-ENERGY STAR-rated appliances will be more efficient than older models, so you have plenty of fridges to choose from.

Are Whirlpool Refrigerators Expensive?

Whirlpool refrigerators do tend to cost more than other brands. Of course, with this higher price tag will come the Whirlpool quality that many customers know and love, so you get what you pay for.

Typically, you can expect to pay around $1,500 for a standard equipped Whirlpool fridge, although some of their higher-end models surpass the $3,000 mark. Again, this comes down to what you need from your appliance and whether you want all of the bells and whistles Whirlpool offers, so pricing will vary.

How Long Will A Whirlpool Refrigerator Last?

You can usually expect a Whirlpool fridge to last around 14-17 years. Although this will come down to how well you maintain your appliance, Whirlpool refrigerators are known to last a while.

On top of that, maintaining a Whirlpool fridge won't usually require more than a regular cleaning, so this isn't difficult.

Are Whirlpool Refrigerators Expensive To Repair?

No, repairing a Whirlpool refrigerator won't be super expensive. In general, the cost to replace and repair parts for a big brand appliance won't be as much as custom/specialty options.

The average cost to repair a Whirlpool fridge is around $266, so this shouldn't break the bank. Again, every refrigerator is different, but don't expect to pay a whole lot for repairing a Whirlpool appliance.

Do Whirlpool Refrigerators Come With A Warranty?

Yes, all Whirlpool refrigerators will come with a one-year warranty. This includes any parts on your appliance and repair costs for the first 365 days you have your fridge.

On top of the one-year warranty, Whirlpool also offers extended coverage for your appliance's compressor, evaporator, condenser, dryer, and connecting tubing, which extends to five years. Your fridge will also include a 30-day guarantee for its water filter, so Whirlpool offers plenty of coverage.

To Wrap It Up

Whether you have a Whirlpool refrigerator or want to buy one, it's essential to know how to fix it. Your Whirlpool appliance will keep running if it's set too cold or has dirty condenser coils.

A Whirlpool refrigerator may also click on and off frequently if its compressor goes bad, so make sure to listen for rattling and squeaking. On top of that, you want to set your fridge between 33-40 degrees, although Whirlpool recommends its 37-degree factory setting.

Regardless, make sure to keep your Whirlpool refrigerator clean and up to date, and don't forget to check out their ENERGY STAR-rated options.

Before you go, be sure to check out these helpful related kitchen posts below!

My Refrigerator Freezer Is Cold, But The Fridge Is Warm - What To Do?

Whirlpool Refrigerator Keeps Freezing Up - What Could Be Wrong?

Why Does My Whirlpool Refrigerator Leak Water?