Is it ok to unplug a chest freezer when not in use?

[DrunkPenguin]

Hey guys, havent posted in a while, but I have a quick question. My kegerator is a converted chest freezer, sometimes (like now) when I run out of beer (how sad) I have to wait a couple weeks (which sucks!) before I pick up another keg.

Is it better to just leave the freezer on or is it good for it to unplug it some times?

Also, I've noticed over time the compressor is getting louder and louder when it first comes on, a few seconds later its quiet. Is this normal?

Thanks,

Johnny

[toneyc]

Well, that is essentially what the temperature controllers do to keep the freezer at beer temperatures, it cuts the power off. I would not see any problem in leaving it off for long periods. As for the startup noise, I don't know what to tell ya, but I would probably start saving for a new unit.

:o
Toney.

[danno]

fridges tend to mold up pretty quicly when unplugged, that's the only drawback I can see...

[wortchillergoal]

It will be ok. They sit on showroom floors not being plugged in. Danno is right about the mold. Keep the door open for air and clean it. Keep it dry too.

As for being noisy, it could be a couple of reasons. You might be low on gas. The compressor may not be as tight to the frame as before. Toney C. could be on to something be suggesting to start saving for a new one.

[Steve16823]

It'll be fine to unplug it, although operating the freezer for a couple weeks, won't cost much in the way of electricity.

If you do unplug it -- let me re-emphasize what others have said: Dry it out and leave the door open or it'll start to smell pretty FUNKY.

[cjhofelt]

My experience with old appliences ( refrigerators and freezers, that is) has been that old ones will crap out soon after they are turned on after being off for a long period of time. It's better to set the thermostat to a higher temp to save energy.

I think the reason for this is that the compressor needs to kick over every few hours to keep it from seizing up, because that's whats happened to me whenever I've tried to save money by turning off appliences when one of my appts is empty (I'm a landloard). When I buy a used applience from someone, I like to have them leave it on for a day or two before I come look at it, that way, I know it'll work.

[DrunkPenguin]

Ok, I'll just leave it on.

Sounds like I should be concerned about this noise tho. This freezer is only a few months old, I bought and converted to a kegerator the same day. It kinda sounds like a vibration noise, but I opened it up and its definatly coming from the inside of the compressor. It only happens for a few seconds when it first kicks on.


My kegerator sits in my living room, so maybe I am noticing sounds more because its right next to me. Should these units make much noise?




Johnny

[Tom C]

Easy solution, brew more often and have those next batches ready to pour;)

Tom C

[shifty brewer]

If you do unplug it, just remember one thing. If you have to move it or store it like on its side or anything, just make sure to let it sit upright for a day or so before plugging it in. I used to work at a Sears store and sometimes people would buy a fridge and transport it on its side. When they'd start em up they'd go to crap.

[Caffinehog]

Originally posted by shifty brewer
If you do unplug it, just remember one thing. If you have to move it or store it like on its side or anything, just make sure to let it sit upright for a day or so before plugging it in. I used to work at a Sears store and sometimes people would buy a fridge and transport it on its side. When they'd start em up they'd go to crap.
Yeah, liquid coolant can accumulate in spots where it's only supposed to be a gas. If it does and you don't give it time to settle, it will kill your compressor for sure.