compressor cycle settings and fridge air flow

[Sidman]

Was doing some research last night and found out that the back cover panel on a fridge seems to be very important for compressor life / efficiency. The fridge I got off of CL was missing one so I was able to make a new one out of cardboard and it does seem to have a big impact on run time.

I was trying to get my fridge dialed in with my Johnson controller and the ASD settings. The suggestion I saw on that was to leave that setting as long as possible to keep the compressor from cutting on and off all of the time. Good thing I checked as mine was set all the way down to 1 min. It seems like this is a balancing act of compressor work vs stable temps. Does anyone have any suggestions on how they set their ASD or similar settings? Also what is my pain point where fluctuations could effect beer quality?

 

[jimpdx]

I am wondering the same thing! Mine is in a chest freezer set to 38 degrees. I find it odd that most times I look at the controller it is reading WAY below 38. I would expect it to ride up around 40, turn on and cool, and rest around 38. I don't remember any of my settings right now (not at home) but curious to see what settings others use. I too would like to protect the compressor from dying due to excessive cycling!

 

[Sidman]

I tried an experiment yesterday by placing the temperature probe in a glass of water to see if that would stabilize the temperature even further. I was disappointed when I got up this morning to see that the temperature was significantly off of the setpoint in my keezer side. I am going to have to check it again this evening.

 

[jimpdx]

My ASD is also on 1 but I dont notice it cycling a lot, certainly not every minute. I had planned on lagering with the probe inside of liquid. Hope that isn't a bad thing.

 

[Sidman]

My ASD is also on 1 but I dont notice it cycling a lot, certainly not every minute. I had planned on lagering with the probe inside of liquid. Hope that isn't a bad thing.

Since my initial reading the temperature reading has been right on the money with less cycling.