What causes a refrigeration system to run continuously?

A refrigeration system running continuously typically indicates underlying issues that prevent it from cycling on and off as intended. Thermostat issues can lead to false readings about the temperature, causing the system to think it needs to keep running to reach a setpoint that has been misinterpreted. Compressor problems, such as mechanical failures or inefficiencies, can also prevent the system from properly managing cooling cycles, leading to continuous operation. Additionally, if the refrigerant charge is inadequate, it may not effectively absorb heat, causing the system to struggle and run longer than necessary to maintain desired temperatures.

High ambient temperatures can influence the system's workload, pushing it to operate more frequently; however, this scenario alone does not necessarily mean continuous operation. Regular maintenance checks can help identify problems, but they do not cause a system to run continuously. Similarly, starting and stopping the compressor frequently usually indicates cycling issues rather than uninterrupted operation. Therefore, the combination of thermostat malfunctions, compressor failures, and incorrect refrigerant levels is the critical factor leading to a refrigeration system running continuously.