OK to use a timer on an older Coke Machine?

[cdoyle]

Hi,

I have an older Coke machine (early 60's), it runs great but I've noticed it really causes the electric bill to skyrocket each month when I have it plugged in.

so I was wondering would it hurt the machine to have it on a timer, so it's only on for a few hours of the day maybe have it off overnight?

I wasn't sure if it would cause more stress on the machine to have it startup and have to re-cool everything or not?

[bubba]

I don't think I would do that. I would start by replacing the fan motors and checking all the gaskets. The new motors  are more efficient. Make sure your machine remains full. If there are only a few cans/bottles in the machine, it will not be as efficient. Depending on the model machine, they shouldn't use much more than an average refrigerator.

[loman4ec]

I agree. It will cost more to cool the bottles down every morning than to just let it run. If it is running continuously it will just run every now and then to keep the temp up but if you shut it down at night it will have to run for a while to chill the bottles down again. And Bubba's recomendations were spot on.