I had expected there to be more of a difference in energy use with using a timer.
The small difference is surprising.
However my main concern with using a timer in such a manner with the fridge is the potentially wider range of temperatures.
Did you happen to note at least the high and low temperatures in the fridge?
I think to maintain temperatures in the fridge, the timer should be run at least once per hour.
This way you could have more control of the temperature swings in the fridge.
Of course the temperature swings in that case would be larger than normal but that might be okay.
In fact, with my freezer to fridge conversion, there is an exponential drop in temperature with time.
For example, from memory, 1 degree might take 3 minutes, then 3 more degrees the next 3 minutes,
then the switch goes off and the fridge continues cooling another 5 degrees.
For example, from 42 (high) to 38 (off), then continues to 33 after off.
So the greater savings of energy is to have wider swings less often, but that might not be as good for the food.
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