Why is my Refrigerator always running?

A common reason we get refrigerator service call at Affordable Appliance is a refrigerator that seems to always be running. Beside making a whole lot of racket, a​ refrigerator that never stops means you are spending more on your electric bill. While the cause of a running refrigerator could be the result of shorted circuit and require a visit from the professionals, many times the problem is very easy to fix.

You may need Give It Some Time

Oftentimes a running refrigerator just needs a little time to cool off. If you just changed the temperature, spent some time loading it up, or there is been a change in the air temperature around the refrigerator—refrigerators tend to hate humidity—it may need longer than you think to get fully cool again, especially if it’s an older refrigerator. Let the refrigerator run for at least a day, and if the problem is not solved, call Affordable Appliance or keep troubleshooting.

You may have a Leaky Door Seal

The seal on the door of the refrigerator prevents the cold air from escaping. If there is a leak, then the refrigerator has to constantly to stay cool. Grab a piece of paper and place it between the seal. Close the refrigerator and try pulling out the paper. It should come out with a little bit of effort. Try again up and down the seal. Any place where there is no resistance means you found a leak.

Many refrigerators today come with a feature that alerts you if your refrigerator doesn't seal. This is very handy to make sure you are not wasting power or overworking your refrigerator.

Try Defrosting the Freezer

Most freezers defrost themselves, but if yours is an older model, you may need to defrost. Regardless, take a look at the evaporator coils. The frost should be even throughout. An overabundance on one area, and a lack of frost in another, could explain why the refrigerator is working so hard.