A refrigerator keeps running when it is struggling to maintain a cool temperature. This can be caused by issues such as dirty condenser coils, faulty fan motors, incorrect thermostat settings, damaged door seals, or a malfunctioning defrost system. These problems can prevent the refrigerator from cooling down properly and cause it to run more often. To fix these issues, you may need to clean, adjust, or replace some parts of your refrigerator.
How To Fix A Refrigerator That Keeps Running
If your refrigerator keeps running constantly, you should first check some simple things that may be affecting its performance. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix a refrigerator that keeps running:
- Check the room temperature: The room temperature can affect how often your refrigerator runs. If the room or outside weather is too warm or hot, your refrigerator will have to work harder to keep cool. The ideal room temperature for a refrigerator is between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. If possible, keep your refrigerator away from heat sources, such as ovens, stoves, or direct sunlight.
- Check the door seals: The door seals are the rubber gaskets that seal the doors of your refrigerator and prevent cold air from escaping. If the door seals are damaged, dirty, or loose, they can allow warm air to enter the refrigerator and cause it to run more often. To check the door seals, close the door on a dollar bill and try to pull it out. If you can pull it out easily, the seal is not tight enough. You may need to clean the seals with a damp cloth and mild soap or replace them if they are torn or cracked.
- Check the thermostat settings: The thermostat settings control the temperature inside your refrigerator and freezer compartments. If the thermostat settings are too high or too low, they can cause your refrigerator to run constantly or not enough. The recommended temperature for the refrigerator is 40 degrees Fahrenheit and for the freezer is 0 degrees Fahrenheit. You can adjust the thermostat settings using the knobs or buttons inside your refrigerator.
- Check the condenser coils: The condenser coils are located on the back or bottom of your refrigerator and help to dissipate the heat from the refrigerant that cools your refrigerator. If the condenser coils are dirty or dusty, they can reduce the efficiency of your refrigerator and cause it to run more often. You should clean the condenser coils at least once a year with a vacuum cleaner or a brush.
- Check the fan motors: The fan motors are located in different parts of your refrigerator and help to circulate air over the coils and inside the compartments. If the fan motors are not working properly, they can prevent your refrigerator from cooling down properly and cause it to run more often. You can check the fan motors by listening for any unusual noises or by feeling for any airflow from the vents. If you find any problems with the fan motors, you may need to replace them.
When To Call A Professional
If you have tried all of these steps and your refrigerator still keeps running constantly, you may have a more serious problem that requires professional help. Some of these problems include:
- A faulty compressor: The compressor is the part that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system of your refrigerator and regulates its temperature. If the compressor is defective or inefficient, it can cause your refrigerator to run constantly or not at all. Replacing a compressor is a complex and expensive job that should only be done by a qualified technician.
- A faulty defrost system: The defrost system is responsible for melting any frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils of your freezer compartment. If the defrost system is malfunctioning, it can cause frost buildup on the coils and prevent proper airflow in your refrigerator. This can cause your refrigerator to run constantly or not cool enough. The defrost system consists of several components, such as a defrost heater, a defrost thermostat, and a defrost timer or control board. You may need to test each component with a multimeter or replace them if they are faulty.
- A refrigerant leak: Refrigerant is a chemical substance that circulates through the sealed system of your refrigerator and absorbs heat from inside and releases it outside. If there is a leak in the sealed system, refrigerant will escape and reduce the cooling capacity of your refrigerator. This can cause your refrigerator to run constantly or not cool enough. A refrigerant leak is a serious issue that can damage your refrigerator and harm the environment. You should not attempt to fix a refrigerant leak yourself, as it requires special tools and skills. You should call a professional technician to repair the leak and recharge the system.
Conclusion
A refrigerator that keeps running constantly can be a sign of a problem that needs to be fixed. A refrigerator keeps running when it is struggling to maintain a cool temperature. This can be caused by issues such as dirty condenser coils, faulty fan motors, incorrect thermostat settings, damaged door seals, or a malfunctioning defrost system. These problems can prevent the refrigerator from cooling down properly and cause it to run more often. To fix these issues, you may need to clean, adjust, or replace some parts of your refrigerator.
If you have tried all of these steps and your refrigerator still keeps running constantly, you may have a more serious problem that requires professional help. Some of these problems include a faulty compressor, a faulty defrost system, or a refrigerant leak. These problems can cause your refrigerator to run constantly or not at all. You should call a professional technician to diagnose and repair these problems.
