If your refrigerator keeps running non-stop, it can result in shortening the appliance’s lifespan by months or even years. There are a few potential issues to check, such as dirty condenser coils, a malfunctioning defrost heater, issues with the defrost thermostat and other reasons listed below. Learn more about our fridge repair services:
Main Issues When Fridge Don’t Stop Running
Description and Troubleshooting of Problems
Dirty Condenser Coils
Over time, dust, dirt, and grease can accumulate on the back of your refrigerator, and often, we overlook this area. This is especially important because the condenser coils, which play a key role in cooling, are typically located there. When the condenser coils are dirty, they can’t efficiently release heat, causing your refrigerator to work harder and run longer than necessary. This issue becomes even more noticeable in warmer months, especially if your fridge is in direct sunlight or in a room without air conditioning.
Faulty Defrost Heater
If your fridge has been running all the time and the condenser coils aren’t covered in dust and grime, another possible culprit is a faulty defrost heater. This essential component prevents ice buildup on the evaporator coils by melting accumulated frost. When it fails, ice can block airflow, forcing the fridge to work overtime to maintain the right temperature. If left unchecked, this can lead to more serious mechanical problems.
Faulty Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. When the coils get too cold, it signals the defrost heater to activate and melt any ice buildup. If the defrost thermostat is faulty, it fails to send the correct signal, leading to ice accumulation on the coils. This causes the fridge to run continuously, resulting in cooling issues and poor performance. Prompt repair is essential to restore proper operation.
Failed Condenser Fan Motor
A malfunctioning condenser fan motor is a common cause of a constantly running refrigerator. The fan is responsible for circulating cool air over the condenser coils, allowing the refrigerant to expel heat and maintain the correct temperature inside the fridge. If the fan motor fails, the refrigerant won’t cool adequately, causing the compressor to run continuously. If you notice that the area near the deli drawer or freezer feels warmer, this could indicate a condenser fan issue. The condenser coils in this section of the fridge can overheat if the fan is not functioning properly.
Refrigerant Leak
Refrigerant is crucial for the cooling process, circulating through the system to absorb and release heat. If there’s a leak, cooling efficiency diminishes, and the fridge may run longer, sometimes producing a hissing sound. In many cases, the leak could be from a tiny crack or hole, so small that the refrigerant slowly escapes over time, causing the fridge to lose cooling power gradually.
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Repair Cost
| Condenser coil cleaning | $120 – $170 |
| Defrost heater replacing | $265 – $380 |
| Defrost thermostat replacing | $230 – $375 |
| Condenser fan motor replacing | $245 – $380 |
| Refrigerant recharging | $380 – $580 |
The cost of fixing a refrigerator depends on its brand, specific model, and the difficulty of the repair.
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8 Comments
Guys, I just read this article – this is exactly my situation. As far as I understand, fixing it myself might be difficult. But is there anything I can do to figure out which part isn’t working?
Hey, Bob! The only thing you can do yourself is check the condenser for dirt or debris. All other troubleshooting steps require special tools and expertise. But if you check this first, we can rule out one possible cause—or you might even fix the issue yourself by cleaning it. Take a close look at this: https://appliancerepairteodor.com/refrigerator-runs-constantly/#part1
What are the long-term consequences if a refrigerator’s defrost heater is not replaced when malfunctioning?
If a refrigerator’s defrost heater malfunctions and isn’t replaced, ice can accumulate on the evaporator coils. This buildup restricts airflow, leading to inadequate cooling in both the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Over time, the compressor may overwork, potentially shortening the appliance’s lifespan.
I inspected the condenser coils as your article suggested, but didn’t see any dust. What else could cause them to stop working properly?
Hello Kevin! In this case, the issue might be a faulty condenser fan motor that isn’t effectively dispersing heat, or a refrigerant leak, which disrupts the cooling process. You should also inspect the defrost thermostat and the defrost heater — if either one fails, it can put excess strain on the compressor and cause cooling problems.
I found a refrigerant leak. Can I try to fix it myself?
Hi Rendall! We don’t recommend fixing a refrigerant leak yourself. Refrigerant is a hazardous substance and requires professional handling. Trying to recharge the system or locate the leak without proper tools and experience can cause further damage or even violate environmental regulations. It’s best to contact a certified technician who can safely detect and repair the leak using the correct equipment.
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