Refrigerator runs all the time. Refrigerators are like air conditioners. They work to keep the foods inside cold by producing cool air. In order to do this, the refrigerator will cycle on every once in a while to blast cold air into your kitchen.
However, if you have been in your kitchen all day and you notice that it has not cycled for a long period of time, then there is something wrong with your refrigerator.
Refrigerator runs all the time
Why my Refrigerator Runs All the Time If a refrigerator keeps running, it usually means something is wrong with the defrost timer.
Depending on the model, this device kicks in after 8 to 10 hours of continuous use and completes its cooling cycle by turning off for about 45 minutes to let ice crystals melt.
Condenser coils are dirty
If you’ve never cleaned your coils then there’s a good chance that dirt has built upon them. When you have a build-up of dirt on your coils then this can work against the cooling process that keeps the inside of your refrigerator cold.
This means that your coils will overheat when they try to get rid of this extra heat which is why the whole thing starts to run for longer and eat up more electricity.
So if you’ve never cleaned your condenser coils, it might be time to get down on your hands and knees and give it a good clean.
Condenser fan motor failure
If a fan stops working in your refrigerator then it can create problems for cold air to be produced easily and this is quite important to bear in mind because we want you to know how important role fans play when it comes down to refrigeration processes.
With any household appliance, it is essential to check and maintain fans regularly however should an issue arise, the easiest way is to check if your condenser fan has stopped working correctly.
If there’s an issue with them is to simply turn the blades manually. As mentioned above, if the condenser fan motor has become faulty and this will require replacing.
Defective compressor
Putting an object on a constant rotation is different from running a machine constantly. For example, the refrigerator fan could be malfunction.
However, if an object is malfunctioning and stays on, it will be a lot more noticeable. Your refrigerator will not only run more loudly all the time, but it will also have some effects inside the appliance itself.
Unfortunately, repairs for the compressor in your fridge’s sealed system can be particularly exhausting to deal with because there really isn’t any room to work.
While one could most certainly attempt to do so themselves – having even minimal experience handling appliances like refrigerators – one may feel more comfortable having an ac repair technician handle this complex task for them personally.
Worn door gasket
If your refrigerator is constantly running, the easiest check is to visually inspect your door gasket. Look around the whole edge of the gasket for gaps or damage.
If any area is not even in look or appears rough, then the gasket will need to be replaced so it can form a tight seal. If the gasket is bad.
It is letting cold air escape from inside your refrigerator and the appliance is desperately trying to replace it by blowing cold air very rapidly through the freezer section.
Temperature setting
If the freezer temperature is too high (above ten degrees Fahrenheit), the refrigerator will not be cold enough. The refrigerator needs to be really cold for it to work properly; otherwise, it will keep cooling itself.
This may cause the fridge to run constantly or even stay on for hours after you’ve turned it off for the day (not good for your electric bill). Because of this risk, you need to monitor your fridge’s temperature. Ideally, try keeping it somewhere between zero and five degrees Fahrenheit.
Above five degrees Fahrenheit, you should start getting worried that there might be something wrong with your fridge: a broken defrost system could make things worse than they already are.
If this is indeed what’s going on, don’t ignore it because otherwise, you’ll have to replace your entire fridge which might cost more money in the long run. A quick solution would however be simply ice block trays.
Faulty Defrost Thermostat
Defective thermostats may prevent a refrigerator or freezer from cooling properly. The thermostat is an electrical component that senses the temperature inside the refrigerator or freezer and turns on the appliance’s internal heat source (the compressor) when needed to maintain proper temperature levels.
If this component is not working, the compressor may be continually running without defrosting. Many refrigerators and freezers have an automatic diagnostic mode that detects faulty thermostats blanking out so that manual intervention is required to restore normal operation.
Although some models feature a self-diagnosing sensor to run tests on thermostats over time to automatically determine whether they are defective.
If a defrost timer malfunctions it will also fail to recognize when coils need defrosting not allowing food in your fridge proper cooling.
The issue with Main Control Board
A refrigerator’s main control board is responsible for turning the system on and off to keep the food cool. If your refrigerator never turns to defrost, it could be a sign that there is something wrong with your appliance’s main control board.
The primary function of a control board is to maintain the right temperature inside the freezer which usually cycles between cooling and defrosting every few hours depending upon when you use the appliances.
Defrost Heater Assembly issue
As the defrost heater assembly operates throughout the day, it melts away any frost that accumulates on the evaporator coils.
If the defrost heater assembly is not working properly, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. As a result, the refrigerator will work harder to remove heat.
This could cause damage to the compressor and could result in increased energy consumption. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. Repair or replace as needed.
Refrigerator runs all the time
Related Guides
