When your fridge seems to run non-stop, it’s more than a minor annoyance—it can raise your energy bills and risk food spoilage. Here’s a clear, user-friendly guide detailing what could be wrong and how to address the issue before deciding whether it’s time to call in our express repair team.
1. Basic Troubleshooting You Can Do at Home
❄️ Check the Thermostat
The most common cause: an improperly set dial. If it’s cranked too cold, your unit works overtime to maintain an unnecessarily low temperature.
What to do:
Set it to the standard “37–40°F” (3–5 °C) for the fridge and “0 °F” (–18 °C) for the freezer. Wait about 24 hours to see if it finally cycles off.
❄️ Clean the Condenser Coils
Dusty or greasy coils make your compressor overwork.
What to do:
- Unplug the fridge.
- Carefully brush or vacuum the coils (usually behind or beneath the unit).
- Plug it back in and listen—has it quieted?
❄️ Inspect the Door Seals
Leaky rubber gaskets let cold air escape, forcing the fridge to run more often.
What to do:
Close a dollar bill in the door; if it slides out easily, you’ve got a problem. Replace the seal or attempt to reseal using heat.
2. More Advanced Checks
☑️ Defrost Drain Blockage
Ice can clog the drain, causing water pooling and inefficient operation.
What to do:
Carefully melt ice around the drain with warm (not boiling) water. Use a turkey baster to flush the line.
☑️ Malfunctioning Evaporator Fan
Even if the compressor runs, a broken fan means uneven cooling and continuous operation.
What to do:
Open the refrigerator door—if the cooling feels uneven or you hear no airflow, the fan could be shot. Testing or replacing it requires basic electrical comfort.
☑️ Faulty Defrost Timer or Heater
If the fridge skips its defrost cycle, frost builds up on the coils and forces constant running.
What to do:
This step is more complicated—testing requires a multimeter. If you’re not comfortable, it’s a solid cue to call in professionals.
3. When DIY Falls Short: Call in the Experts
If after cleaning coils, adjusting settings, sealing doors, and ensuring airflow your fridge still runs nonstop, it’s time to consider reliable, fast intervention. Look for local repair companies offering emergency, same-day, or express service, especially if you’re dealing with sensitive food.
Here’s where we help:
- Free service call with repair — no surprise charges
- Book online and get $25 off your service
- Local, fast response in urgent situations
If your fridge’s constant humming continues, don’t wait—contact us now for expert help.
4. Why Professional Service Might Be Best
Some causes require diagnostic experience or replacement parts:
- Defective compressor or start relay
- Refrigerant leaks
- Electrical controls or sensors failing
These repairs involve safety protocols, system evacuation, and electrical knowledge.
Final Take
- Try these steps first: thermostat reset, coil cleaning, gasket check, defrost maintenance.
- Monitor for a day—fridges often correct themselves after cleaning and minor adjustments.
- If the unit still runs constantly, it may be time for pro tools and expertise.
Your food—and peace of mind—rely on a fridge that cycles properly. When you’ve tried the basics and the problem remains, we’re here to help with fast, local, same-day emergency repair—simply get in touch and save $25 when you book online.