Refrigerator is Always Running

Common Reasons for

Refrigerator Always Runs Constantly

Condenser Coils are Dirty
The condenser coils are usually located under the refrigerator. They dissipate heat as refrigerant passes through them. If the condenser coils are dirty, they won’t dissipate the heat effectively. The refrigerator will not be able to maintain the proper temperature.

Defrost Control Board and defrost thermostat assembly
The defrost control board determines how often to run the defrost cycle. The refrigerator will not run the defrost cycle, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils if the defrost control board failed. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove heat. As a result, the refrigerator may be too warm. If the defrost thermostat and defrost heater are working properly, the defrost control board is likely defective and will need to be replaced
The defrost thermostat monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. When the coils drop below a set temperature, the thermostat contacts close to allow power to flow to the defrost heater during the defrost cycle. During the defrost, the defrost heater melts any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost thermostat is defective, the thermostat contacts will not close. As a result, the thermostat won’t provide power to the defrost heater. To determine if the defrost thermostat is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost thermostat does not have continuity when it reaches the low temperature of its operating range, replace it.

Door Gasket
If the Refrigerator runs constantly the door gasket may be torn or defective, or if the door is not shutting properly warm air can enter the the refrigerator and cause the evaporator coils to ice over. If the door gasket is defective the evaporator coils ice over too quickly and the defrost cycle cannot keep up.

Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor draws air though the condenser coils and over the compressor. If the condenser fan motor is not working properly. First check the fan blade for obstructions. Next, try turning the fan motor blade by hand. If the blade does not spin freely, replace the condenser fan motor. If the fan blade spins freely, use a multimeter to test the fan motor for continuity. If the fan motor does not have continuity, replace it.

Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor draws air over the evaporator (cooling) coils and circulates it throughout the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Some refrigerators have more than one evaporator fan motor. If the evaporator fan is not working, it will not circulate the cold air to the refrigerator compartment. If this occurs, the freezer may still get cold, while the refrigerator wont get cold. To determine if the evaporator fan motor is defective, try turning the fan blade by hand. If the fan blade does not turn freely, replace the fan motor. If the motor is at times noisy, replace it. Finally, if the motor does not run at all, test the motor windings for continuity. If the windings do not have continuity, replace the evaporator fan motor.