A refrigerator that runs without stopping can make your electricity bills skyrocket. Such a unit may also have a shorter lifespan due to its components being overtaxed. It’s crucial that you hire a professional to help identify and fix problems that might make your appliance run constantly. Some of these issues are listed below.
1. Failed Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan helps get rid of heat from the refrigerant by blowing cool air over the condenser coils. If it malfunctions, your appliance may not cool properly, prompting the compressor to run constantly. It’s crucial to call a professional to check whether your condenser fan motor is having a problem.
The professional will start by inspecting the fan area to determine if there are any obstructions preventing airflow inside your refrigerator. They’ll test the continuity of the condenser fan motor using tools like a multimeter. If the motor lacks continuity, chances are it’s faulty and may need to be replaced.
2. Issues With Defrost Thermostat
The defrost thermostat prevents frost from accumulating on the components of your refrigerator. It signals the defrost heater to remove frost if the evaporator coils get too cold. A faulty defrost thermostat can make your refrigerator run without stopping since it won’t be able to signal the heater, leaving frost on the coils to accumulate.
If left unaddressed, the accumulated frost on the coils will start restricting the flow of cold air inside the refrigerator. A professional uses multimeter testing to check the thermostat’s continuity. A defrost thermostat that lacks continuity is faulty and needs to be replaced.
3. Internal Temperature Is Too High
For your unit to cool sufficiently, both the refrigerator and freezer should be within a specific temperature range. An appliance will run nonstop to try to keep its interior cool if the refrigerator or freezer temperature is too high. It’s important to note that a high freezer temperature can still make your appliance run constantly, even if the refrigerator temperature is within the perfect range.
If you notice your refrigerator won’t stop running due to its internal temperature being too high, refer to the user manual to ensure both the freezer and refrigerator temperatures are set according to the manufacturer’s specifications. The general rule of thumb is to have the refrigerator temperature set between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit and the freezer temperature set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit.
If your refrigerator still won’t stop running after making these changes, you may need to call a professional for a detailed inspection.
Call a Professional
If your refrigerator won’t stop running, it may be time to hire a professional. By using tools like a multimeter, the technician will check whether the condenser fan motor or defrost thermostat lacks continuity. After that, they may opt to repair or replace these parts, depending on the severity of the damage. If you’re a resident of Forked River, NJ and looking for services for refrigerators and freezers, contact Brian’s Appliance Repair today.
