If your refrigerator runs constantly

Does your refrigerator seem like it never shuts off?  This is a common problem and a lot of times it can be fixed easily.

Here are some common things to check:

1.  Dirty condenser:  The old refrigerators used to have condenser coils in the back of the refrigerator where you could just pull the refrigerator out and clean them off. Now most coils are found under the refrigerator.  These get full of dust, dirt and hair, and when this happens the refrigerator cannot cool properly. Make sure you clean them periodically with a coil brush.

2. Evaporator coils: These are inside the freezer behind the back panel. Sometimes you can tell if this is operating by putting your hand on the panel inside the back of your freezer, if it is frosty, they are frozen up. Sometimes evaporator coils freeze over because the defrost heater fails. The first thing I would ask is whether by any chance the refrigerator got left open for a while, because this will cause the coils to freeze up too. If that is the case, you can remove everything from the freezer and refrigerator, unplug it and leave the door open overnight to let everything defrost. Then plug it back in and see if it works.

3. Defrost heater assembly: If this is faulty, it will cause the evaporator coils to frost up. You can test with a multi-meter so see if it is defective (Please watch video on Repair Clinic.com  for more information as to where and how.)

4.  Evaporator fan motor: If the refrigerator is noisy, you might want to check this. If the fan isn’t moving or doesn’t move freely you might need to change this motor. You can test with a multi-meter. Look for any broken or chipped fan blades. Replace it if needed.

5.  Defrost thermostat: This might be malfunctioning. Test with a multi meter and replace if needed.

6.  Worn door gasket: A worn gasket on the refrigerator or freezer will allow too much warm air to get in the refrigerator and make your condenser frost over. If they look worn, replace the gasket. Please refer to videos on RepairClinic.com for more information and help on finding the location of parts listed.