Three Common Refrigerator Problems

1.  Why does it seem like my refrigerator runs constantly?

When working properly, the thermostat turns the compressor on and off. Once the thermostat turns the compressor on, it will run until the temperature inside the refrigerator is lower than the setting of the thermostat.

Make sure that the refrigerator has enough air clearance on all sides. Refrigerators with a condenser coil grid on the back of them need room to radiate the heat away from the coils.

Verify that the door light switch is working properly. Push the switch with your finger to verify the light is turning off. If the light stays on, it will actually warn the interior of the refrigerator. Fix or replace the switch if it is faulty.

Modern refrigerators that have a lot of storage and large freezer compartments run for longer periods of time. They also start and stop very frequently to maintain an even temperature. This is especially true if you have just put a lot of warm food in the refrigerator, or if it is very hot and humid. It can take several hours to get back to the cool temperature you have it set for after putting a large amount of food in it.

If the compressor is not shutting off when the temperature inside the refrigerator is cold enough, you may have a bad thermostat. You may also have the temperature set too high in the refrigerator. Try adjusting the thermostat to a lower temperature. If this turns the compressor off, you had it set too high. With the help of a refrigerator thermometer, you can find a more ideal setting that will keep your food cold, but not so cold that the compressor is always running. If raising the temperature setting doesn't help, it may be a problem with the thermostat and you will need to replace it. 

If your thermostat is working properly, there's a chance that you have low levels of refrigerant in the sealed system. If this is where the symptoms lead you, you need to contact a professional appliance repair person. Only an EPA certified technician can legally work on a sealed system. If you attempt to do work on this system, you will void the warranty.

If this is a new refrigerator, it will run for a long time, almost constantly, before it gets cooled enough to stabilize the interior temperature. Allow up to 24 hours for it to stabilize. The refrigerator should be at least one half to two thirds full. This will help to maintain a stable temperature inside the unit. The cold items inside will help to keep an even temperature inside after the door has been opened and closed. Some people prefer to keep a lot of stuff in the refrigerator as ballast, even jugs of water. This helps to maintain temperatures inside so that when the door gets opened and closed often, it doesn't need to run as much to maintain the temperature inside.

2. Why doesn't the freezer area freeze my food?

This is a common occurrence, and doesn’t always have a clear-cut solution. You’ll want to check the internal freezer temperature. The operating temperature range of most residential freezers is between -10F and +10F. The optimum temperature of the freezer is between 0F and 5F. Proper refrigerator operating temperatures should be between 36 and 45 degrees Fahrenheit. If the refrigerator temperature is very close to the 35 degree mark, you can try turning the temperature up a little bit. 

Sometimes, rearranging how you put your foods in the refrigerator can make a difference. The temperatures vary from compartment to compartment. Another common cause is a leaky gasket. Try putting a dollar bill between the gasket and the frame of the freezer as you close the door. If the dollar comes out without resistance, then you need a new door gasket.

When installing a refrigerator door gasket, you should allow the gasket to adjust to room temperature before removing it from the carton. When carrying or handling the gasket, you want to carry it by the corners. This will help to prevent breakage of the flexible magnet. Should the magnet be found to be broken, it will NOT impair its effectiveness. If the gasket is deformed or twisted from long storage, you can heat the deformed section with an electric heater, hair dryer, or a 150-300 watt light bulb. Holding the heat source about 1 inch to 3 or 4 inches from the gasket, move the heat source back and forth to maintain even warming. Apply heat until gasket has resumed its original shape. This can also correct an already installed, deformed gasket. Make sure you use caution so as not to damage the inner door panel.

3.  Why is my refrigerator not cooling properly?

If the refrigerator isn't cool, check to see if the light comes on when you open the door. Next check to see if the thermostat is set properly. If both of these are OK, then check to see if the compressor is running.

See if the compressor motor is running. The compressor is in a case with no visible moving parts. It is usually located at the back of the refrigerator near the bottom. If it’s humming, or making a steady noise, and your refrigerator is still not cooling properly, there could be a problem with one or more various components.

Refrigerators have either a mechanical defrost timer, or an ADC (Adaptive Defrost Control). If your refrigerator has a mechanical timer, set the cold control to the coldest setting and then advance the defrost timer. You can manually advance the timer with a screwdriver. Insert the screwdriver into the advancement pinion and turn clockwise a 1/4 to 3/8’s of a turn. If the compressor starts, replace the defrost timer. For further help, you’ll want to call a professional appliance repair technician.

Sometimes you can hear a click-buzz-click sound coming from the compressor. This is the relay/overload at work. If you hear this, power is getting to the compressor. If you do, something is wrong with either the compressor or the compressor starting components. If you have a newer model with solid-state starting components, you may not hear anything at all. If there is power to the starting components, you may be able to test each part and replace any bad parts. There is also a 3-in-1 unit that may work on your model which replaces all the components in one unit. If the compressor still won’t start, you have a bad compressor and need to replace it. If it does start, wire the 3-in-1 part in permanently. Make sure the one you buy is rated for the horsepower of your appliance.

If you don’t hear anything, you can take the cover off the side of the compressor and test for voltage at the two leads. If no voltage is present, it’s time to check the cold control. To test if the cold control is bad, you can temporarily jump the two wires at the cold control. If you get power to the compressor after doing so, the cold control needs to be replaced.

More common refrigerator problems can be found here.

Refrigerator Replacement Parts can be found here.

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5 things you need to know about your refrigerator

• Clean your coils!!! The coils under your refrigerator accumulate dust and dirt, making your refrigerator work harder. This can jack up your electricity bill. Clean your coils with a coil brush.


• If you have a refrigerator that is less then 20 years old you can add an icemaker on if you don’t already have one.


• As the defrost timer gets old, the motor that runs the defrost timer can begin to make noises as well. If the timer motor is making a loud sound, then you should replace the entire timer.


• Using bleach or ammonia products to clean is not a good idea because the plastic parts inside the refrigerator can be damaged by them. Cleaning products with lemon scent are also not recommended as the odor from it can stay in the refrigerator for a very long time and may cause your foods to smell like lemons.


• If your compressor is not shutting off when the temperature inside the refrigerator is cold enough, you may have a bad thermostat. You may also have the temperature set too high in the refrigerator. Try adjusting the thermostat to a lower temperature. If this turns the compressor off, you had it set too high. With the help of a refrigerator thermometer, you can find a more ideal setting that will keep your food cold, but not so cold that the compressor is always running. If raising the temperature setting doesn't help, it may be a problem with the thermostat and you will need to replace it.

How much does my refrigerator or freezer cost me each year to run?

Have you ever wondered how much it costs to run your refrigerator or freezer? Here’s your chance to find out thank to energystar.gov which has created an easy-to use refrigerator energy use calculator.

Before you calculate your costs, you will need to know a few things like the storage capacity of your refrigerator or freezer, model and approximate year. You will also need to know your state’s electricity price per kilowatt hour. Don’t worry, the site will help you figure that out or provide you with an “average” you can use.

If your current refrigerator was built before 1993, a new ENERGYSTAR refrigerator will require half as much energy to run, according to the ENERGYSTAR website. If your refrigerator is a 2001 model a new ENERGY STAR qualified refrigerator will use 40% less energy than your 2001 model.

“Replacing a refrigerator bought in 1990 with a new ENERGY STAR qualified model would save enough energy to light the average household for nearly four months,” according to the energystar.gov.

Here are some things you can do to make sure you are saving as much money and energy from your current refrigerator.

• Position your refrigerator away from heat sources such as your over, dishwasher or direct sunlight.
• Make sure there is adequate space for the coils in order for them to properly cool. The coils are usually located on the back of a refrigerator.
• Keep the condensing coils of your Frigidaire Refrigerator Parts clean.
• Make sure all the refrigerator seal parts are tight and working properly. Replace any appliance parts that appear to be broken or worn out.
• Keep your refrigerator between 35 and 38 degrees Fahrenheit

And don’t forget about any old refrigerators or freezers in your garage or basement; follow the suggestions above for those freezer parts as well. Consider replacing or recycling fridges or freezers that are over 20 years old, as they require twice as much energy to run.

If you are interested in recycling your old appliance, the ENERGYSTAR website offers a number of ways to find appliance recycling programs on their website. Visit http://www.energystar.gov/index.cfm?c=recycle.pr_refrigerator_rec to read more about programs available through local utilities, retailers, scrap metal merchants and local municipalities.

Advice when purchasing new appliances

Buying a new appliance can seem like a daunting task. It’s a lot of money and a big investment that you hope will last you for many years. Here are a few things to keep in mind before you go shopping for a new refrigerator, dishwasher or washing machine.

Look at the base model or ask to see the most basic model the store has in stock. Like supermarket’s, the basics you need (like bread and milk) are at the back of the store, out of sight to consumers once they enter the store. The same theory applies to places that sell appliances, the latest and greatest and sometimes, most expensive models are out in front. Even so, just looking at the most expensive models will make the ones more in your price range seem pale in comparison. Start at the base models and work your way up.

Read the energy efficient rating on the machine. This will tell you how much energy the machine uses and how much money it could save you. Don’t buy more than what you need. If you have a small family, you might not need a huge refrigerator or washing machine.

Be careful about buying extended warranty plans. According to an article by ConsumerReports.org, they are not the “great investment” that salespeople make them out to be. Ask about when the warranty would start and what it covers. In recent years major appliance makers like Maytag, and Whirlpool have shortened the warranty period for new machines, but not always. Be sure to check how long the manufacturer’s warranty lasts and what is covers such as replacement appliance parts.

Ask to buy the floor model or offer to purchase appliances with cosmetic damages (scratches and dings)

Buy last year’s model (best time to shop: September and October) and see if you can trade-in your old appliance (check with appliance dealers in your area.)

Be sure to ask the following questions:

• What is the cost of appliance delivery?
• What is the cost of appliance installment? Do you need to purchase any additional appliance parts, or do they provide those for you?
• Will they haul your old appliance away for free of for a price? If they charge you for this, contact a recycling center or call your local sanitation department to see if they offer appliance recycling programs. Use the internet to look up local places that might buy your appliance for scrap metal.
• Ask about rebates. The government is offering some rebates for the purchase of new energy-efficient appliances. Check your state’s website to see what rebates are available.