A constantly running or cycling refrigerator can be irritating at times. But what’s even more irritating is the high energy bills every month. If you have a refrigerator that is having the same problem, we have got some tips for you to consider that might help troubleshoot the problem. These tips would help you determine the problem and avoid getting overcharged by appliance repair services. Let’s begin!

Dirty Condenser Coils

Typically, condenser coils are installed underneath the refrigerator. They are designed to draw the heat away from the unit. With that said, these coils can accumulate a lot of dirt and dust over time. As a result, your refrigerator will have to utilize more power to draw the heat away.

Therefore, the best way to keep the condenser coils running smoothly is by cleaning them at least once a month. The good news is that cleaning condenser coils is not that complicated. Simply use a soft brush and a damp wet cloth to remove the stubborn dirt.

A High Freezer Temperature

Sometimes, the temperature can also be the culprit when it comes to the refrigerator running constantly. To freeze your food safely, you should set the temperature at a chilly 0 degrees Fahrenheit. If the temperature is set any warmer, the fridge will have to work harder to keep the unit cool. As a result, I will continue cycling and running.

With that said, if the freezer temperature happens to be too high, you should manually defrost the appliance if it does not come with an automatic defrosting feature. Plus, you can also replace the thermostat and make sure the evaporator fan is working properly.

A Faulty Defrost Heater

The defrost heater located inside your refrigerator is designed to operate multiple times a day to prevent the evaporator coils from freezing up. It is usually located next to the evaporator coils encased in an aluminum tube or glass.

In the case of the defrost heater not working properly, frost will accumulate on the evaporator coils. This will cause them to freeze up. If the coils are frozen, the unit will have a relatively hard time removing heat. As a result, your refrigerator will cycle constantly to help cool itself down.

However, to determine a faulty defrost heater, you are going to need a multimeter by setting it to Rx1 mode. You should see a reading between zero and infinity. If the reading is otherwise, it means the defrost heater needs replacement.

A Faulty Defrost Termination Thermostat

Both defrost termination thermostat and defrost heater work as a pair. While the defrost heater melts the ice, the defrost termination thermostat keeps track of the temperature of the coils. It signals the defrost heater to turn on when the coils have become too cold and off once they are done defrosting.

With that said, if you notice that your refrigerator is constantly cycling, it might be due to the faulty defrost termination thermostat. If it is defective, it will not be able to read the temperature of the coils accurately. This will cause the defrost heater to remain turned on even if the coils are done defrosting.

Damaged Refrigerator Door Gaskets

The door gasket seals run around the doors of the refrigerator. They are designed to keep the warmth and moisture of the fridge so that it can maintain the appropriate temperature. As time goes by, these gaskets tend to become weak, which allows warmth and moisture to enter. This can cause your refrigerator to cycle constantly. Fortunately, determining whether the gaskets need replacement is easy. You should look for cracks, tears, or moisture on the freezer shelves, air outlet ducts, etc.

Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

The condenser fan motor works with the condenser coils. These fans help your refrigerator maintain the right temperature. As the condenser coils begin to freeze, the condenser fans push air over them to thaw the ice. If the condenser fan motor happens to be faulty, the overall performance of the unit will drop. The compressor will have to work harder, which will cause the refrigerator to cycle constantly as well. However, in this case, you will need to consult a professional regarding replacement, if needed.

Final Word

There are several reasons contributing to a refrigerator cycling constantly. If your unit is facing the same issue, you should consider the above-mentioned tips or hire a reputable refrigerator repair Fairfax expert to diagnose the problem, if it is beyond your knowledge and expertise.