Don't Let Your Groceries Sweat! A Comprehensive Guide to Refrigerator Repair

A refrigerator that isn't cooling or runs constantly often points to a few common, diagnosable issues. 36-year industry expert Stuart Pyburn of Mr. Appliance® offers helpful insights: Your freezer is cold, but the refrigerator is warm. This is typically an airflow problem. The cold air is created in the freezer, but isn't being transferred to the refrigerator. The issue may be a failed evaporator fan, a stuck damper, a blocked air vents, or a faulty thermostat. Your refrigerator runs constantly. This means the thermostat is calling for cold air that it isn't receiving, forcing the unit to work overtime. The issue may be dirty condenser coils, a leaky door seal, a faulty thermostat, or low refrigerant. When to call a professional. While you can troubleshoot by checking air vents, testing the door seal, and checking your thermostat settings, most repairs should be left to a refrigerator repair professional.

There's nothing quite like the panic that sets in when you open your refrigerator and realize things aren't as cold as they should be. But before you rush out to buy a new appliance, remember that many common refrigerator issues can be diagnosed and fixed by a refrigerator repair service professional.

At Mr. Appliance, we understand the frustration of a fridge on the fritz. This comprehensive guide features expert insights to help you understand common issues and when to request professional refrigerator repair.

• The Mystery of the Warm Refrigerator, Cold Freezer

• Why Is My Refrigerator Running Non-Stop?

• What Is the Dollar Bill Trick? Detecting Air Leaks

• Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Cool

• When to Call the Pros for Refrigerator Repair

• Don't Risk Spoiled Food—Trust the Refrigerator Repair Experts

• About the Refrigerator Repair Expert Stuart Pyburn

• FAQ About Refrigerator Repair

The Mystery of the Warm Refrigerator, Cold Freezer

Your freezer is humming along, keeping your ice cream perfectly solid, but the refrigerator section feels more like a cool pantry. What gives?

Stuart Pyburn, an expert at Mr. Appliance with 36 years of experience in the refrigerator repair industry, sheds light on this phenomenon: “In a basic refrigerator, the evaporator is in the freezer, and the air going through it is getting cold. There is then a damper and a fan that sends the cold air to the refrigerator as the thermostat calls for it. If any of these parts are not functioning properly, or if the refrigerator is overstuffed and to the point of blocking the airflow, your refrigerator will not cool properly.”

Common culprits that cause a warm refrigerator

Let's break down the potential culprits that may require refrigerator repair:

• Evaporator fan: This fan circulates cold air from the freezer into the refrigerator compartment. If it's not working, the cold air stays trapped.
• Damper control: The damper is a small door that opens and closes to regulate the amount of cold air flowing into the fridge. If it's malfunctioning or stuck closed, your refrigerator won't get the cold air it needs.
• Thermostat: The thermostat signals when the refrigerator needs more cold air. If it's faulty, it might not be sending the right signals.
• Blocked air vents: Overstuffing your refrigerator can block the vents that allow cold air to circulate. 

Checklist: Troubleshooting a refrigerator that’s not cooling

• Check airflow: Ensure no food items are blocking the vents, which are typically located at the back of the refrigerator compartment or between the freezer and fridge.
• Listen for the fan: Open your freezer door and listen for the sound of the evaporator fan. If you don't hear anything, the fan might be the problem.
• Inspect the damper: While more challenging, if you can locate the damper (often near the top of the refrigerator compartment), check if it appears to be stuck.
• Check thermostat settings: Make sure the thermostat hasn't been accidentally turned down or set to a warmer temperature.

You should not attempt to fix your refrigerator on your own, as certain components can pose a safety hazard. After reviewing these troubleshooting steps, contact a qualified refrigerator repair provider near you.

Why Is My Refrigerator Running Non-Stop?

A refrigerator that runs constantly can be a major energy drain. If you hear the appliance humming more often than usual, or if the hum never seems to turn off, it may be a sign that something isn't right.

According to Mr. Appliance refrigerator repair expert Stuart Pyburn, a refrigerator may be running constantly “because the thermostat is calling for colder air and it has not been satisfied yet.”

Common reasons your refrigerator is running non-stop

Your refrigerator is likely working overtime because it's struggling to reach or maintain the desired temperature. Several parts can cause this issue:

• Dirty condenser coils: These coils, usually located at the back or underneath your fridge, dissipate heat. If they're covered in dust and debris, the fridge has to work harder to cool.
• Faulty thermostat: If the thermostat isn't accurately reading the internal temperature, it might continuously call for cooling, even when the fridge is already cold enough.
• Low refrigerant: A leak in the refrigerant system can cause the compressor to run constantly in an attempt to cool. This is a more serious issue requiring professional attention.
• Excessive frost buildup: In some cases, excessive frost in the freezer can impede airflow, causing the compressor to work harder.
• Door seal leaks: If cold air is escaping, the refrigerator will constantly try to replace it.

Troubleshooting steps for a continually running fridge

Potential cause	What to look for
Dirty condenser coils	Dust, pet hair, and debris on the coils (usually located at the back or underneath the fridge). It’s generally safe to clean the coils with a vacuum and a specially made refrigerator coil brush.
Faulty thermostat	Inconsistent temperatures, or the fridge feels too cold/warm despite the settings. A refrigerator repair service professional can replace a defective thermostat.
Excessive frost buildup	Thick layers of ice in the freezer compartment. You may be able to defrost your freezer on your own, but repeated buildup may indicate a problem that requires diagnosis by a refrigerator repair expert.
Door seal leaks	Feel for drafts around the door, or perform the "dollar bill test" (explained below). Mr. Appliance service professionals can repair leaky refrigerator door seals.

What Is the Dollar Bill Trick? Detecting Air Leaks

An air leak in your refrigerator door gasket is a common culprit for inefficient cooling and a constantly running fridge. It allows cold air to escape and warm air to enter, making your appliance work harder.

Stuart Pyburn offers a simple yet effective way to check for leaks: “Open the doors and close a dollar bill in the opening. Once closed, try to pull the dollar bill out. There should be resistance. Check all around the opening. If you don’t feel any resistance, your door gasket could need replacing, or your door needs to be adjusted.”

How to perform the dollar bill test

1. Open your refrigerator door.
2. Place a dollar bill (or a thin piece of paper) between the door gasket and the refrigerator frame.
3. Close the door firmly.
4. Try to pull the dollar bill out.

Repeat this test all around the perimeter of both your refrigerator and freezer doors. If you find multiple spots with little to no resistance, it's essential to address the gasket or door alignment. A Mr. Appliance refrigerator repair professional can help you diagnose and fix the problem quickly.

Good refrigerator door seal vs. bad refrigerator door seal

Good seal	If there’s resistance and the dollar bill is difficult to pull out, your gasket is likely sealing well in that spot.
Bad seal	If the dollar bill slides out easily, there may be an air leak. Your gasket might need replacement, or the door might need adjustment.

Refrigerator Maintenance Checklist: Keep Your Cool

Preventive maintenance can go a long way toward extending your refrigerator's life. Here's a quick checklist:

☐ Clean condenser coils twice a year. This is one of the easiest and most impactful maintenance tasks.

☐ Check door gaskets monthly. Perform the dollar bill test to ensure a good seal.

☐ Clean your freezer for proper defrost. If you have an older model that requires manual defrost, do it regularly.

☐ Defrost freezer drains. Ensure the drain hole is clear to prevent ice buildup and leaks.

☐ Monitor thermostat settings. Ensure your fridge and freezer are set to optimal temperatures (usually 37 to 40°F for the refrigerator and 0°F for the freezer).

☐ Monitor ice buildup manually. If your freezer builds up frost quickly, it might indicate a problem.

☐ Call Mr. Appliance when in doubt. Don't hesitate to call the professionals for complex refrigerator repair issues.

When to Call the Pros for Refrigerator Repair

While homeowners can assess some refrigerator issues, many problems require the expertise of a qualified appliance service professional. Here are some situations where calling Mr. Appliance is your best bet:

• Refrigerant leaks: Handling refrigerants requires specialized tools and training.
• Compressor issues: The compressor is the heart of your refrigerator; problems here are best left to professionals.
• Persistent cooling problems: If you've tried basic troubleshooting and your fridge still isn't cooling properly, it's time for diagnosis by a refrigerator repair expert.
• Strange noises: Loud banging, grinding, or hissing sounds could indicate serious mechanical problems.
• Electrical issues: Any problems involving wiring or electrical components should always be handled by a trained professional.

Don't let a temperamental refrigerator disrupt your household. With a little knowledge and timely intervention, you can keep your groceries fresh and your appliance running smoothly. For expert advice and reliable residential refrigerator repair services, trust your local Mr. Appliance team.

Don't Risk Spoiled Food—Trust the Refrigerator Repair Experts

A malfunctioning refrigerator is more than an inconvenience; it's a race against time to save your groceries. While understanding the common culprits can help you troubleshoot certain issues, effective refrigerator repair is a job for a trained professional.

As refrigerator expert Stuart Pyburn explains, your refrigerator is a complex system. Attempting to fix issues related to compressors, electrical components, or refrigerants without proper training can be ineffective and even dangerous.

The friendly, experienced professionals at Mr. Appliance are ready to diagnose your refrigerator issue and provide a fast, reliable solution. We service all major brands and stand behind our work with the Neighborly Done Right Promise® to ensure your satisfaction.

Contact your local Mr. Appliance team today to schedule service and get your refrigerator back to its optimal temperature.

All Mr. Appliance franchises are locally owned and operated and may offer fewer or more services than those listed here. To learn more about the refrigerator repair services offered in your area, contact the Mr. Appliance nearest you for details or a customized on-site assessment.