Why Is My Fridge Running Constantly?

Your fridge should cycle on and off throughout the day. If it seems to be running non-stop, something may be wrong — or it may simply be working harder due to environmental factors. This guide covers the most common reasons a fridge runs constantly and what to do about each one.

Is It Actually a Problem?

First, check whether the fridge is truly running continuously. Place your hand on the side or back — it should feel warm (heat is being expelled normally). Listen for the compressor — it should run for 20–40 minutes, then stop for 10–20 minutes. If it never stops, that's worth investigating.

Common Causes

1. Dirty Condenser Coils

The condenser coils are usually at the back or underneath your fridge. They expel heat from inside the fridge to the room. When they're coated in dust and debris, they can't expel heat efficiently — so the compressor has to work harder and run longer.

Fix: Vacuum or brush the condenser coils. Unplug the fridge first, pull it away from the wall and use a vacuum with a brush attachment. Do this once or twice a year.

2. Poor Ventilation

Fridges need airflow around them to expel heat. If yours is pushed tight against a wall or surrounded by cabinets on all sides, it has to work harder to cool down.

Fix: Ensure at least 5–10cm of clearance on all sides and above. Check the manufacturer's specifications for recommended clearances.

3. Door Seal (Gasket) is Damaged or Dirty

The rubber door seal keeps cold air in. If it's cracked, torn or has gunk built up preventing a proper seal, warm air leaks in constantly — forcing the fridge to run non-stop to compensate.

Fix: Clean the seal with warm soapy water. Test the seal by closing the door on a piece of paper — if the paper slides out easily, the seal isn't gripping properly and may need replacement.

4. The Room Is Too Hot

If your fridge is in a garage or shed that gets very hot in summer, it will run more frequently. Most fridges are designed to operate in an ambient temperature between 10°C and 38°C. Above 38°C, the compressor runs continuously and may overheat.

Fix: If the ambient temperature is a problem, consider a fridge rated for garage use, or move the fridge to a cooler location.

5. Temperature Set Too Low

If your fridge is set to 1°C or 2°C, it has to work harder to maintain that temperature than if it's set to 4°C (the recommended setting). The optimal fridge temperature is 2–4°C for the fridge and -18°C for the freezer.

Fix: Adjust the thermostat to the optimal range.

6. Too Much Warm Food Added at Once

Putting a large quantity of warm or room-temperature food into the fridge at once causes a temperature spike. The compressor runs hard to bring the temperature back down. This is normal but should be temporary — if it runs for more than a few hours after loading, there may be another issue.

7. Refrigerant Leak

A refrigerant leak means the fridge can't cool efficiently regardless of how long the compressor runs. Signs include: the inside isn't reaching the right temperature, there's frost build-up in unusual places, or you hear a hissing sound.

Fix: This requires a licensed refrigeration mechanic. It's not a DIY repair.

8. Faulty Thermostat or Temperature Sensor

If the thermostat or temperature sensor is defective, it may tell the compressor to keep running even when the fridge has reached the right temperature.

Fix: This is a technician repair. If your fridge is over 8–10 years old, compare the repair cost to replacement.

When to Call a Technician vs Buy New

If your fridge is under 5 years old, repair is almost always worth it. If it's 10+ years old and facing a major repair, the economics often favour buying new — especially given how much more energy-efficient modern fridges are.

Browse our fridge range at Oceania Appliances — free delivery across Sydney, 3–6 month warranty on every appliance.

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