Should i hear my refrigerator running

Although the refrigerator stands stoically in the kitchen, it does require some attention for a long life. Consider hiring a refrigerator repair professional to survey the appliance at least once a year. Dave's on Facebook. Dave's on Twitter. Dave's on BBB. Read more about our specials. Solving Long-Running Dryer Problems ». Appliance Repair in Milwaukee. Blog Categories Angie's List 10 appliance repair 11 BBB 2 cleaning 16 clothes dryer 24 covid 4 dishwasher 22 disposal 15 freezer 10 general 17 microwave 13 refrigerator 35 seasonal 13 stove 24 uncategorized 5 washing machine 30 wine cooler 7.

Amount of food in your fridge - the amount of food your carry in your fridge also has a major effect on the amount of run-time your fridge compressor sees everyday. Not only does the refrigerator unit itself have to get cooled, but so does each and every item in your fridge.

The more food you stock in your fridge, the harder your compressor will work to maintain that temperature. You also want to consider the temperature of your food when you place it in your fridge. If the food you place in the fridge is coming from the stovetop, for example, the energy required to cool it will be more than if your food were sitting out at room temperature all day.

Amount of time the door remains open - every time your fridge door is opened, it allows warmer sometimes more humid air to enter. This causes your compressor to kick on more frequently and for a longer duration as it has to compensate for the sudden change in temperature.

For the sake of your compressor, open your door less often and close it as quickly as you can. That being said, there are signs to look for that indicate your compressor is working hard but not getting the job done. If you notice these signs then it may be time to either search for a refrigerator repairman or do a thorough cleaning of your unit. Just like most appliances in your home, the lifespan of your refrigerator can vary based on several factors.

According to the 23rd Annual Portrait of the US Appliance Industry report, your refrigerator should last anywhere between 10 to 18 years with the average age being 14 years. Faulty defrost thermostat - this unit monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. When the thermostat fails the defrost heater is never triggered.

If you suspect that your defrost thermostat is causing your fridge to run constantly, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity. To troubleshoot, unplug the fridge and plug it back in. Disclosure: BobVila. You agree that BobVila. All rights reserved. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY.

Kitchen Solved! Learn the difference between run-of-the-mill noises and those that are cause for concern. Consult a pro. Get free, no-commitment repair estimates from licensed appliance technicians near you. Find Pros Now. More From Bob Vila.