 Fridge doors that don’t seal properly can waste energy, raise your utility bill, and compromise food safety. A worn or damaged gasket is a common culprit, but you can diagnose and fix the problem with a few simple steps. This guide walks you through testing the gasket, cleaning and adjusting it, and replacing it if necessary. First, test whether the door actually seals. Close the door on a piece of paper or a dollar bill so that it half-remains inside and half-out. If you can pull it out easily with the door closed, the gasket may be failing. Repeat at multiple corners to check for consistent leakage. For a more thorough check, tape a flashlight to the inside of the fridge and look for gaps along the door edge when the door is closed. Any visible light or damp spots indicate a leak. Next, inspect the gasket itself. Look for cracks, tears, or deformations, especially at the corners. If the gasket is sticky or has dried residue, clean it with warm, soapy water. R ... Read more » |
 Refrigerators are designed to run quietly most of the time, but you may notice a variety of sounds as the appliance cycles through its cooling and defrost routines. Understanding what each noise means can help you troubleshoot safely and avoid unnecessary service calls. What the noises typically meanHumming is usually normal. It often comes from the compressor or fan motors running in the background. If the hum is steady and low, it may simply indicate normal operation. A louder, more persistent hum could signal a failing motor bearing or an obstruction in the fan. Buzzing can be normal when the unit starts or stops cycling, or when the compressor kicks in. However, a high-pitched or irregular buzz could point to electrical issues, faulty relay components, or a compressor starting capacitor that needs inspection. Rattling noises are often caused by items inside the fridge shifting during operation ... Read more » |
 Many homeowners notice their refrigerator seems to run constantly, especially on hot days or after loading it with groceries. The question is whether that behavior is normal or a sign something isn’t working as it should.
What is normal for a fridge to do?
Modern refrigerators cycle on and off to maintain a steady internal temperature. A typical unit may run for shorter bursts with occasional longer cycles, depending on door usage, ambient temperature, and how full the fridge is. A healthy fridge often hums or runs quietly in the background and should not feel excessively warm to the touch at the door seal.
Common reasons a fridge runs more than you expect
Several factors can cause increased runtime:
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 Power outages can strike without warning, leaving households scrambling to protect refrigerated and frozen foods. The key to safety is understanding how long your food stays at safe temperatures and what to do if the outage lasts longer than a few hours. First, keep the fridge door closed as much as possible. A closed refrigerator will usually keep foods cold for about 4 hours if the door stays shut, and a well-stocked freezer can maintain its cold for about 48 hours (24 hours if half-full), provided the outage is temporary. Perishable items like dairy, meats, poultry, fish, eggs, and prepared foods should be treated with extra caution. If the fridge thermometer reads at or below 4°C (40°F) after the outage ends, the items inside may be safe to keep for a short period. If the temperature rises above 4°C (40°F) for more than 2 hours, many perishable foods should be discarded to avoid the risk of foodborne illness. In the freezer, frozen ... Read more » |
