Your refrigerator is one of those appliances that you arguably depend on most in your kitchen, and a malfunction could be grossly inconveniencing. One common problem with refrigerators is a cycle that runs for too long. This should worry you because it is a sign that some parts may be defective and that your appliance could be running inefficiently. Read on to learn what could cause your refrigerator to run way too long and what you could do to stop this. 

Loose gaskets or dirty condenser coils

Old door gaskets can sometimes get deformed and fail to make an airtight seal around the refrigerator door. This can let warm air in and cold air out, causing the compressor to run for longer in an attempt to reach the set temperature. A quick solution to this is to replace old or damaged door gaskets and keep the refrigerator door completely closed. 

Cleaning your condenser coils can also help them dissipate heat out the refrigerator more effectively, reducing fridge run times. The coils are usually located behind the kick plate at the bottom of the appliance or at the back. Use a dry cloth to gently wipe off dust and other debris from the condenser coils to improve their performance. You can also make the appliance run for shorter periods by keeping hot foods out the refrigerator, as they can cause heat buildup. 

Defective condenser fan motor

The condenser fan motor is usually located at the back of your refrigerator, right next to the compressor. The fan helps dissipate heat off the condenser coils so that the refrigerator stays cool. If defective, the fans could cause the condenser to retain heat, forcing the compressor to run for longer so as to keep the appliance cool. A common sign that the condenser fan may be defective is heat buildup around the cabinet between the two fridge compartments, as this area usually houses tubing connected to the condenser. 

To inspect the fan motor, remove the back panel and check for any bent or cracked fan blades that may need replacing. Turn the appliance on and check if the condenser fan comes on when the compressor starts. If not, consider replacing the fan or clearing debris off the motor that could be restricting it's movement. Lack of power could also cause motor failure, so ensure that all connections are tight and use a multimeter to verify that there is power at the fan terminals. 

For more help with a running refrigerator, contact a company like Buffo's Refrigeration.