A refrigerator that runs nonstop, rather than cycling on and off at intervals, is doing exactly what it’s designed to do when something is preventing it from reaching its target temperature efficiently — the compressor keeps working because the fridge genuinely hasn’t gotten cold enough yet.
Condenser Coils Are the First Suspect
Dust- and pet-hair-coated condenser coils, usually located at the back or underneath the unit, force the compressor to work far harder to dissipate heat, and this single issue accounts for a large share of the “runs constantly” complaints we see. A coil vacuum every six months prevents most of it.
Door Seals That Have Lost Their Grip
A gasket that no longer seals fully lets warm air continuously leak in, which the compressor tries to compensate for by simply never stopping. The dollar-bill test — closing the door on a bill and checking for resistance when you pull it out — is a quick way to check gasket grip at home.
Overpacking and Airflow Inside the Cabinet
Blocking the interior vents with tightly packed food restricts internal air circulation, which can make the fridge run continuously even with a perfectly healthy compressor and clean coils.
When It’s a Genuine Compressor or Sensor Fault
If coils are clean, seals grip well, and the interior isn’t overpacked, but the compressor still never rests, that points to a temperature sensor or the sealed system itself. Visit our Kenmore refrigerator repair page.