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HomeRepair HelpNorge Refrigerator RepairNorge Refrigerator runs constantly Repair
Norge Refrigerator runs constantly
If your Norge refrigerator is running constantly, start with the simple stuff: hot room air forces the unit to work overtime, so confirm the appliance is in the 60 to 95 F range and out of direct sun or high humidity. Next likely culprits are compressor problems; if the evaporator fan motors and thermistor check out, an inefficient compressor can cause the refrigerator compressor running continuously. Also check the freezer temperature; if the freezer is above about 10 F the fridge will struggle to cool. Make sure both doors seal and close fully, because a crooked door, overfilled door bins, or food blocking the gasket will keep the fridge running. Frost buildup from a failed defrost heater or a defective defrost thermostat can also choke airflow through the evaporator coils and make the unit run nonstop. You can test heaters and thermostats for continuity with a multimeter or replace them if they fail. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts that fit your refrigerator.
01 - Room Temperature is Hot
Normal operating temperatures for a refrigerator are between 60 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit (16 and 35 degrees Celsius). The hotter and more humid the air is the less efficient the refrigerator will be, causing it to run more. If possible, keep the refrigerator within the recommended operating temperatures and as cool as possible.
Top Solution
02 - Norge Refrigerator Compressor
The compressor is the component that pumps refrigerant through the sealed system to cool the appliance. If you've determined the fan motors are all working and the thermistor is accurately monitoring the air temperature, it's possible the compressor itself is inefficient, resulting in it running continuously, although this is not a common problem.
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Highly Likely
03 - Freezer Temperature is Above 10 Degrees F (-12C)
Since the refrigerator compartment gets its cold air from the freezer compartment for many model types ("Top Freezer", "Bottom Freezer", and "Side by Side" models, for example), the refrigerator compartment will take longer to cool down if the freezer is not cold enough. As a result, the compressor may run constantly. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15 Celsius).
Highly Likely
04 - Door Not Fully Closing
Check to see that the doors are closing properly. If a door bin or food item is keeping the door open slightly the refrigerator may not cool properly, which can cause the refrigerator to run constantly.
Highly Likely
05 - Norge Refrigerator Defrost Heater Assembly
The defrost heater assembly turns on several times throughout the day to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the evaporator coils. If the defrost heater assembly is defective, the refrigerator will not defrost, and frost will continue to accumulate on the evaporator coils. If the evaporator coils are frosted over, the refrigerator will work harder to remove the heat. As a result, the refrigerator will run constantly in an effort to cool down. To determine if the defrost heater is defective, use a multimeter to test it for continuity. If the defrost heater does not have continuity, replace it.
Common
06 - Norge Refrigerator Defrost Thermostat
If the refrigerator runs constantly, the defrost thermostat might be defective. Several times a day the defrost heater turns on for a few minutes to melt away any frost that may have accumulated on the freezer or refrigerator evaporator coils. In order for this to work, the defrost thermostat has to sense that the coils are cold enough. If the coils are cold enough the defrost heater will turn on. If the thermostat is defective it may not be able to sense the temperature of the coils and then won't turn on the defrost heater. If the defrost heater doesn't turn on, the frost will build up on the coils and eventually no air ...
Common
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is my refrigerator running constantly?
Fridge not cooling but freezer works, what should I check?
Can a defective defrost heater or defrost thermostat cause the refrigerator to run continuously?
How do I know if the compressor is the problem and should be replaced?
How do I enter my model number to find the correct replacement part on RepairClinic.com?
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