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HomeRepair HelpTappan Refrigerator RepairTappan Refrigerator runs constantly Repair
Tappan Refrigerator runs constantly
If your refrigerator runs constantly, it usually means the unit is working harder than it should to reach set temperatures. The most likely cause is a hot or humid room that forces the fridge to run longer; check the room temperature and move the refrigerator out of direct sun or tight enclosures first. Next, an inefficient compressor can cause the refrigerator compressor running continuously, but confirm fans and the thermistor are working before replacing it. A freezer that is not cold enough (above about 10°F) will also make the refrigerator run longer because many models pull cold air from the freezer. Check that doors are closing and sealing properly, since a door not fully closing lets warm air in and raises run time. Less common causes include a failed defrost heater or defrost thermostat that allow frost to build on the evaporator coils and block airflow; those parts can be tested for continuity with a multimeter. Enter your model number on RepairClinic.com to find the exact replacement parts for 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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 - Tappan 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
My refrigerator runs constantly — what should I check first?
Freezer is cold but fridge not cooling — why is the refrigerator warm?
How do I test the defrost heater or defrost thermostat?
Could a bad compressor cause my refrigerator to run constantly?
How do I enter my model number on RepairClinic to find the correct replacement part?
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