Why does my fridge run constantly?
Most common cause on a refrigerator in the GTA: dirty condenser coils making the compressor work to hold temperature. A typical repair runs $250–$430 all-in, including the $149.95 diagnostic, credited 100% toward your repair. Usually still cooling, but wasting energy and wearing the compressor. Book at convenience
Prices in CAD for the GTA; typical ranges — your exact quote is confirmed on-site before any work. Updated .
Most refrigerator faults in the GTA come down to a handful of parts — and the majority are worth repairing rather than replacing an appliance that typically lasts 10–15 years. Anthony is a Red Seal certified technician who carries the common refrigerator parts on the van, so most jobs in the GTA are diagnosed and fixed in a single visit.
Refrigerator repair costs in the GTA
Honest, all-in ranges for common jobs. Every visit starts with a flat $149.95 diagnostic that is credited 100% toward your repair — so you never pay it twice.
| Problem | Parts | Labour | All-in |
|---|---|---|---|
| Running constantly / never shuts off | $0–$190 | $120–$200 | $250–$430 |
| Diagnostic (credited to the repair) | $149.95 |
Ranges are estimates for common jobs in the GTA; your exact quote is confirmed on-site before any work begins. Prices in CAD, updated .
How your repair works
Four simple steps, no surprises.
Book
Call or request a callback. Same-day & next-day appointments available.
Diagnose
A flat $149.95 diagnostic pinpoints the real fault.
Approve
You get an upfront all-in quote first — diagnostic credited 100% toward your repair.
Repaired
Fixed with OEM parts, backed by a 90-day warranty.
Common Refrigerator problems & what we check
Tap any problem for the likely causes, what is safe to check yourself, and what it costs.
Running constantly / never shuts off$250–$430
Running constantly / never shuts off: The fridge runs continuously and never cycles off, often with a warmer-than-usual back and higher energy use.
Also described as: compressor never stops, runs all the time, high energy bill
Likely causes
- Dirty condenser coils making the compressor work to hold temperature (Most common)
- Worn or torn door gasket leaking cold air (Common)
- Failed defrost system or a frosted coil reducing efficiency (Common)
- Faulty thermostat/thermistor or control board (Occasional)
How we diagnose it — in order
- Confirm it's a real run-time problem, not just hot weather or a recent restock: check the set points are mid-range and feel the back/condenser area for excessive heat. Then pull the fridge out, vacuum/brush the condenser coils clean and confirm the condenser fan spins freely with good airflow -- a dirt-clogged coil or stalled fan is the single most common cause of non-stop running.
- Run the dollar-bill test around both door gaskets and inspect for tears, gaps, or a sagging door; a leaking seal pulls in warm humid air and keeps the compressor running. While there, check the doors close fully and no shelf/drawer/package is holding a door ajar or blocking the internal air vents between freezer and fresh-food sections.
- Open the freezer and inspect the evaporator coil behind the rear panel for heavy frost/ice buildup. Caked frost means a defrost-system failure (defrost heater, defrost thermostat, or adaptive defrost control/timer) that blocks airflow and forces continuous running -- test the defrost heater and defrost thermostat for continuity to isolate which part has failed.
- Test the temperature sensing: on dial-controlled units, ohm out the cold-control thermostat (it should open when the bulb is cold); on electronic units, test the fresh-food/freezer thermistor in ice water and compare resistance to the manufacturer's spec -- a sensor reading falsely warm commands the compressor to run nonstop. Replace the thermostat or thermistor if out of spec.
- Only after the above check out, treat it as a sealed-system fault (low refrigerant charge or partial restriction): the compressor runs continuously but can't reach temperature. Confirm with subjective coil-temperature/sweat-pattern checks and gauges -- this is technician-only sealed-system work and the definitive, most expensive diagnosis, so it is verified last.
✔ Safe to check yourself
- Vacuum the condenser coils — the single most common and avoidable cause.
- Check the door gaskets seal and the doors close fully.
- Give it 2" clearance and keep it out of direct sun / away from the oven.
✖ Leave to a technician
- Thermostat/control and sealed-system diagnosis are technician jobs.
Related: Not cooling · Frost or ice build-up
Ready to get it fixed?
Call now — (647) 490-7878 90-day warranty · flat $149.95 diagnostic credited 100% toward your repairRefrigerator running constantly / never shuts off by brand
Brand-specific refrigerator repair
Get your refrigerator fixed — running constantly / never shuts off repair near you
We diagnose and repair refrigerator running constantly / never shuts off across the GTA, same-day where possible, with the flat $149.95 diagnostic credited 100% toward your repair.
Why homeowners across the GTA call us
Every repair is led by Anthony, a Red Seal interprovincial journeyman who is 313A Licensed, TSSA Certified, ODP Certified, with his team working under his direct leadership — backed by $2,000,000+ general liability insurance and a 90-day workmanship warranty on every job.
Red Seal-led team
Every job is overseen by Anthony, a certified journeyman, and handled by his own trusted team.
Licensed & gas-certified
313A refrigeration licence and TSSA gas certification for safe, code-correct repairs.
$2,000,000+ insured
Fully insured for general liability, so your home is protected during the repair.
90-day warranty
Parts and workmanship are warrantied — if it's not right, we come back.
OEM parts on the van
Common parts are stocked, so most jobs are completed on the first visit.
Upfront pricing
A flat $149.95 diagnostic, credited 100% toward your repair, and a quote before any work.
What our credentials mean for you
- Red Seal Certified
- The interprovincial standard for skilled trades — a journeyman who passed the national appliance-service exam.
- 313A Licensed
- Ontario's refrigeration & air-conditioning systems mechanic licence — legally required to work on sealed cooling systems.
- TSSA Certified
- Technical Standards & Safety Authority gas certification — qualified to work safely on gas appliances.
- ODP Certified
- Ozone Depletion Prevention certification — licensed to handle refrigerants responsibly and to code.
Repair or replace your refrigerator?
A simple rule of thumb: if the repair costs more than half the price of a comparable new unit and the appliance is near the end of its life, replacement may make more sense.
A refrigerator typically lasts – and costs $1,400–$2,800 to replace — so most faults under about $450 are worth fixing. We'll always tell you honestly when a repair isn't worth your money.
Keep your refrigerator running
Simple habits that prevent the most common the GTA repairs.
- Vacuum the condenser coils once a year — the single biggest cause of avoidable repairs.
- Keep a 2-inch gap behind and above the fridge so it can shed heat.
- Change the water filter every 6 months to protect the icemaker and dispenser.
- Check the door gaskets seal fully; replace them as soon as they tear or harden.
- Keep the freezer at -18°C and don't block the interior vents with food.
- Clear the defrost drain once a year to prevent leaks.
More appliance repair in the GTA
Nearby cities
Frequently asked questions
Why does my fridge run constantly?
Do you charge for the diagnostic?
How soon can you come out?
Are you licensed and insured?
Do you use genuine parts?
Need your refrigerator fixed in the GTA?
Same-day & next-day appointments available. Flat $149.95 diagnostic, credited 100% toward your repair, and a 90-day warranty on every repair.
Call (647) 490-7878