Kitchen Large Electric Appliances - refrigerator runs constantly- electric bill shock

I have a 25 year old refrigerator that runs all the time from the first door openning in the AM until late at night. Electric bill was conciderably higher last month and think that it's the fridge. Can anything be repaired or replaced? Do I need a new energy efficient one?

There seems to be no other obvious problems. Seals and temp. are both fine.

Is the light bulb going out like it should when you almost get the door closed? (I got a service call to such a place a few months back where I had to put additional nylon washer under door pivot to raise door so it could contact the light switch, once again. Her bulb was staying on all the time, warming up the inside of the fridge.)

And tell us what you have freezer set at and what you have refrigerator section set at, and what the actual temperature is in each section. The temps and differentials will give me some clues.

Also, is the freezer fan running as it should be, when the refrigerator runs? And can you actually put your hand by it and feel it?

I tested temps and freezer is on second coldest setting and thermometer reads at 0 degrees. The fridge part is set on the second coldest setting and the thermometer reads at 40 degrees.

I can see that the light does go out before the door completely closes.

the freezer fan: yes it is on and I can feel the current.

any clues here?

thank you for your help, regards.

Hi venise, in the energy auditing business I test refrigerators frequently to show home owners why they need to replace them. The guidelines are simple, but it usually takes estimated savings to convince them.

The guidelines are, anything older than 10 years, replace it. Like I said, easy, but comming up with the replacement cost, sometimes not so easy. In your case, 25 years old, your are getting ready to pay for some repairs, and a replacement is already being considered. Easy decision, save the repair cost and go shopping.

Here is why, when you look at the new units, you will see their energy star ratings which reflect several technology upgrades which mean better cooling at a lower cost. Make sure the one you choose is listed and not a left over as the last improvement was just implemented last year and some leftovers aren't up to the best they can be. Sears had crossed out the energy star listing on some of their leftovers.

A new efficient unit can pay for itself, considering your current bills and repairs, in a few years and reduce your electric bills for years to come.

Happy shopping,
Bud

The mid range settings for the controls should be just fine. Take a look under the fridge and at the back to see if the coils underneath are dirty. Also, ensure that the fan underneath is running. What shape are the door gaskets in? Can you post the model # and brand name?