Why your refrigerator runs nonstop but won’t get cold in Evanston, IL

Our Evanston client’s refrigerator was running all day and night but the food still wasn’t cold. Here’s how a sealed system leak caused the problem and how our technician fixed it the same day.
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When your refrigerator never stops running

If you hear your refrigerator humming almost all the time but the milk still feels warm, you are right to be worried. That is exactly what happened to our client in Evanston, IL. The fridge sounded busy 24/7, the compressor was hot to the touch, but inside the temperature kept climbing, and frozen food started to soften.


First signs something was wrong

When we arrived, we noticed a few classic symptoms:

     
  • The refrigerator and freezer were both warmer than they should be.
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  • The compressor was running constantly instead of cycling on and off.
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  • Only part of the evaporator coil had a thin layer of frost.
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  • The back of the fridge felt unusually warm.

These signs usually point to a deeper issue than a simple thermostat or dirty coil. In many cases, it means the sealed system is struggling.


What was really causing the problem

After checking airflow, door seals, and controls, our technician connected gauges to the sealed system to read the pressures. The readings confirmed our suspicion: the unit was low on refrigerant because of a small leak somewhere in the copper lines. When there is not enough refrigerant in the system, the fridge cannot move heat out of the cabinet, so it keeps running nonstop trying to reach the set temperature.


How we repaired the sealed system leak

Sealed system repairs must be done carefully and with the right tools. For this job in Evanston, we:

     
  • Used leak‑detection methods to locate the exact spot where refrigerant was escaping.
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  • Brazed the damaged copper line to seal the leak properly.
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  • We used a deep vacuum to eliminate any air and moisture from the system.
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  • Recharged the fridge with the correct type and amount of refrigerant.

Once the repair was complete, we monitored the pressures and temperatures. Within a short time, the refrigerator reached the correct cooling levels and the compressor returned to normal on‑off cycles.


How to know when to call for help

You don’t have to diagnose a sealed system issue yourself, but it helps to know when something is wrong. Call a technician if you notice:

     
  • Your refrigerator runs almost all the time without shutting off.
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  • Food feels soft or warm even though the temperature is set correctly.
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  • Ice cream is mushy or takes a long time to refreeze.
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  • You hear new buzzing or humming noises from the back of the fridge.

Catching these signs early can prevent food loss and even save the compressor from burning out.


Same‑day refrigerator repair in Evanston, IL

If your refrigerator is running nonstop or just not keeping things cold, don’t wait for it to fail completely. Our local team repairs all major brands and is often available for same‑day and next‑day appointments in Evanston and nearby neighborhoods. Book online or give us a quick call, and we’ll help you get your kitchen back to normal.

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Every repair we perform is backed by a 30-day labor warranty for your peace of mind. If the same issue reappears, we’ll make it right—no additional cost.

What our customers say about us

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Courtney K.
Oct 6, 2025

Dark called and texted me before coming to my home. He worked diligently to attempt to repair my countertop ice maker. He called me later that day to see if the machine was working (it wasn't). He agreed to send me back the service call fee, even though he had spent about 2 hours working on the machine. I would ABSOLUTELY use Ivan ApplianceRepairs in the future.

Debra L.
1 week ago

I really appreciate IVAN appliances coming out especially after 2 other pros canceled on me and the store I bought the Stove from sent inexperienced delivery people who could not tell me what I needed to install the stove. Great job and very punctual!

Steve C.
1 week ago

I was extremely pleased with Ivan:He arrived on time and was very polite and professional. Evaluated what the issues were with my dishwasher discussed it with me.Fixed and tested the functionality of the work!The price was very reasonable!I would definitely call Ivan for future work.

Rose M.
Oct 25, 2023

Very responsive. Did everything he could to fix my 20 year old stove. Unfortunately manufacturer no longer sold parts. Very nice and friendly. Price was very fair.

Norma T.
Oct 21, 2023

It was easy to work with Ivan and repairs happened as promised.

Anibal S.
Oct 21, 2023

Although there was a bit of a language barrier he still communicated with me throughout the process and was very professional

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