The refrigerator door gasket is the magnetic rubber seal that runs around the perimeter of the refrigerator and freezer doors. When it seals properly, it holds cold air inside. When it fails — through tears, compression, or hardening — warm air leaks in constantly, forcing the compressor to run continuously to compensate.
A simple test: close the door on a piece of paper and try to slide it out. If the paper slides easily at any point around the door frame, the gasket isn't sealing. In coastal San Diego, the combination of salt air and humidity accelerates rubber degradation; gaskets in beachside homes may need replacement after 5–7 years instead of the standard 10.
Gasket replacement requires removing the old seal from its retaining channel and seating the new seal. On most refrigerators, this is a same-visit repair. Our technician tests the seal around the full perimeter before leaving.