5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Refrigerator Door Gaskets

Your refrigerator or walk-in cooler might be running, but that doesn’t mean it’s running right. One of the most common causes of energy loss and food temp issues? Worn-out door gaskets.

If your gaskets are damaged, loose, or no longer sealing properly, they’re costing you money—and putting your food at risk. Here are five signs it’s time to call Gaskets Rock of Arizona for a replacement.

1. You See Cracks, Rips, or Torn Corners

Visual damage is the most obvious sign your gasket is done. If it’s cracked, peeling, or torn—especially at the corners—it’s no longer creating a tight seal.

Even a small tear is enough to let cold air leak out and warm air seep in.

2. Your Equipment Is Working Overtime

If your cooler seems to be running constantly or you hear the compressor kick on more often than usual, a leaking gasket may be the reason.
When the seal is compromised, the unit has to work harder to maintain temperature—which means higher energy bills and faster equipment wear.

3. The Door Doesn’t “Stick” When Closed

When a gasket is doing its job, you’ll feel a subtle suction as the door seals shut.
If it closes too easily or feels loose, air is probably escaping—and that’s a problem. You may also notice condensation or frost building up inside the unit.

4. Your Kitchen Failed (or Almost Failed) an Inspection

Health inspectors are trained to spot damaged or moldy gaskets. If you’ve received a warning or failed an inspection due to gasket issues, it’s time to fix it fast.

Replacing a gasket is a lot cheaper than replacing spoiled product—or dealing with a shutdown.

5. Mold or Grease Buildup Won’t Come Off

Even if a gasket looks okay from a distance, persistent mold, grease, or grime can cause it to lose flexibility—and that’s when the sealing power starts to fail.
If you’ve cleaned it a dozen times and it still looks sketchy, replacement is probably the smarter move.

5.5 Bonus: You’re Not Sure What You’re Looking At

That’s okay—we are.
At Gaskets Rock of Arizona, we identify the exact gasket profile you need, manufacture it to size, and install it on-site. No guesswork, no wasted time, and no overpriced parts.

The Bottom Line

Gaskets don’t last forever. But when they start to fail, they’ll quietly cost you hundreds in energy, repairs, and risk.

If you’ve noticed any of the signs above—or just want peace of mind—we’ll come take a look and let you know what’s really going on.