Your fridge door seal (also called a gasket) is one of the hardest-working parts of your refrigerator. It creates the airtight barrier that keeps cold air in and warm air out. When it fails, your fridge has to work harder — costing you more in energy bills and potentially damaging your food. Here's how to know when it's time for a replacement.

1. Visible Cracking, Tearing or Mould on the Seal

The most obvious sign is physical damage you can see and feel. Run your fingers along the full length of the rubber seal. Any cracks, tears, stiffness, or black mould growing in the folds means the seal is compromised. A cracked or brittle seal can no longer form a proper vacuum, allowing warm air to infiltrate your fridge constantly.

2. The Paper Test — A Quick DIY Check

The simplest way to test your seal is the paper test. Take a sheet of A4 paper, place it between the door and the fridge, and close the door firmly. Try to pull the paper out. If it slides out easily — or with very little resistance — the seal is not gripping properly and needs to be replaced. A healthy seal should grip the paper tightly so that pulling it out requires noticeable effort.

3. Condensation or Ice Build-Up Around the Door

If you notice moisture, condensation, or frost forming around the edges of your fridge door — especially where the seal meets the cabinet — warm air is leaking in. This is a telltale sign the seal is failing. In freezer compartments, a failing seal can cause significant ice build-up that forces you to defrost the unit far more often than normal.

4. Your Fridge Is Running More Than Usual

A fridge with a failing door seal has to run its compressor more often to maintain temperature. You may notice the motor running almost constantly, or your electricity bill creeping up. Replacing a faulty door seal is often one of the most cost-effective appliance repairs you can make — a $50–$150 seal can save you far more on power over the year.

5. Food Spoiling Faster Than Expected

If your food seems to be going off sooner than it should, or your fridge struggles to stay at a consistent temperature, a compromised door seal could be the culprit. Temperature fluctuations caused by air leakage stress your compressor and create conditions where bacteria can thrive.

Getting a Replacement Seal in Australia

Summit Air & Refrigeration supplies replacement door seals for all popular Australian fridge brands including Fisher & Paykel, Westinghouse, Samsung, LG, Kelvinator, and Electrolux. We also manufacture custom-cut seals to your exact measurements for any fridge, freezer, coolroom, or commercial display unit. Based in the Hunter Valley, NSW, we ship Australia-wide.

Not sure which seal you need? Use our measuring guide to get accurate dimensions, or contact us with your fridge model number and we'll identify the correct seal for you.