A bad refrigerator compressor sounds like a loud buzzing, humming, knocking, or clattering noise that occurs when the compressor is running. This noise is caused by a faulty seal, relay, or motor in the compressor, which can lead to refrigerant leakage, overheating, or failure.
What is a Refrigerator Compressor and How Does It Work?
A refrigerator compressor is the heart of your fridge. It’s a pump that compresses and circulates refrigerant gas through the cooling system. The refrigerant gas absorbs heat from the inside of the fridge and releases it outside through the condenser coils. This process lowers the temperature inside the fridge and keeps your food cold.
The compressor is controlled by a thermostat that senses the temperature inside the fridge and turns the compressor on or off as needed. The compressor also has an overload protector that shuts it off if it gets too hot or draws too much current.
The compressor is usually located at the back or bottom of the fridge, behind a metal panel. It’s normal for the compressor to make some noise when it’s running, such as a low hum or buzz. However, if the noise becomes louder, more frequent, or more unusual, it could indicate a problem with the compressor or other parts of the fridge.
What Causes a Refrigerator Compressor to Make Noise?
There are several possible causes for a noisy refrigerator compressor. Some of them are:
- Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils are located at the back or bottom of the fridge, and they release heat from the refrigerant gas to the outside air. If they get dirty or dusty, they can reduce the efficiency of the cooling system and make the compressor work harder and louder. To fix this, you can clean the coils with a vacuum cleaner or a brush every few months.
- Melting ice: If your fridge has an ice maker or dispenser, it may make some noise when it fills up with water or dumps ice into the bin. This is normal and harmless. However, if you hear dripping or gurgling sounds from inside the fridge, it could mean that there is ice buildup on the evaporator coils or drain pan. This can block the airflow and make the compressor run longer and louder. To fix this, you can defrost your fridge manually or check if it has an automatic defrost feature.
- Oil or water discharge: Sometimes, oil or water may leak out of the compressor due to a damaged seal or valve. This can cause a hissing or sizzling sound when the oil or water comes in contact with hot parts of the compressor. This can also damage the compressor and other components of the fridge. To fix this, you need to call a professional to replace the seal or valve.
- Ice maker: If your fridge has an ice maker, it may make some noise when it fills up with water or dumps ice into the bin. This is normal and harmless. However, if you hear knocking or clattering sounds from inside the freezer, it could mean that there is something wrong with the ice maker mechanism. This can interfere with the cooling system and make the compressor run louder. To fix this, you can check if there is anything blocking or jamming the ice maker, or turn it off if you don’t use it often.
- Bad relay switch: The relay switch is a small device that connects power to the compressor when it needs to run. If the relay switch is faulty, it may not send enough power to the compressor, or send power when it’s not needed. This can cause a clicking sound when the relay switch tries to turn on or off the compressor. This can also damage the compressor and other parts of the fridge. To fix this, you need to replace the relay switch with a new one.
- Disconnected wires: Sometimes, wires may come loose from their terminals due to vibration or wear and tear. This can cause a buzzing sound when electricity flows through them. This can also create sparks and fire hazards. To fix this, you need to reconnect the wires securely to their terminals.
- Refrigerator too close to wall: If your fridge is too close to wall behind it ,it may not have enough space for air circulation around it .This can cause heat buildup around the compressor and make it run hotter and louder. To fix this, you need to move your fridge away from the wall by at least a few inches.
How to Troubleshoot a Noisy or Hot Refrigerator Compressor
If you hear a loud or unusual noise from your refrigerator compressor, you should try to identify the cause and fix it as soon as possible. Here are some steps you can take to troubleshoot and fix a noisy or hot refrigerator compressor:
- Unplug your fridge and pull it away from the wall.
- Remove the metal panel that covers the compressor and other parts at the back or bottom of the fridge.
- Listen carefully to the noise and try to locate where it’s coming from. You can use a stethoscope or a cardboard tube to amplify the sound.
- Check the condenser coils for dirt or dust and clean them if needed.
- Check the ice maker and dispenser for any blockages or malfunctions and fix them if needed.
- Check the relay switch for any signs of damage or corrosion and replace it if needed.
- Check the wires for any loose connections or frayed ends and reconnect them if needed.
- Check the compressor for any signs of oil or water leakage and call a professional if you see any.
- Plug your fridge back in and see if the noise persists or changes.
- If the noise is still there, or if your fridge is not cooling properly, you may have a bad compressor that needs to be replaced. This is a complex and expensive repair that requires specialized tools and skills. You should call a professional to do this for you.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about refrigerator compressor noise and heat:
Q: How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is bad?
A: Some signs that your refrigerator compressor is bad are:
- Your fridge is not cooling properly or at all.
- Your fridge is making loud or unusual noises when the compressor is running.
- Your fridge is using more energy than usual.
- Your fridge is tripping the circuit breaker or blowing fuses.
- Your fridge is leaking oil or water from the compressor.
Q: How long does a refrigerator compressor last?
A: A refrigerator compressor can last anywhere from 10 to 20 years, depending on the quality, usage, and maintenance of your fridge. However, some factors can shorten its lifespan, such as:
- Frequent power surges or outages
- Improper voltage or wiring
- Overloading or underloading your fridge
- Poor ventilation around your fridge
- Dirty condenser coils
- Faulty relay switch
- Damaged seal or valve
Q: How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator compressor?
A: The cost to replace a refrigerator compressor can vary depending on the brand, model, size, and type of your fridge. On average, it can cost anywhere from $300 to $600 for parts and labor. However, some factors can increase the cost, such as:
- The location and accessibility of your fridge
- The availability and warranty of the parts
- The complexity and duration of the repair
- The experience and reputation of the technician
Conclusion
A refrigerator compressor is an essential part of your fridge that keeps your food cold and fresh. However, it can also make noise and heat up when there’s something wrong with it. If you hear a loud or unusual noise from your refrigerator compressor, you should try to identify and fix the cause as soon as possible. You can use this blog post as a guide to troubleshoot and fix a noisy or hot refrigerator compressor, or call a professional for help.
We hope you found this blog post helpful and informative. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!
