Appliance Spare Parts: 5 Signs Your Fridge's Compressor Needs Replacing

Replacing your refrigerator compressor is more sensible than repairing it if the cost is equal. Moreover, if the compressor is old and has gotten to the end of its useful life, it is a waste of time and money to try fixing it with repairs. Here are the top signs you need a new refrigerator compressor.

1. Fridge Doesn't Produce the Usual Soft Humming Sound 

You are probably aware of a faint sound produced when you switch on your fridge. The compressor is responsible for the sound. The disappearance of this sound often indicates that the compressor is broken or not working normally. If the problem doesn't resolve with repair attempts, it might be time to replace the component. Furthermore, if the fridge is not cooling its contents but still producing the sound, the compressor could be at fault. 

2. Too Much Frost in the Fridge

A faulty compressor may also lead to the production of too much frost. That's because it does not effectively process the refrigerant. Frost occurs when there is not enough refrigerant, causing problems in temperature control. As a result, it inhibits the effectiveness of the compressor. 

3. Electricity Bills Going Up

The compressor creates cold air or fluid around the refrigerator, which then cools food. Thus, compressor problems will lead to high energy bills as it strains to cool the fridge contents effectively. This issue often emerges when the unit becomes old, it is mechanically damaged, or the heat exchanger coils are blocked. Bear in mind that the compressor can only work with good efficiency for 10 years or so.

4. Food Doesn't Get Cold As It Should 

An effective compressor achieves cooling by compressing gas or fluid to release heat to the air coming in from outside. If the refrigerator is unable to cool, the compressor might be faulty. It may be the result of wear and tear on the compressor due to overheating. This occurs when acidic compounds form at the refrigerant. To know if the problem is in the compressor, you'll notice that the fridge is cold, but the food isn't getting cold.

5. Overheating of the Compressor 

An overheating compressor initiates a fail-safe mechanism that completely turns off the compressor. However, since the user has not turned off the refrigerator, the compressor will restart as soon as possible, and this process will continue. The start and stop process not only leads to high power bills but also overheats the refrigerator.

A dying fridge compressor will show these signs. If repairs don't seem to get things better, consider a replacement. Contact an appliance spare parts provider for spare components.