If you’ve wondered whether a refrigerator compressor can overheat, you are in the right place.
In this article you’ll learn:
- Can a refrigerator compressor overheat?
- Is it normal for a refrigerator compressor to be hot?
- How do you know if your refrigerator compressor is bad?
- What can cause a refrigerator to overheat?
The compressor is one of the most important components in a refrigerator’s ecosystem. If there is anything out of the ordinary, it is best to employ the services of a professional. This can help to prevent any damage whether to the
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Can A Refrigerator Compressor Overheat?
To begin, your refrigerator’s compressor is the main cooling component – if the compressor doesn’t work, your
The majority of the time, it is not the compressor itself that fails. It’s actually the other refrigerator parts that function to start the compressor.
Some important components are the circuit breaker, capacitor, door seal, and the condenser coils and fan. If these parts fail, the refrigerator compressor often shifts into overdrive and overheats trying to function normally.
A refrigerator’s cooling effect is uses a system of coils to evaporate refrigerant. This will creates an endothermic process that draws heat from the environment to cool what’s inside the
During this process, refrigerant presses into liquid form so that it can evaporate during its passage through the refrigerator coils.
The refrigerator compressor does the job of creating and maintaining this pressure, and it needs lubricant to prevent overheating during this process.
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Is It Normal For A Refrigerator Compressor To Be Hot?
While it is normal for a refrigerator to be warm on the outside beneath and behind the
If the refrigerator compressor becomes too hot, the thermostat that regulates overload will automatically turn it off to prevent damage to the appliance.
The most common cause of refrigeration compressor breakdown is overheating. In general, overheating changes the chemical properties of the refrigerant and refrigeration oils, leading to loss of lubrication and chemical decomposition.
The loss of lubrication can cause failure in the refrigerator’s mechanisms, while chemical deposits from decomposition will plug up piping and valves, causing more damage to the refrigerator’s system.
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How Do You Know If Your Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad?
If your refrigerator isn’t cooling as it should, that is a sure sign it is malfunctioning. Another problem sign is when you can hear your
In some cases, the refrigerator may work fine despite any strange sounds. Regardless, it is important to take it seriously when there is anything out of the ordinary.
In the worst-case scenario, an overheating and buzzing
The
What Can Cause A Refrigerator To Overheat?
Condenser coils or fan issues
One of the primary reasons refrigerators overheat are the condenser coils or condenser fan having a build up of dirt. This makes it difficult for the condenser to diffuse heat well.
In most homes, condenser coils collect dust bunnies, dirt, grime, and fur. Condenser coils are best cleaned with a special long-handled brush or vacuum attachment for tight spaces. If the condenser coil or fan is not working, that can also cause problems.
Poor ventilation
If your refrigerator and its compressor are overheating, there is a strong likelihood that the cause is poor ventilation.
Ideally, a
Best case is to remove all items from the outside of the
Temperature setting issues
Another possible reason for overheating in refrigerators is when the temperature setting is set too cold or too hot. The optimal temperature for a refrigerator is 37°F or 3°C for best food safety. Lower temperatures mean your
Door seal issues
If the door seal has failed, your
The door seal can be checked by closing the
Refrigerant is running out
There could also be a lack of refrigerant in the
Automatic defrost system failure
Most modern refrigerators have an automatic defrost system that works to prevent frost buildup in the
Electrical issues
If your home’s electrical system is not in good condition, this can lead to power surges and voltage spikes. In turn, those can shorten the life of your appliances.
Increased voltage above what your
As with all appliance repair and replacement options, consider first the age of your refrigerator before shelling out for a compressor replacement.
If it is more than 10 years old, replacing the entire
However, if the
Conclusion
Your best bet with a malfunctioning
Troubleshooting on your own is an excellent place to start, but if you have exhausted all options, professional help is great.
If your refrigerator compressor has gone bad, a replacement is often quite costly, and it may be worth considering getting a new refrigerator.
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