Fridge Compressor Is Hot

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Fridge Compressor Is Hot

Description and Troubleshooting of Problems

Restriction system

The compressor circulates refrigerant through the refrigerator system, thereby cooling it. When the coil or tube in the system becomes partially or fully clogged, the refrigerant cannot circulate properly. This forces the compressor to work much harder to reach the set temperature. This is a common problem in refrigerators using R134 refrigerant, such as brands like Whirlpool, Samsung, Kenmore, Sub-Zero, Viking, Frigidaire, Electrolux, KitchenAid, Thermador, LG, GE, Bosch, and Maytag. Another cause of restriction in the system, particularly in refrigerators with dual coils, is often the 3-way valve, which is responsible for directing the refrigerant to either the refrigerator or freezer. It frequently gets clogged or fails, causing the compressor to run continuously and overheat. In most cases, this issue can be resolved by cleaning and flushing the system. To do this, the technician evacuates all the refrigerant from the system, cleans it, and refills it with new refrigerant. When the 3-way valve is not working, the same process must be done, plus replacing the 3-way valve. On average, this work takes 2 hours and the refrigerator operates like new.

Restriction system
Restriction system

Low refrigerant in the system

The system through which the refrigerant circulates is sealed, and if a leak occurs, it can be a very tiny crack or hole through which the refrigerant escapes. This hole can be so small that the refrigerant may leak out over months before the refrigerator starts to lack it. When the refrigerator is low on refrigerant, the compressor runs non-stop because it needs to cool to the temperature you set, causing the compressor to overheat. Our technicians use a special, time-tested gas (stop leak) in such cases. After cleaning and flushing the system, this gas is injected into the system. It can circulate in the system for more than 10 years, finding and sealing the leak.

Low refrigerant in the system
Low refrigerant in the system

The condenser fan motor is not working

The condenser fan motor is responsible for cooling the hot refrigerant and also for cooling the compressor. When the condenser fan motor fails, the compressor often becomes very hot, and the temperature in the refrigerator starts to drop. This issue affects refrigerators of all brands. To solve this problem, the condenser fan motor needs to be replaced. Sometimes the condenser fan motor doesn’t work because it isn’t receiving power; in this case, the entire power supply chain needs to be checked.

The condenser fan motor is not working
The condenser fan motor is not working

The refrigerator or freezer doors are not sealing properly

When warm air enters the refrigerator or freezer through a poorly closed door or a damaged door gasket, condensation forms due to the interaction of warm and cold air. This can cause various issues in the refrigerator, such as a frozen coil, a frozen fan motor that stops working, and frozen air ducts. With this problem, you may notice ice, frost, or a snow-like appearance on the back wall inside the refrigerator or freezer. As a result, the compressor cannot cool to the desired temperature, causing it to run continuously and overheat. If the door gasket is damaged, it should be replaced immediately, as this can eventually lead to more faulty parts. Be sure to defrost the refrigerator and freezer and check if other components, such as the defrost thermostat, temperature sensor, and fan motor, are working properly.

The refrigerator or freezer doors are not sealing properly
The refrigerator or freezer doors are not sealing properly

The compressor is not working

Diagnosing compressor issues can be done using gauges. When connected to the compressor, a technician can determine whether the compressor is working properly. Seeing a hot compressor running does not necessarily mean it is functioning correctly. Often, compressors fail in such a way that they appear to be running, but when checked with gauges, the pressure shows that it is not pumping or creating the necessary pressure for the refrigerator to operate normally. If the compressor is found to be faulty, it needs to be replaced. The compressor replacement process takes about 2-3 hours. Along with the compressor, the filter dryer also needs to be replaced, as they should be changed together. To replace the compressor, the system must be depressurized, the old compressor and filter dryer must be removed, the system cleaned, the new compressor installed, and the system recharged with refrigerant. In refrigerators from brands like LG and Kenmore, the control board must be reprogrammed with a new firmware recommended by the manufacturer to ensure the proper operation of the compressor and the refrigerator as a whole. Many refrigerator brands offer a 10-year warranty on their compressors. If you have a warranty, we can assist you in obtaining a new compressor under warranty and replacing it.

The compressor is not working
The compressor is not working

Repair Cost

Cleaning and flushing the system$380 — $580
Injecting stop leak gas into the system$380 — $580
Replacing the condenser fan motor$245 — $380
Replacing the door gasket$220 — $325
Replacing the compressor and filter dryer$550 — $950

Repair costs can differ based on the refrigerator’s brand and model, as well as the extent of the issue.

Contact Us For Any Refrigerator Repair Service

We’re ready to handle any refrigerator issues, whether it’s not cooling your food or malfunctioning. Prefer not to make a phone call? No problem! Just fill out the short form below to reach us. Schedule your refrigerator repair with our technician today!

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    Teodor Appliance Repair delivers exceptional appliance repair services across Florida. Renowned for our dependability and dedication to excellence, we handle a broad spectrum of appliance maintenance. Our technicians are adept at diagnosing and fixing problems with refrigerators, dishwashers, washing machines, dryers, ovens, and more. For convenient location access, check us out on Google Maps using these links: