The compressor of the refrigerator is the most essential element of the appliance so it is also called the heart of the refrigerator. The compressor is used to control and compress the refrigerant to the whole system for the cooling purpose in the refrigerator. If the compressor of your refrigerator is not working well, you will have to buy a new compressor or if the condition goes worst then you will have to buy a new refrigerator.
So, how can you tell if the compressor of your refrigerator is not doing well?
Here are some signs in detail which indicate the compressor of the refrigerator is bad.
Abnormal noise of the compressor
Usually, a new or good compressor doesn’t make any kind of loud noise. You should know the normal sound of the compressor and if you notice any kind of abnormal or unusual noise then it’s a big red flag. Firstly, you should identify the source of abnormal noise. If the compressor is the source of noise, it means the compressor of the refrigerator is doing badly, and It’s time to repair the compressor of your refrigerator or buy a new refrigerator.
A bad compressor makes a loud humming noise or a banging sound when it turns off. The humming noise means the compressor motor is not working properly and is going to fail while the banging sound means the motor built in the compressor is not properly mounted and which causes the motor to hit the walls of the compressor and make a banging sound.
When you notice any of the above-mentioned noises in the compressor of your refrigerator, you should repair the compressor by consulting a professional or replace the compressor which is costly or go for a new refrigerator.
Defect in the Start Relay of the compressor
Another sign of the compressor failing is defected start relay of the compressor. In the normal compressor, the start relay is the power supplying source to the compressor and if the start relay is defective, the compressor may or may not work due to lack of power. If you notice the compressor is turned on and looks like working properly but there is no cooling in the refrigerator it means the start relay of the compressor is to be replaced.
There is another way to check whether the issue is in the start relay of the compressor or in the compressor itself. To check this thing, you have to turn off the refrigerator and remove the start relay of the compressor, shake it, and listen carefully, if you hear any kind of rattling then, it is confirmed that the problem is in the start relay of compressor. To fix the issue of the start relay, you have to turn off the refrigerator and remove the rear access panel, locate it, and remove it by hand. Just replace it with the new one and your problem will be solved. The compressor will start working properly.
High-temperature Compressor
Usually, the temperature of the compressor remains below 148.89 °C. The temperature of the compressor lies on the age, design, and type of the compressor of the refrigerator. If the temperature goes above 148.89°C, then it is not a normal situation and it can cause to damage the compressor of the refrigerator.
The main cause of high temperature is the amount of refrigerant. Extra or less amount of refrigerant can overheat the compressor and can damage it. Only a professional can fix this problem so it Is better to contact a professional to adjust the amount of refrigerant.
Maximum usage of Electricity
One of the most important signs of a bad compressor is the high usage of electricity which in turn causes to increase in electricity bills. A normal compressor uses less electricity while a bad compressor uses maximum electricity to keep cooling in the refrigerator. Due to this, you can notice a particular increase in your electricity bills.
If you notice any of the above-mentioned signs then it’s time to check and repair or replace the failed compressor of your refrigerator.
Main reasons for the Compressor failure
There are some reasons which lead to the failure of the compressor of a refrigerator which is given below
High voltage Electrical surge
The most damaging thing for electrical appliances is the high voltage electrical surge due to which a high amount of electricity surges through the whole refrigerator which causes the compressor to overheat. Simply a high voltage electrical surge’ fries’ the parts of the refrigerator due to overheating including the compressor and its relay.
Complications of refrigerant level in the compressor
The name of the compressor shows its work is to compress and it compresses the refrigerant to produce cooling in the refrigerator. But some problems occur with the refrigerant which further causes to produce problems in the compressor.
Refrigerant gets polluted when there is any kind of dampness in the refrigerant system. Leakage of refrigerant can also occur. High or low levels of refrigerant can also cause problems in the proper working of the compressor. Due to the high amount of refrigerant, refrigerant gets back to the compressor in liquid form which in turn results in the compressor failure.
General Wear And Tear of The Compressor
As all the machinery have to suffer from natural wear and tear but most compressors can work for years without any kind of problem. If the refrigerator is old enough then there are chances that the compressor of the refrigerator fail due to wear and tear but if it is new and compressor failure occurs then it’s not the wear and tear problem. Compressor replacement is costly so if the refrigerator is old then, instead of compressor replacement one should go for a new refrigerator.
Uncleaned Condenser Coils
Uncleaned condenser coils can cause compressor failure. Condenser coils are responsible for producing cold air for the cooling of the refrigerator. The location of the condenser coils as well as the lack of proper cleaning of the coils are the main reasons that lead to the premature wear and tear of these coils.
Due to this reason, the compressor has to struggle more to produce cooling in the refrigerator, and by that time, compressor failure occurs. So, proper cleaning of the coils is necessary.
WARNING
Replacement and repair of compressors should be done only by professionals who can handle refrigerants because refrigerant gas is harmful and can cause a blast.