The accumulation of ice within the refrigerator coils can cause the appliance to overwork and it's harder for the unit to maintain consistent temperatures. Overworked systems are more likely to fail and a professional technician will be needed to make the necessary repairs.
If you are talking a fridge compressor, they cannot be overloaded. What they can be is overheated and automatically shut off(EG if you leave the door open). Modern appliances will not be impacted long term by being overheated. What kills compressors mostly is bad power.
The Dangers of Fridge Overfilling
Having too much food in your fridge doesn't just cause it to work harder, but it could also lead to blocked vents, which can damage your fridge.
If your refrigerator isn't cooling, it may be because food items are blocking the vents of the fridge and/or freezer compartments. Overstuffing your fridge with food can cause items to block the vents and prevent the cool air from circulating properly.
Overloading your fridge or freezer prevents air from circulating to keep your food cold. This makes the compressor work harder which can lead to failures.
How Full Should Your Refrigerator Be? When storing food items in your fridge, apply the ¾ rule. This rule means that you can fill your ¾ of the appliance with supplies without the risk of blocking its air vents.
Another common cause of compressor failure is a build-up of dirt and dust. This can happen if the fridge isn't cleaned regularly or if there's a lot of dust in the air. Over time, the dirt and dust can clog up the compressor, causing it to overheat and break down.
The first thing you should do is check if the power supply to your refrigerator is working properly. Make sure that none of the plugs or wiring are loose or damaged, and check that the power outlet is still functional. If everything looks fine on that front, then it could be a problem with the refrigerator itself.
Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.
Overfilling the freezer can block air vents, restrict the flow of cold air, and overtax your refrigerator's condenser, which could lead to a burn out.
The three most common reasons for failures that we see as a result of wear & tear are a mechanically locked compressor, failure of the fan motor, and dirty condenser coils. The refrigerator's compressor is the heart of the cooling system; without a working compressor the refrigerator cannot function.
Keep it stocked
A full fridge is a happy fridge because the thermal mass of its contents helps maintain the temperature (or in other words, the cold stuff helps keep it cold). In a full fridge, the compressor won't need to cycle on and off as much, which will extend the life of the compressor and reduce running costs.
Impact on the refrigerator: Leaving the refrigerator door open also impacts the lifespan of the refrigerator too. Since the compressor has to work harder to maintain the temperature inside the fridge, it puts extra load and pressure. This leads to increased wear and tear on the compressor.
Keeping the refrigerator and freezer full can also help regulate the temperature inside. If they aren't full, try putting bags of ice in the freezer, or pitchers of cold water in the fridge.
Your fridge should run from around 35% of the day to around 85% of the day. A refrigerator that gets opened more frequently has to operate more often to lower the temperature of warmer items, so this amount varies. However, no fridge should run all the time. Try following these steps to diagnose the problem.
You should leave your fridge/fridge freezer to settle for at least 4 hours. Once 4 hours have passed, you can plug your appliance in. When doing so, make sure that the thermostat control is set to on. Before placing food into the appliance, allow your fridge some time to cool down to temperatures safe for food storage.
Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systems—including the compressor—time to reset. Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Leave the unit unplugged for five to ten minutes.
But if your refrigerator seems to be “running” all the time, then the appliance is working too hard. While having a refrigerator that works overtime might give the impression the appliance is especially robust, it's actually an indication that something could be wrong with your refrigerator parts.
A hum or a slight buzz is typical, but if your refrigerator starts making strange or loud noises, the compressor might be struggling. Professional Repair Required: Compressors have numerous components, and diagnosing the source of the noise can be complicated.
Your refrigerator starts making strange noises. A gentle hum is normal as the fan motors inside your refrigerator do their job. Unusual sounds like grinding, scraping, knocking, or rattling are signs of bigger issues. You should also check your ice maker if you hear strange noises coming from your fridge.
According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.
Some of the most common problems with refrigerators include leaking, being too warm, or having a broken water dispenser, which can typically be fixed by checking the condenser and evaporator fans, the door seal, or calling an appliance professional.
However, refrigerator compressors last eight to 10 years, so consider springing for the extra money to replace them as they approach the end of their life span. Otherwise, another issue is more likely to pop up just a few months later, especially if you notice other signs that your fridge is dying.
If your fridge is not cooling but the light is on, your freezer may have an icy build-up. Unplugging your refrigerator may be a good troubleshooting move. The ice may be blocking a vent in the freezer that's preventing your refrigerator portion from properly cooling.