Do the fridge and freezer run on the same compressor?

Author: Hailie Kautzer  |  Last update: Saturday, November 29, 2025

When you have just one compressor the air from the refrigerated section and the freezer section all run through the same compressor, which can cause odors to be shared by both spaces.

Can a fridge stop working but the freezer still works?

If your refrigerator won't get cold but the freezer will, you may have a defrost system failure. The defrost system is responsible for melting frost and ice buildup on the evaporator coils. If the freezer is cold but refrigerator is not, it could be because the defrost system has failed.

Does a refrigerator compressor affect the freezer?

Dirty coils can impair refrigerant cooling, affecting freezer performance, clean them to enhance cooling efficiency. If the compressor fails, the freezer won't freeze; listen for the compressor hum, if absent, consult a refrigeration technician for repair.

Can you run a refrigerator and a freezer on the same circuit?

You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit. This will avoid an electrical overload due to your current wiring not being capable of handling the additional power.

Do fridges and freezers work the same?

A fridge is an appliance that is designed to keep your food cold and fresh. The cool temperatures protect your food against bacteria activity, which spoils your food. On the other hand, a freezer is designed to freeze your food, and keep it frozen. This keeps your food from becoming spoiled for a much longer time.

How Many Solar Panels To Run a Fridge/Freezer?

Do fridge and freezer use the same compressor?

When you have just one compressor the air from the refrigerated section and the freezer section all run through the same compressor, which can cause odors to be shared by both spaces. It also takes a lot of energy to control the different temperature and humidity needs of each section through one compressor.

Does the freezer control the fridge?

Cold air is circulated from the freezer to the fresh food compartment via a damper. The freezer control regulates the damper between the two compartments by controlling the amount of cold air that flows into the fresh food compartment.

Does a fridge freezer need its own circuit?

Does a Refrigerator Need Its Own Circuit? Yes. In most situations a refrigerator will need its own circuit.

What appliances can be plugged into the same circuit at the same time?

In Living Rooms and Bedrooms

Most lamps, fans, and other low-demand items can be operated on a general-use circuit. Typically, flat-screen televisions, desktop computers and other electronics can be safely operated on a normal circuit, but you should always have them plugged into surge-protected outlets.

Does a separate fridge and freezer use more electricity?

Typically, no. Although there are exceptions, in most instances it's cheaper to run a combined fridge freezer than it is to run two separate appliances. Again, there's only one way to be sure: consult the annual kWh figures of your chosen fridge and freezer and add them together.

How to tell if a freezer compressor is bad?

These gases can pose a safety hazard and cause explosions, and certain refrigerators may even require welding during compressor replacement.
  1. Your Refrigerator Is Always Running. ...
  2. The Fridge Isn't Cool Enough. ...
  3. You Hear Unusual Noises. ...
  4. The Compressor Is Hot to the Touch. ...
  5. Your Circuit Breaker Keeps Tripping.

How do I reset my freezer compressor?

Here's how to do it:
  1. Unplug your refrigerator. Disconnect your fridge from its power source by removing the power cord from the wall outlet. ...
  2. Turn off the refrigerator and freezer from the control panel. ...
  3. Reset your freezer and fridge temperature settings. ...
  4. Wait for the refrigerator temperature to stabilize.

Is it worth replacing compressor on fridge freezer?

Your compressor will usually last 8-10 years. If you start having issues with your compressor before this time frame, it might be worth looking into options for repair, but if it's hitting the average lifespan, it might be more worth it to replace entirely.

Why is my freezer freezing but my refrigerator is warm?

This can be caused by storing too many items in either compartment. Blocking the air vents prevents the proper flow of cold air between the freezer and fresh food sections. To fix it: We recommend keeping your refrigerator about 3/4 full for the best results. Check to see if there's anything blocking the air vents.

Why would fridge and freezer suddenly stop working?

There are several causes for a refrigerator that doesn't cool, including dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation, improper installation, faulty or dirty gasket seals, unorganized food storage, appliance location and malfunctioning internal parts.

What is the first thing to check when a refrigerator stops cooling?

Clear blocked air vents: Inspect the air vents inside the fridge and freezer compartments to ensure they are not obstructed by food or containers. Proper air circulation is vital for even cooling. Check the door seals: Inspect the rubber gaskets (door seals) around the refrigerator and freezer doors for damage.

Can you put a freezer and refrigerator on the same circuit?

With most domestic circuits running between 15 and 20 amps, it's okay to use two refrigerators on the same dedicated circuit. However, you should take care with timing. You don't want to start both the refrigerator and freezer at the same time.

Is it safe to plug more than one appliance into the same outlet as long as you use extension cords?

You must be careful not to draw too much power from the outlet. Do not plug in multiple high powered things like hair dryer, kettle, heater, air conditioner, etc. Into the outlet or you will overload it. Overloading it could potentially cause a fire.

Can I plug a refrigerator into any outlet?

While many refrigerators can operate on regular outlets, there are instances where a special outlet might be recommended. Larger or more advanced refrigerators (such as commercial units, or those with additional features like ice makers or water dispensers) might have higher power requirements.

Can a freezer work but not the fridge?

Every refrigerator contains a set of coils called an evaporator, which makes the inside of the fridge cold. A small fan and motor are mounted near the evaporator, helping draw air over the coils and circulate it to the fridge and freezer. If this fan fails, you'll likely be stuck with a warm refrigerator.

What size breaker for fridge and freezer?

You should have refrigerators and freezers installed on a 15-20 amp dedicated 120 volt circuit. This will help you avoid an electrical overload due to your current wiring not being capable of handling the additional power.

Do fridge freezers have fuses?

The thing is that today modern fridges don't have a built electrical fuse. However, they do have thermal fuses to protect the appliance from overheating. It is a safety device which needs to be maintained in the best possible condition so that your fridge doesn't stop cooling.

Does the dial in the fridge control the freezer?

How to Set the Temperature. Locate the dial which is situated at the top, or in the middle of the fridge or freezer section. Note: This dial controls both the fridge and freezer temperatures. Turn the dial to the 2 or 3 setting for everyday refrigeration use.

How does a refrigerator and freezer work together?

Refrigeration. Food is cooled in the fridge and kept frozen in the freezer as heat is removed from inside each compartment. The liquid is changed to a gas and then back to a liquid and back to a gas before it completes its journey and becomes a liquid again, cycling through to repeat the process over and over.

Do fridge and freezer have separate thermostats?

Yes, they do have independent temperature controls. You can adjust the freezer to be colder than the refrigerator side without affecting it.

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