When a refrigerator compressor fails, it stops circulating the refrigerant required to absorb and remove heat. Consequently, the appliance loses its ability to cool. The internal temperature will rise, causing food to spoil rapidly, and you will likely hear strange clicking or humming noises from the back of the unit.
The most common cause of refrigerator compressor failure is overheating. Overheating places extreme thermal stress on the motor and internal moving parts, ultimately leading to mechanical seizure or motor burnout.
Reset Power
Whether fixing a refrigerator compressor is worth it depends mostly on the age and cost of the fridge. Compressor replacement typically costs $500 to $1,200+ for parts and labor. If your appliance is over 8–10 years old or the repair exceeds 50% of the cost of a new fridge, you should generally replace the appliance instead.
Replacing a refrigerator compressor typically costs between $350 and $1,250, including both parts and labor. Parts generally run from $100 to $500, while the extensive labor—which requires EPA-certified handling of refrigerant—accounts for $250 to $850 depending on your location and the complexity of the repair.
The compressor, coils and control board are the most expensive repairs. Your fridge's brand, model and size, plus your location, will impact repair costs. If your refrigerator is more than 6 years old and it will cost you more than half its original price to repair it, consider replacing it instead.
A refrigerator compressor typically lasts 10 to 15 years. With diligent maintenance and ideal operating conditions, some can even reach 20 years. However, because the lifespan of the compressor often matches the lifespan of the fridge itself, many units are replaced entirely when the compressor fails.
Bottom-freezer refrigerators should be repaired within seven years and considered for replacement after that. Top-freezer refrigerators should be repaired within three years, considered for repair within three to six years, and replaced if older than seven years.
How to Tell if Your Refrigerator Compressor is Bad
Replacing and even repairing a refrigerator compressor should ALWAYS be performed by a qualified technician. Not only are you dealing with just simple electrical wiring, but potentially dangerous refrigerant as well, which needs to be handled with the proper equipment.
A common sign of compressor trouble is a repeated clicking noise as it tries and fails to start. You may also hear loud humming, buzzing, or knocking sounds. When the compressor isn't working properly, refrigerant may not circulate correctly, leading to frost or ice inside the refrigerator and freezer compartments.
No, there is generally no physical reset button on a standard refrigerator compressor. Instead, the compressor relies on a built-in "overload protector" designed to automatically cut power if it overheats or draws too much current, and will reset itself once the motor cools down.
A typical refrigerator compressor runs for about 20 to 45 minutes at a time, completing a cycle roughly once every hour. Overall, the compressor should be active for about 50% to 80% of the day, depending on usage, ambient temperature, and the specific model.
A refrigerator compressor usually fails due to overheating, poor maintenance, or electrical faults. The most common triggers include:
Check for any tripped breakers or blown fuses that might be cutting power to the refrigerator or freezer. This simple check can sometimes solve the problem without further intervention. Start Relay Issues: If the unit has power but the compressor isn't running, the problem might be a faulty start relay.
Thermoelectric devices are capable of converting electrical energy into thermal heat pumping at a very high efficiency. The cooling system is made up of one thermoelectric device, composed of a Peltier module (40 watt) with its hot side in contact with a heat sink and aluminum plate in contact with the cold side.
The very first thing to check when a refrigerator stops cooling is its power supply and thermostat. Ensure the power cord is securely plugged in, the outlet is active by testing it with another device, and the circuit breaker hasn't tripped. Then, verify that the internal temperature dials are set correctly.
Yes, a fridge compressor can be repaired, but whether you should depends on the exact issue. If the problem is just a failed electrical part (like the start relay or capacitor), it can be fixed easily and cheaply. If the compressor's mechanical motor has failed, it must be fully replaced.
A bad air conditioning compressor struggles to pressurize and circulate refrigerant. The most common symptoms include warm or lukewarm air from the vents, loud grinding or squealing noises when the AC is on, the compressor clutch failing to engage, and repeated tripping of your home's circuit breaker or car's AC fuse.
Compressor Replacement
As you might expect, the compressor is one of the most important parts of the refrigerator so it is one of the most expensive. While you can purchase the part yourself, it's not recommended that you try to replace it on your own.
Watch for warning signs like food spoiling prematurely, clicking or buzzing noises, continuous motor running, or excessive frost/condensation. Older units often cost more to repair than replace.
Discard refrigerated perishable food such as meat, poultry, fish, soft cheeses, milk, eggs, leftovers, and deli items after 4 hours without power or 2 hours after the temperature rises above 41 °F. At any time, discard spoiled, moldy food and anything that does not look or smell right.
The most common cause of compressor failure is overheating and poor lubrication, often triggered by a lack of preventative maintenance. When a system runs too hot or lacks proper oil, internal components wear down rapidly, leading to mechanical breakdown.
The Amish generally use propane (gas) refrigerators, solar-powered appliances, or traditional iceboxes stocked with harvested pond ice. Because their Ordnung (community rules) forbid direct connection to the public electrical grid, they rely on alternative energy and low-tech cooling solutions to keep food fresh.
If your fridge is making loud clicking noises, constantly running without cooling, or failing to turn on entirely, the compressor may be bad. You can confirm a failing compressor by checking the electrical pins with a multimeter or observing the motor's physical behavior.