Warning Signs of a Failing Refrigerator Compressor
Strange noises from the refrigerator that were not there before? Food going bad in short order? A bit of warm air where you would expect to find cold? Homeowners are wont to lose some sleep over such things, and for good reason; they are indicative of trouble with the compressor, arguably the most vital part of the appliance.
We at Appliance Super Techs are a family run Arizona business that has been in the service of families in Phoenix Metro and the East Valley since 2004. Our technicians have a thorough knowledge of refrigerators. Should you have any doubts as to what is wrong, give us a call at (480) 462-7668.
Consider the compressor the heart of the machine. Its job is to pump the refrigerant and maintain the cold. Once it gives way, the rest of the appliance will not be far behind. Since replacing a compressor is no small expense, being on the lookout for early warning signs is a way to spare yourself some stress and keep costs down.
What the Compressor Is For
To appreciate the warning signs one must first know what the compressor does. It takes refrigerant gas and compresses it, sending it through the coils to draw the heat from the interior and put your food at ease. Put a strain on the compressor or let it break down and you will see it in the way the fridge operates, feels and sounds.
Telling Signs Your Compressor Is on the Way Out
Most of the time a compressor in distress will offer up some clues before it is done for. Look for any of the following:
- Loud buzzing, humming, knocking or clicking at the back of the unit
- The fridge will not seem to cycle off and runs non stop
- A freezer that can not hold ice or food that is quick to spoil
- Properly set but the inside is warm
- The rear of the appliance is very hot when you put a hand to it
- Short, rapid on and off cycles of the compressor
- An electric bill that has gone up for no apparent cause
You might have a minor matter with one of these in isolation, but if you have more than one then the compressor is likely to blame.
The Significance of the Noise
There is nothing amiss with the low hum of a running compressor. But should that become a clicking or knocking sound, it is often because the start relay is on the fritz or the compressor is straining. We have had owners put up with the noise until the cooling ceases altogether and the contents of the fridge are in jeopardy.
Then there is the pattern of the compressor clicking on only to shut right back off. Do not dismiss that, it is usually a sign the unit is unable to sustain itself after an attempt to start.
A Simple Test of Temperature
At home you can do this: put the refrigerator on its usual setting and wait a couple of hours. See if the interior is cold and the freezer solid. If the temperatures are not what they ought to be and you have put aside a dirty coil or faulty door seal as the cause, the compressor could be the answer.
Repair or Replace?
Homeowners are faced with that decision and it comes down to the age of the unit and how well the rest of it is holding up. A repair makes sense for a newer model. Not so much for an older one rife with problems.
We prefer you not to guess. Let a factory-trained technician have a look. You will not find us churning through staff like the big franchise or corporate operations; our team has been with us for years. So the one making the diagnosis has day in and day out experience with the kind of appliances we come across in Queen Creek, Mesa, Chandler, Gilbert, Tempe, Scottsdale, San Tan Valley and the vicinity.
Do Not Wait on It
A compressor is not going to mend itself and delay will only make matters worse. If the warning signs are there, do not put your appliance or your food in the line of fire. Contact Appliance Super Techs at (480) 462-7668 for an assessment by our authorized, factory-trained men. We are here Monday to Friday 8:00am to 5:00pm and can accommodate Next Day Service. Call today for some straight talk from the family-owned Arizona team that has been looking after your neighbors for the better part of two decades.