Can a Refrigerator Compressor Be Repaired?

Refrigerator compressors are a big deal. According to Verified Market Research reports, the refrigerator compressor market is expected to grow to nearly $23 billion by 2026. That’s billion with a “B.” While there are different types of refrigerators for various industries, the fridge that is most everyone’s home accounts for much of this number.

No matter where the cooling unit is housed, it is the compressor that keeps it running.

Before troubleshooting a refrigerator to see if the compressor can be repaired, it’s essential to understand what it is, how it works, and why it would need to be fixed in the first place.

What Is A Refrigerator Compressor?

The refrigerator compressor is an electric pump next to a condenser. The compressor is filled with gases that help move hot air over to the condenser, where the air is cooled down.

That’s the simple version. It is much more complex, and without the compressor, the refrigerator cannot work correctly.

To avoid major repairs or a whole new replacement, it’s crucial you know how to identify potential problems with your compressor before it’s too late.

Identify Compressor Problems

There are multiple reasons why a refrigerant compressor stops functioning. There are just as many signals you can start looking for that will tell you if your compressor needs repair. Sure, when it stops working and your food spoils is one of them, but before that happens, there are warning signs.

Repairing a Compressor

You don’t always have to repair or replace a compressor if the issue is a part related to the compressor. For instance, the compressor needs a fan to work. If the fan breaks, you need to replace the fan, which can be less than $100.

Relay switches that allow the compressor to click on and off when it needs to regulate internal temperature may go bad, and the compressor can’t do its job. Replacing the relay switch costs less than $50 and fixes your problem.

However, if it is the actual compressor that has malfunctioned, you will need to replace it. And by “you,” I mean your local Phoenix area appliance repair tech who is licensed in Arizona and has years of experience working on refrigerator compressors.