What to Do if the Refrigerator Compressor is Hot?

Should Your Refrigerator Compressor Be Hot?

Surprisingly, the fault may not be with your compressor at all. Several potential causes may be forcing it to run hot. We’ll explore each of them and look at what you can do when the compressor is the actual reason for the problems.

Troubleshooting Condenser Coils

So what do you do when your refrigerator compressor is hot to the touch, and you’re unsure why? Replacing a compressor requires quite a bit of technical knowledge, so you’ll want to ensure it is the compressor before going down that route.

Some outside factors can cause a fridge compressor to get hot. It could be your condenser coils that are heating things. If your fridge or freezer is stored in a dusty or dirty area, it can interfere with the proper operation of your appliance over time. That dust and dirt can cover the condenser coil, which can prevent air from circulating, and that will cause your compressor to run hot. You should be able to clear away the dust with a vacuum, but you’ll want to do it carefully to avoid permanent damage.

Troubleshooting a Condenser Fan Motor

Some sure-fire signals indicate your condenser fan motor is why the compressor on your fridge is hot. The fan will make a recognizable noise when it’s operating normally. If you don’t hear any sound, there’s a good chance there’s an issue with your fan. Before going any further, unplug your fridge. Moving your refrigerator away from the wall and looking at the fan is now safe.

If there’s excessive dust build-up, start by wiping it away with a cloth or vacuum. Next, try to spin the fan blades with your hands. If it moves easily, you should be okay to plug the fridge back in and try it. If your fridge begins to work and your compressor isn’t overly hot, it was likely just the excessive dust causing the problem.

Auto Defrost System Not Working Properly

Having a fridge or freezer with an auto-defrost feature is a nice thing to have. When it’s working as it should, you won’t have to worry about periodic defrosting sessions requiring you to empty your appliance first. When it stops working properly, it can cause a host of problems — one of them is causing your refrigerator compressor to run hot and preventing the cooling process from operating. This isn’t an easy fix, and we recommend seeking professional help.

Why Is My Fridge Compressor So Hot?

Our refrigerators are essential for keeping our food fresh, but when the compressor starts to feel unusually hot, it’s a cause for concern. Understanding the potential reasons behind a hot compressor can be pivotal in resolving the issue and ensuring the longevity of your appliance.

Reason 1: Inadequate Air Circulation:

One of the primary culprits behind a hot compressor is poor air circulation. The compressor struggles to dissipate heat effectively without sufficient airflow, leading to overheating. This can be attributed to a clogged condenser coil or obstructions hindering the fan blades responsible for circulating air within the fridge. A thorough cleaning of these components can restore your refrigerator’s performance.

Reason 2: Low Refrigerant Levels:

Insufficient refrigerant levels in your fridge’s system can also lead to a hot compressor. Refrigerant plays a crucial role in cooling various fridge parts, including the compressor, by redirecting heat away from them. If the system lacks adequate refrigerant, it hampers its ability to operate efficiently, resulting in overheating and compromised cooling performance. To address this, seek the expertise of a professional technician to assess and replenish the refrigerant levels.

Reason 3: Malfunctioning Fridge Thermostat:

A faulty thermostat can contribute to an overheating compressor, as it regulates the internal temperatures of the unit. When the thermostat malfunctions, it fails to maintain optimal temperatures, leading to excess heat buildup around components like compressors or fans, ultimately causing them to overheat. Replacing a faulty thermostat can resolve this issue, though professional assistance may be required if you’re uncomfortable with the task.

Reason 4: Excessive Load on the Fridge:

Overloading your refrigerator with abundant food or items can strain its components, including the compressor. This strain arises from restricted airflow and limited space for proper cooling operations within the interior. To prevent this, exercise restraint in loading your device, ensuring ample space between items to facilitate unrestricted air circulation when the door(s) are opened and closed routinely.

Reason 5: Electrical Issues:

Insufficient voltage supply is the most prevalent cause of a hot fridge compressor. When a refrigerator operates below optimal levels, it exerts extra effort to maintain cold temperatures, increasing energy consumption and heightened heat production within the unit. Even if your refrigerator seems to be cooling adequately, an underlying electrical problem can lead to excessive operation and unnecessary power consumption.

How Hot Should A Fridge Compressor Get?

How Hot Should Your Compressor Be?

A fridge compressor works by raising the pressure of the coolant, forcing it into a gaseous state and pushing it through the coils on the appliance’s external rear. When this hot vapour is exposed to the cooler kitchen air, it begins to cool down. As it continues its journey past the exposed coil and into the fridge, it cools down and, in turn, cools down the fridge’s interior. As the compressor heating up is a normal step in cooling down a fridge, you should expect it to get warm but not scalding hot.

Is It Dangerous When Your Fridge Compressor Is Running Too Hot?

If your compressor is running hot to the touch, it’s a problem you should take seriously. For example, if you notice scorch marks on the walls behind the appliance, you should disconnect its power source immediately. This poses a fire hazard and a danger to your family. It may be time for a new fridge, but the expert service technicians at FIX Appliances CA can help you make that decision after a quick examination.

What Should You Do When A Refrigerator Compressor Is Very Hot?

Step 1: Unplug and Defrost Your Fridge As a First Step

If your refrigerator compressor seems to be running a little hot, but there are no visible burn signs, it may be possible to correct the problem on your own. Start by unplugging your appliance and leaving it to defrost for a few hours. Be sure to find a new temporary home for any food stored there so it doesn’t go off. If you don’t have a second fridge in your home, a cooler full of ice is another option.

Once you’ve let your fridge defrost completely, clean the coils at the rear of the machine and any other dirt and debris around the compressor. Then try plugging your fridge back in and allow it an hour or so to cool down. If it appears to be working normally and the compressor is no longer extremely hot, you should be okay to move your food back inside.

Step 2: Call Our Service Technician for an Expert Diagnosis

If the defrosting process doesn’t work for you, it’s probably time to call in professional help. You can contact us from 07:30 am to 9:00 pm for quick and expert service when you need it by calling 888-242-0777 or reaching out through a quote page. With more than 18+ years of experience, our technicians can diagnose and repair your appliance within 24 hours of your initial request.