Refrigerator Compressors
Refrigerator compressors are one of several components that cool the air in a refrigerator. As the name
suggests, the compressor's job is to compress (condense) a gas. The compressor raises the pressure
and temperature of the gas which then condenses into liquid, pushes through valves, expands, evaporates, and then
becomes cold. In turn, the inside of the refrigerator also becomes cold. If the refrigerator is not getting and
staying cold, the compressor may be the problem.
Refrigerator compressors are generally located in the bottom or at the back of the refrigerator. Compressors are
a sealed unit on refrigerators so if they break, you'll want to get professional help in replacing the unit.
Checking Your Compressor
To determine whether or not you need to call the repair service, homeowners with an amp meter can test the
compressor to see if it is working properly. The model tag on the compressor will indicate how many amps the
compressor runs on. If the amp reading on the compressor is over or under what is printed on the tag, the
compressor is likely to be at least part of the problem. If the compressor does appear to working properly, there
may be another problem that a homeowner can fix more easily.
Buying a Replacement Compressor
Refrigerator compressors should have a tag with a serial number on it. When buying a new compressor, find the
compressor model that exactly matches the existing compressor in the refrigerator. Refrigerator compressors are
available from most companies that sell refrigerators including Frigidaire, Whirlpool, and Kenmore. Compressors
themselves might only cost around $200, but because they must be professionally installed, replacing a compressor
often can cost several hundred dollars more once labor is factored into the cost.
Common Refrigerator Compressor Brands
