{"id":22590,"date":"2026-04-29T12:20:11","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T19:20:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/?p=22590"},"modified":"2026-07-14T13:09:46","modified_gmt":"2026-07-14T20:09:46","slug":"how-the-compressor-works-in-a-refrigerator","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/how-the-compressor-works-in-a-refrigerator\/","title":{"rendered":"How the Compressor Works in a Refrigerator"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Learn how a refrigerator compressor works and the warning signs it\u2019s failing so you can fix cooling issues before they get worse.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":3,"featured_media":22593,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_focuskw":"refrigerator compressor not working","_yoast_wpseo_title":"%%title%% %%page%%","_yoast_wpseo_metadesc":"Learn how a refrigerator compressor works and the warning signs it\u2019s failing so you can fix cooling issues before they get worse.","_aviaLayoutBuilderCleanData":"[av_image src='https:\/\/www.appliancepartspros.com\/b\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/20250618_1407_Cozy-Kitchen-Refrigerator_simple_compose_01jy23f17geh7t8zfv31k9tdrr-1500x630.png' attachment='22593' attachment_size='featured_large' copyright='' caption='' styling='' align='center' font_size='' overlay_opacity='0.4' overlay_color='#000000' overlay_text_color='#ffffff' animation='no-animation' hover='' appearance='' link='' target='' title_attr='' alt_attr='' lazy_loading='disabled' id='' custom_class='' av_element_hidden_in_editor='0' av_uid='av-mokg0hwo' admin_preview_bg=''][\/av_image]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-2wgea7y']\r\n\r\n[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-mokf0btc' admin_preview_bg='']\r\nYour refrigerator hums along quietly in the background every day, and you probably don\u2019t think much about what\u2019s actually making it cold, until it stops. That steady hum you hear? That\u2019s the compressor, and it\u2019s doing the heavy lifting behind every degree of cooling in both your freezer and fridge compartments. Understanding how it works puts you in a much better position to diagnose problems early, before you\u2019re left scrambling to <\/span>keep food fresh during a breakdown<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n\r\nWhether you own a Whirlpool, Frigidaire, GE, Samsung, LG, or any other major brand, the compressor operates on the same fundamental principles. The details here apply across the board.<\/span>\r\n\r\n[lwptoc numeration=\"none\"]\r\n

Full safety notes below<\/a><\/p>\n\n

How to Tell If Your Compressor Is the Problem<\/span><\/h2>\r\nBefore we get into how the compressor work, let\u2019s cover what you actually came here for, figuring out whether yours is failing. We see people replace expensive compressors when the real culprit was a start relay or a dirty set of condenser coils. So let\u2019s rule out the easy stuff first.<\/span>\r\n

The Refrigerator Isn\u2019t Cooling at All<\/span><\/h3>\r\n
    \r\n \t
  1. Open the door and check whether the interior light comes on. If it does, you have power to the unit.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  2. Listen carefully near the back or bottom of the fridge. You should hear either the compressor humming or the fans running. If you hear absolutely nothing, no fan, no hum, locate the wiring diagram (usually taped inside the unit or behind the kickplate) and verify you have 120 volts AC reaching the control board.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  3. If the fans are running but the compressor isn\u2019t, the issue is likely a bad start device (the relay and overload attached directly to the compressor) or the compressor itself. <\/span>Unplug the refrigerator before touching anything.<\/b> Pull the start relay off the compressor terminals, it\u2019s a small box that plugs right onto the side or back of the compressor. Shake it gently. If it rattles, the relay is burned out and needs replacing. That\u2019s a common, inexpensive fix.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
  4. If the start relay seems fine and the compressor still won\u2019t kick on, you may have a failed compressor or a control board issue. Check for voltage at the compressor terminals with a multimeter set to AC volts. If you\u2019re reading 120V there and the compressor won\u2019t start, the compressor is likely shot.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\n

    The Compressor Runs but the Fridge Is Warm<\/span><\/h3>\r\nThis is the scenario we deal with constantly. The compressor is humming away, but temperatures keep climbing.<\/span>\r\n
      \r\n \t
    1. Pull the refrigerator away from the wall and check the condenser coils. On most models, they\u2019re either on the back of the unit or underneath behind the front kickplate. If they\u2019re caked with dust, pet hair, or grease, clean them thoroughly with a coil brush and vacuum. Dirty coils force the compressor to run overtime and can prevent the fridge from reaching temperature. After cleaning, give the unit a full 24 hours to stabilize.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    2. If the coils are clean and the compressor runs nonstop, open the freezer and check the evaporator coils (behind the interior back panel of the freezer). <\/span>Unplug the fridge first.<\/b> Remove the screws holding the panel in place and look at the frost pattern. A fully frosted evaporator that\u2019s evenly covered means the sealed system is working, your problem is likely a defrost issue, not the compressor. A partially frosted evaporator with frost on only the first few passes of tubing usually points to a sealed system problem like a refrigerant leak or a failing compressor.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
    3. Verify the evaporator fan is running when the door is closed (press the door switch manually). If fans and compressor are both running, coils are clean, and the evaporator has a partial frost pattern, you\u2019re looking at a sealed system issue that involves the compressor circuit.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nIf you\u2019re stuck mid-diagnosis, post your model number and what you\u2019re seeing on the <\/span>community repair forum<\/span><\/a>, you\u2019ll get experienced eyes on it fast.<\/span>\r\n

      What the Compressor Actually Does<\/span><\/h2>\r\nNow that you know how to spot trouble, here\u2019s why the compressor matters so much.<\/span>\r\n\r\nYour refrigerator doesn\u2019t create cold. It removes heat. The compressor is the engine that drives this process by circulating refrigerant, a chemical that changes between liquid and gas, through a closed loop of tubing.<\/span>\r\n\r\nHere\u2019s the cycle in plain terms:<\/span>\r\n
        \r\n \t
      1. Compression.<\/b> The compressor takes low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator (inside the freezer) and squeezes it into a high-pressure, high-temperature gas. This is the work that creates the humming sound you hear.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
      2. Condensation.<\/b> That hot, pressurized gas flows into the condenser coils (usually at the back or bottom of the fridge). As air passes over the coils, the gas releases its heat into the room and condenses into a high-pressure liquid. This is why the area around your condenser coils feels warm, that\u2019s the heat being pulled out of your food.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
      3. Expansion.<\/b> The liquid refrigerant passes through a tiny restriction called a capillary tube (a very narrow section of copper tubing). This sudden drop in pressure causes the refrigerant\u2019s temperature to plummet.<\/span><\/li>\r\n \t
      4. Evaporation.<\/b> The now-cold, low-pressure refrigerant enters the evaporator coils inside the freezer compartment. It absorbs heat from the air inside the fridge, which is what actually makes things cold. The refrigerant boils back into a gas as it absorbs that heat, and then it flows back to the compressor to start the cycle again.<\/span><\/li>\r\n<\/ol>\r\nThe compressor is essentially a small electric motor driving a piston or scroll mechanism sealed inside a steel housing. It\u2019s hermetically sealed, meaning you can\u2019t open it or service the internals. When a compressor fails mechanically, the whole unit gets replaced.<\/span>\r\n

        Why Compressors Fail<\/span><\/h2>\r\nCompressors are built to last 10 to 20 years, but certain conditions shorten that lifespan dramatically. Dirty condenser coils are the number one killer, they force the compressor to work harder and run hotter than it was designed to. Electrical problems like voltage spikes or a failing start relay can also burn out the motor windings over time. And restricted airflow from pushing the fridge too close to the wall traps heat around the condenser, adding unnecessary strain.<\/span>\r\n\r\nIf your compressor is running constantly but temperatures are still off, start with the basics: clean the coils, check the start relay, and inspect the evaporator frost pattern. You can find <\/span>replacement refrigerator parts<\/span><\/a>, including start relays, thermistors, and fan motors, by searching your model number on our <\/span>repair help page<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>\r\n

        How to Know Everything\u2019s Working Properly<\/span><\/h2>\r\nAfter any troubleshooting or repair, verify the fix by placing a thermometer in both the freezer and the refrigerator compartment. The freezer should hold between 0\u00b0F and 5\u00b0F, and the fridge should sit between 35\u00b0F and 38\u00b0F. Give the unit a full 24 hours after any change before judging the results, refrigerators stabilize slowly.<\/span>\r\n\r\nListen for the compressor cycling on and off normally. A healthy compressor runs for a while, shuts off when temperatures are reached, then kicks back on as things warm up. If it runs without ever cycling off, something is still wrong.<\/span>\r\n

        Where To Find Us\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\r\nIf you need any replacement parts for your appliances, you can enter your<\/span> model number<\/span><\/a> at<\/span> AppliancePartsPros.com<\/span><\/a> to locate and order them quickly. Most orders arrive in just two business days, and we have tons of great information in our<\/span> repair help section<\/span><\/a> and<\/span> YouTube videos<\/span><\/a> to help you troubleshoot.<\/span>\r\n\r\nStay connected with the latest DIY tips, tutorial videos, and repair guides by following us on<\/span> Facebook<\/span><\/a>,<\/span> Instagram<\/span><\/a>, and<\/span> Twitter<\/span><\/a>. We love hearing about your repair stories and successes. If you need more help or want personalized guidance, feel free to<\/span> contact<\/span><\/a> or call us at 877-477-7278. We\u2019re ready to help you take on your next project with confidence!<\/span>\r\n\r\nSince 1999, AppliancePartsPros.com has helped millions of people repair their broken appliances by providing high-quality original parts at well below retail prices, free support and troubleshooting, and award-winning customer service from an expert, friendly, customer support team!<\/span>\r\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-2kqxj32']\r\n\r\n[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-me8n7mj3' admin_preview_bg='']\r\nLooking for the right part?<\/b> Enter your appliance model number below to find the exact match and get your appliance running like new again!<\/span>\r\n\r\n[search]<\/span>\r\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-28sh4pq']\r\n\r\n[av_textblock size='' av-medium-font-size='' av-small-font-size='' av-mini-font-size='' font_color='' color='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-mokf0knd' admin_preview_bg='']\r\n

        FAQ<\/span><\/h2>\r\n

        How long should a refrigerator compressor run before shutting off?<\/span><\/h3>\r\nIt depends on the ambient temperature and how often the doors are opened, but most compressors run for 30 to 60 minutes, then cycle off for a similar period. In a hot kitchen or after loading warm groceries, longer run times are normal. If it runs 24\/7 without stopping, check your condenser coils and evaporator frost pattern.<\/span>\r\n

        Can I replace a refrigerator compressor myself?<\/span><\/h3>\r\nTechnically, removing and installing the compressor is straightforward mechanical work. However, recharging the sealed system with refrigerant requires EPA Section 608 certification and specialized recovery equipment. Refrigerant handling is regulated.<\/span>\r\n

        What does a bad compressor sound like?<\/span><\/h3>\r\nA failing compressor often clicks on, hums loudly for a few seconds, then clicks off, repeating this cycle every few minutes. That\u2019s the overload protector cutting power because the compressor can\u2019t start. You might also hear a loud buzzing or knocking sound. Before blaming the compressor, pull off the start relay and shake it, a rattling relay causes the exact same symptom and costs a fraction of what a compressor does.<\/span>\r\n

        Why is my refrigerator compressor hot to the touch?<\/span><\/h3>\r\nSome warmth is completely normal, compressors generate heat as part of the refrigeration cycle. But if it\u2019s too hot to keep your hand on for more than a second or two, that\u2019s excessive. Check for dirty condenser coils, poor ventilation behind the fridge, or an overcharged system. Sustained overheating will eventually kill the compressor.<\/span>\n\n
        \u26a1 Electrical safety \u2014 before you start<\/div>
        • Disconnect power<\/b> before you start \u2014 unplug it or switch off the breaker, and confirm it's dead<\/b>.<\/li>
        • Follow your local electrical code<\/b>.<\/li>
        • Anything involving household wiring, outlets, or the breaker panel<\/b> itself is licensed-electrician territory<\/b>.<\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n[\/av_textblock]\r\n\r\n[av_hr class='default' icon_select='yes' icon='ue808' position='center' shadow='no-shadow' height='50' custom_border='av-border-thin' custom_width='50px' custom_margin_top='30px' custom_margin_bottom='30px' custom_border_color='' custom_icon_color='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-1qdtof2']\r\n\r\n[av_social_share title='Share this entry' buttons='' share_facebook='' share_twitter='' share_whatsapp='' share_pinterest='' share_reddit='' share_linkedin='' share_tumblr='' share_vk='' share_mail='' share_yelp='' yelp_link='https:\/\/www.yelp.com' style='' av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' alb_description='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-1c88rr2']\r\n\r\n[av_blog blog_type='posts' categories='11' link='category' blog_style='blog-grid' content_length='content' contents='title_read_more' date_filter='' date_filter_start='' date_filter_end='' date_filter_format='yy\/mm\/dd' offset='0' conditional='' bloglist_width='' columns='3' preview_mode='auto' image_size='portfolio' items='3' paginate='yes' lazy_loading='disabled' alb_description='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-mokf76nd']\r\n\r\n[av_comments_list av-desktop-hide='' av-medium-hide='' av-small-hide='' av-mini-hide='' alb_description='' id='' custom_class='' av_uid='av-st5l8e']\r\n\r\n","_aviaLayoutBuilder_active":"active","footnotes":""},"categories":[84],"tags":[13717,13710,13713,13714,13715,13712,13718,13720,13711,13716,9767],"yoast_head":"\r\nHow the Compressor Works in a Refrigerator<\/title>\r\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn how a refrigerator compressor works and the warning signs it\u2019s failing so you can fix cooling issues before they get worse.\" \/>\r\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, 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