You might not know it, but a refrigerator’s compressor may wear out for different reasons, and the question, “How to replace fridge compressor” might come out. A fridge serves its purpose by cooling its internal systems to maintain foods’ freshness and prevent molds from forming.
This cooling can be accomplished with the help of the fridge’s compressor. It can be considered the heart of a refrigerator since it is the pathway. That the refrigerant takes so that it gets transported as a gas onto the systems.
So, if ever there is not that much cold air coming from the system, then there might be a problem which you should go and check on it right away. For example, there might be a problem with your capacitor or the compressor itself.
If there is, then you’ve come to the right article. However, it would help if you fixed it right away since it plays a significant role in cooling and relaying your fridge. To learn more in this article, stay with us and keep on reading until its conclusion; we’ll discuss the topic so you can understand it further.
Ways on How You Can Replace a Fridge’s Defective Compressor
How to replace fridge compressor? Before anything else, to ensure that you’re doing this process safely, first turn off your unit and unplug it from its outlet.
You should keep your refrigerator’s manual because the location of the compressor could be different from others since every refrigerator varies. Regardless, Compressors play a significant role as a part of your refrigerator.
On the other hand, problems like a broken one can be rarely seen, though it still happens when the start capacitor is defective. Other than that, a start capacitor is also one of the reasons why a fridge powers. Below is a list of steps to help you replace your refrigerator’s compressor with ease.
Step #1. Locating the position of your compressor
Because you’ve done the first step, which is unplugging your unit, you’ll want to locate your refrigerator’s compressor. You can access it from the back of the team. Using some force, pull the refrigerator away from the wall to create some space to fit in. Then take a screwdriver and start by unscrewing the back panel.
Compressors may be located on some units differently; commonly, they can be placed somewhere around the bottom and takes a cylindrical shape. It may be hard at first to access the back panels because a metal guard usually protects them. But some refrigerators don’t have one, so check yours.
Step #2. Removing and replacing the compressor
Now that you’ve gained access through the back of your refrigerator, check around the areas of the compressor to know if it has a capacitor. A capacitor is a large box that provides starting power to your fridge’s compressor.
If this doesn’t work too, consider replacing it right away. Once you’ve found it, remove the wires that link the capacitor and compressor with appropriate tools, so there are no problems with the connection. Make sure you have a new compressor on hand by the time you do this.
As replacement components, they are costly; low prices are hard to get by anymore. Find the wiring code in your instruction booklet or snap a picture of it so you have something to work with. Reconnect the capacitor’s wires to the compressor.
Step #3. Putting on new refrigerant
Without a refrigerant, a compressor won’t do its job the right way it is supposed to.
Learn more about why refrigerants are important for you to understand. Regardless, refrigerants vary to what type of fridge you own or how old it is. Follow the instructions on the refrigerant’s packaging so that you may effectively transfer the refrigerant.
Keep an eye for refrigerant leaks in the compressor. It may be necessary to wear protective gear when applying this. If you don’t have any ideas, refrigerant is a chemical that contains toxic that can damage the skin.
Step #4. Connecting the refrigerator valves
Now that the compressor is attached and the refrigerant is refilled connect the refrigerator’s valves to the compressor. Again, you can base on the manual since every unit has its unique way of wiring. It isn’t apparent, but you’ll get the hang of it.
Step #5. Finalize
Screw the guard at the back panels making sure that it is tightly put into place. Then, you’ll want to plug in your fridge to check if the installation is successful. Leave it for around 10 minutes and check if it is constantly getting cold. Once you’ve noticed that it is, then you’re all good to go.
On the other hand, if your refrigerator happens to be a Samsung, this topic on how to set the temperature on a Samsung refrigerator might come in handy. But, again, every refrigerator is different from one another, from its brand to its features.
So it would be best to keep your manual and search about the specific model when you encounter problems like this.
Conclusion
And that is how to replace fridge compressor. It may be hard at first, but you’ll get the hang of it. Always be wary of your fridge’s issues, especially if the temperature isn’t cold. Always do a maintenance check to maintain your fridge’s performance. If you can’t handle this yourself, better call a professional for this.