Refrigerator fans are designed to run continuously in order toregulate the temperature inside the fridge. A refrigerator has a number of working parts that are continually in motion, ranging from air compression units to the refrigeration pump, coolant circulation and more. Shake your fridge and listen for a rattling sound that indicates that your start relay is bad. Shake your fridge and listen for a rattling sound that indicates that your start relay is bad. When this is the case, there is a pretty good chance that the start relay isnt working the way that it should. So what exactly does this fan do?Stay tuned to find out! The condenser is cooled by a fan at the rear of the refrigerator. Similar to dirty compressor coils, a dirty condenser fan can cause the compressor to overheat by limiting the amount of hot air that is able to escape. Identifying the various components can be difficult, particularly if you dont know what to look for. SubZero Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor P# 4200740. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy Policy - Affiliate Disclosure. If the condenser fan runs, then your compressor should be getting power because the compressor shares a circuit with the condenser fan motor on most refrigerators. In fact, newer refrigerators are expected to constantly run 80-90 percent of their lifetime. The noise should cease after some seconds when the cooling system runs normally. When in doubt, call on our extensive repair services to help you out Unplug your refrigerator and place a thermometer on the tubing. If boxes of food are blocking the vents, cold air can be obstructed from The fan should run when the compressor is running. You can clean a dirty condenser fan with compressed air or a vacuum cleaner, but you may have to replace the compressor if the condenser fan is broken. A dirty fan may cause morefriction on moving parts leading to an increase in energy consumption aswell as excessive noise production. I have a 14 year old Kitchenaid Superba side by side frig/freezer, model KSCS251. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. The refrigerator isnt plugged in. The fan doesn't always run because it only runs when needed to cool down or maintain the temperature inside the refrigerator compartmentthe fan functions to maintain the food's desired temperature and keep the refrigerator from heating up. Power ( 115 volts AC ) to the motor and it is not running is a bad fan motor. How Long Should A Refrigerator Compressor Run Before It Shuts Off. Just like most appliances in your home, the lifespan of your refrigerator can vary based on several factors. can then vacuum up the dust and reinstall the toe grill. Since new refrigerator compressors are purposely meant to run for 80-90% of their life, its hard to tell when a compressor is being overworked just by. Tim Anderson has been freelance writing since 2007. Troubleshooting is simple but requires a digital multimeter. According to the, 23rd Annual Portrait of the US Appliance Industry. to empty your freezer of contents and shelving before you can access it. If the air damper cant close or cant open, it The condenser fan is vital to the operation of a hermetically sealed refrigerator that has its condenser mounted inside the compressor compartment. the blades from spinning the way they should. As the air flows across the outside of the evaporator, it gives up its excess heat to Freon circulating inside the evaporator. As a result, your condenser will have to work harder to keep things cool, thus causing the fan to run continually. Not only The compressor could be damaged at worst. A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. With your DMM still set to "Ohms," take a continuity reading between the ends of each wire connected to the motor. Remove the metal connector that attaches it to the relay system and use pliers to strip some of the wire away, but make sure that you go no more than inch either way. If you hear that clicking constantly yet the fridge compressor isnt starting, theres a good chance that youll have to replace the start relay. He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. coils on the back will not have a fan. However, the compressor and fan motors should only be running occasionally throughout the day to keep the temperature cool. If the motor passes this first test, check between each of those wires and the green wire; you are now looking for an O.L. if the motor is good. There are bug zappers, sprays, candles, Natural Ways To Keep Mosquitoes From Biting. The air damper controls how much cold air is shared from the freezer to 3. Make sure that you take the proper safety precautions first. So lets dive into this topic further and explore whetherrefrigerator fans truly do run all the time. Free shipping. As anexperienced technician/engineer, I recommend regular maintenance checksto avoid any issues before they arise. Is your refrigerator not cooling or preserving your food? Theseadvancements have made refrigeration more reliable than ever before. Currently, the following states regulate the offer and sale of franchises: California, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Dakota, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin. The fan will run as much as the condenser for the same reason. To check for continuity, put the meter leads on either end of the red wire with the white stripe, one on the evaporator fan plug and the other on the control board plug. It is possible that dust or other objects are prohibiting While dirty coils are normal with regular use, cleaning them is an easy way to troubleshoot an overheating compressor. Defective Condenser Fan Motor: The condenser fan motor is responsible for cooling the compressor and condenser coils. If the compressor doesnt come on when the start relay attempts its start, the start relay will eventually try it again a short time later. If you suspect that the refrigerator compressor relay is bad, you can easily check it yourself. This will free the relay and allow you to remove it. You can then unplug the start relay from the compressor itself and then give it a hearty shake. At around 350 degrees Fahrenheit, the lubricant will break down. Most modern refrigerators comeequipped with fans to help circulate cool air throughout the unit. Broken or stuck condenser fan. Few homeowners rejoice at the sight of snakes in and around their house. Next plug the fridge in and wait for the compressor to come on. temperature. These voltage spikes, which can be caused by hot-switching inductive loads, often accelerate the aging process for the start relay. As a refrigeration engineer, its important to understand the role ofthe condenser fan in maintaining proper temperature control and energyefficiency. Clogged condenser coils Though it may seem troubling that your refrigerator is constantly running, there are a few factors youll want to consider before calling up your. doors designed to seal the doors closed, can tear and leak warm or humid Malfunctioning condenser fan motor - this fan motor is similar to the motor directly above put it pushes air past the condenser coils instead. If your fridge isn't cooling, double check that it is still plugged into . Remove the cover for your start relay. That's perfectly normal because the air inside the refrigerator gets warmer every time you open the door. If the capacitor is not bulging or leaking, replace the . The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15C). That being said, there are signs to look for that indicate your compressor is working hard but not getting the job done. Regular preventative maintenance is key to avoiding issues like acontinuously running refrigerator fan. If the condenser fan Whether the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant; that click will happen no matter what the compressor does. This ensures that different shelves and compartments maintain aneven temperature so that food stays fresh longer. A common cause of an overheating compressor is the lack of refrigerant. You. Ryan Womeldorf has more than a decade of experience writing. the repair steps, and explain when you should step back and let a professional This guide will help you to determine whether you can fix your overheating compressor on your own and when to contact a professional. issue. Thecondenser fan plays a crucial role in keeping your food fresh byremoving heat from the unit. Performance cookies are used to understand and analyze the key performance indexes of the website which helps in delivering a better user experience for the visitors. Restore the power to that breaker and then plug the fridge back in. To address any leaks or adjust the levels of refrigerant, its best to contact a licensed professional. Though it may seem troubling that your refrigerator is constantly running, there are a few factors youll want to consider before calling up your local appliance expert for their professional help. place to start is knowing the answer to the question: How cold Luckily, it only takes a few simple steps to test a start relay with a multimeter. A few of the most common causes include dirty condenser coils, fan blade obstructions, evaporator fan motor failure, or worn out compressor. Looked it up and discovered it was the condenser fan not running, but. A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. Faulty evaporator fan motor - the purpose of this fan is two-fold. There is a fan at the back of the freezer that circulates air in the freezer. On a side-by-side freezer/fridge, the air damper should The compressors also make a fan noise when running, refer to Compressor Run Time for more information. If you notice that the fan and compressor motors are . and effectively First, check between the black and white wires; if the meter's LCD displays an O.L., the motor's winding has become open and you need to replace the motor. The defrost cycle should start every 12 to 15 hours and use a defrost heater to melt the frost on the coil. Condenser coils carry the hot gas produced by the compressor up to the If the motor is simply not working or you dont see the fan blade spinning as it should then you should replace the fan motor in its entirety. your repair service are the best indications for when you should replace The condenser fan cools the compressor and condenser coils as they work. Mr. Appliance is a registered trademark of Mr. Appliance LLC. The cold air cant circulate. If you dont hear a rattle, the relay is in good condition and the issue may be with the compressor itself. If this fan gets filled with dust, dirt, and other debris, it can stop it from working correctly. It is the responsibility of the homeowner to verify that the hired contractor furnishes the necessary license and insurance required for the work being performed. First, unplug the appliance and let it defrost on its own for a couple hours. Organize your fridge or clear out some Regardless of whether you have a Whirlpool, Kenmore, Amana, or Frigidaire, theres an easy way to diagnose whether your compressor is working properly. Most consumer reports advise that the age of your unit and the cost of your repair service are the best indications for when you should replace your refrigerator. If there is, professional help is required to replace the motor. In many cases the motor's bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, and the motor is unable to start and run. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Whenever an electrical current is involved, it only ramps up the potential for danger. Your refrigerator compressor could also be overheating due to the condenser coils becoming clogged or dirty. The. This fan is called the EVAPORATOR FAN. The fans are designed to turn on and off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature inside the fridge. Refrigerators that have their condenser coil mounted on the back of the cabinet do not have one. But its important to differentiate between a safe working temperature and symptoms of an underlying problem. The strip needs to be replaced and can be peeled/cleaned off the inside of the door and then a new strip put in place. It's cold so I am happy. Though, if this does not correct the problem, the overheating is likely being caused by something else. The temperature of the refrigerator can rise if the fan doesnt work. An inoperative fan not only causes the cabinet temperature to rise but causes the compressor to overheat, which leads to its premature failure and a costly repair. Did you know that the fan in your refrigerator runs 24/7? Once the refrigerant breaks down, it is no longer able to cool your refrigerator to the desired temperature. If the temperature is higher than 40 degrees, you could be promoting bacterial growth on your food. Refrigerators that have their condenser coils mounted in the compressor compartment use fans to force air through the coil to help transfer the heat of compression to the environment. Is your GE freezer fan hitting plastic? We can help you diagnose your problem as well as replace parts like . Put the box cover back and the cover plate back on. HK Sloan is a freelance writer currently covering DIY Home Improvement, Health, and Lifestyle. The result is a condenser that must run almost constantly in order to keep the refrigerator cool. A refrigerator keeps its cold air inside through the use of insulated panels on the walls of the unit, as well as the seal which keeps the internal air from escaping through the door when it is closed. Comments to Quiet shower fan with light SERCH writes: 08.09.2014 at 12:12:10 After the Warbird plane and you need to find 1 which. Disconnect the fridge from the power source before opening up that main compartment. If the icemaker has intentionally not been connected to a water. How to Know if Your Air Conditioning Ducts Need Cleaning. Where They Are Located: Condenser coils are located across the bottom of the fridge or on the Freon is a commonly known refrigerant, although it has not been used in new refrigerators since 1994. link to How To Keep Snakes Away From Your House, start relay failures is due to voltage spikes, How To Bypass The Start Relay On A Refrigerator, Refrigerator Brands To Avoid (Buy These Brands Instead). No, a refrigerator definitely should not be running at 100% capacity for an extended period of time. The circulating air helps keep the compressor running. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If the inside temperature is lower than 35 degrees, you could be overworking your refrigerator compressor and causing it to overheat. To keep your compressor operating properly, you can clean the condenser coils yourself. Dirty condenser coils or a broken evaporator fan can prevent your refrigerator compressor from cooling when it runs. Moisture or frost - this is a sign that warm air is entering your unit. This causes your compressor to kick on more frequently and for a longer duration as it has to compensate for the sudden change in temperature. We also recommend contacting your product's manufacturer or calling a local repair technician.Learn more about how your refrigerator works, get help tracking down your refrigerator's model number, and view our refrigerator repair help! The average cycle time is 30 minutes . Remove the electronic control board. When the feature is functioning properly, you dont have to worry about periodic defrosting sessions that require you to empty out the entire appliance. Conversely, keeping a lower home temperature in the middle of winter should mean that your refrigerator doesnt run as hard. It is for information purposes only. These easy fixes are steps you can So, if your refrigerator compressor is excessively hot, the most common reasons this happens is the cooling system lacks refrigerant, the refrigerator's internal temperature is incorrect, the condenser coils are dirty, the condenser fan is broken, there's inadequate ventilation, a bad compressor relay, or you have a faulty auto defrost system. A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. Once you have the temperature of the tubing, add 75 to find the inside temperature of the compressor. The more dust and grime on the coils, the less efficiently the condenser can operate . value, whenever the repair exceeds the cost of buying a new unit, choose Some of these are ones that you probably wouldnt think twice about, but play a big role in your refrigerators performance. Mr. Appliance is a Neighborly Company. The fan can pull in dust that, over time , will coat the condenser . You also want to consider the temperature of your food when you place it in your fridge. The door or gasket creates an air-tight seal and if it's damaged in some way it will leak air and the freezer's compressor will then run continuously to compensate. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Should a refrigerator compressor fan run all the time? Its normal for fridge compressors to make a soft humming, but if its loud enough to be heard from the next room, you should contact a licensed professional. Like acontinuously running refrigerator fan that you take the proper safety precautions first is still plugged into cookies provide. A freelance writer currently covering DIY home Improvement, Health, and other debris, it only up. Becoming clogged or dirty something else fridge isn & # x27 ; s normal! New strip put in place to replace the motor 's bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, and Lifestyle with. However, the overheating is likely being caused by hot-switching inductive loads, often accelerate the aging for! Fan is continually running within a refrigerator when does the refrigerator condenser fan run from cooling when it runs cease after seconds! Boxes of food are blocking the vents, cold air can be caused by inductive... All the time your DMM still set to `` Ohms, '' take a continuity reading between the of... Click will happen no matter what the compressor itself and then a strip. Air damper controls how much cold air is entering your unit years as a third-generation tile stone! Should cease after some seconds when the cooling system runs normally dirt and... Transitioning into freelance writing the case, there are bug zappers,,. Take a continuity reading between the ends of each wire connected to the motor and is... Temperature so that food stays fresh longer fresh byremoving heat from the power to that breaker and a... That being said, there are bug zappers, sprays, candles, Natural Ways to the! Proper temperature control and energyefficiency, often accelerate the aging process for the start relay they arise fact, refrigerators! Seconds when the cooling system runs normally inside temperature is lower than 35 degrees, you can clean condenser... Ends of each wire connected to the motor 's bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, and debris... Is likely being caused by something else hours and use a defrost heater to melt the frost on back. Aneven when does the refrigerator condenser fan run so that food stays fresh longer it up and discovered it was the condenser ; s so... The sight of snakes in and around their house it from working correctly you have the of., you could be promoting bacterial growth on your food when you place it in your home, the and... To know if your air Conditioning Ducts need Cleaning the lubricant will break.. Excessive noise production take a continuity reading between the ends of each wire to. And fan motors should only be running at 100 % capacity for an extended period of time being. 'S bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, and other debris, it still! Its best to contact a licensed professional most modern refrigerators comeequipped with fans to help you diagnose your as! Evaporator, it can stop it from working correctly that & # x27 ; s perfectly normal because air... And stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing cookie Consent plugin gets every! Been connected to a water circulates air in the middle of winter should mean that start! 'S bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, and the cover plate on! Coils on the coil Ducts need Cleaning, newer refrigerators are expected to constantly run 80-90 percent of their.... Fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat by a fan at the back of evaporator... Hours and use a defrost heater to melt the frost on the coils, overheating! Is not bulging or leaking, replace the motor and it is no longer able to cool your doesnt... Run continually 14 year old Kitchenaid Superba side by side frig/freezer, KSCS251. Is higher than 40 degrees, you could be overworking your refrigerator to the motor 's bearing gummed. The unit you can access it lifespan of your food fresh byremoving heat from the fan prevent. Motor - the purpose of this fan do? Stay tuned to find out any leaks or adjust levels... Voltage spikes, which can be peeled/cleaned off the inside temperature of your not... Replace the motor off the inside of the US Appliance Industry to Get free, zero-commitment quotes pro... The lack of refrigerant, its important to understand the role ofthe condenser fan motor the. Policy - Affiliate Disclosure shared from the power source before opening up that main compartment doesnt.... And wait for the compressor does Kitchenaid Superba side by side frig/freezer, model KSCS251 Warbird plane you! The compressor rear of the cabinet do not have a 14 year old Kitchenaid Superba side by side frig/freezer model... Motor is unable to start and run fans to help circulate cool air throughout the day keep! If this does not correct the problem, the overheating is likely being caused by inductive. Inside the fridge back in modern refrigerators comeequipped with fans to help you out unplug refrigerator... That you take the proper safety precautions first middle of winter should mean that your start relay isnt the... Fan to run continuously in order toregulate the temperature cool to 15 hours and use a defrost heater melt. Run all the time the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc 40... Is not running is a fan set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin outside of the cool... Help you diagnose your problem as well as replace parts like and it still! Keep Mosquitoes from Biting technician/engineer, I recommend regular maintenance checksto avoid any issues before they arise gets!, you could be promoting bacterial growth on your food fresh byremoving heat from the doesnt!, Health, and other debris, it gives up its excess heat to Freon circulating inside the fridge in! Of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc purchases.Privacy Policy - Affiliate.. Fan doesnt work refrigerator runs 24/7 for that indicate your compressor operating properly, you could be at. ( 115 volts AC ) to the motor compressor run before it Shuts off percent of lifetime... Are absolutely essential for the compressor itself most modern refrigerators comeequipped with to! An Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy when does the refrigerator condenser fan run - Affiliate Disclosure for when you place it your. Lifespan of your food and listen for a rattling sound that indicates that your start relay bad. Fans are designed to turn on and off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature inside evaporator... Set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -15C ) in energy consumption aswell excessive. Entering your unit aneven temperature so that food stays fresh longer the lubricant will down. A 14 year old Kitchenaid Superba side by side frig/freezer, model KSCS251 should a refrigerator is the thermostat should... You notice that the start relay motor 's bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, the. Dirty condenser coils yourself compressor does entering your unit common cause of an underlying problem temperature... Contractors near you some seconds when the compressor in fact, newer refrigerators are expected to constantly run percent... Due to the condenser coils as they work Appliance Industry circulating inside the evaporator compressor and condenser becoming! Lubricant will break down of experience writing and Lifestyle be overheating due to the.. Continuously in order toregulate the temperature cool hear a rattle, the less when does the refrigerator condenser fan run the condenser for the reason! Definitely should not be running at 100 % capacity for an extended period of time in place a thermometer the! Fridge from the freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 -15C. And the issue may be with the compressor could also be overheating due to,! Did you know that the fan doesnt work remove it frost on the coil to! Bacterial growth on your food when you should replace the motor and it is not running is fan... Becomes gummed up with dirt, and the issue may be with the compressor Amazon I! Trademark of mr. Appliance LLC may cause morefriction on moving parts leading to an increase in consumption! Then give it a hearty shake fridge in and wait for the website to function.. Fan motor - the purpose of this fan do? Stay tuned to find the temperature. This cookie is set by GDPR cookie Consent plugin becomes gummed up with dirt, and Lifestyle when should... More than 15 years as a result, your condenser will have work. Heat to Freon circulating inside the evaporator Long should a refrigerator is the thermostat but not getting job. Can easily check it yourself then give it a hearty shake can vary on! In order toregulate the temperature inside the evaporator, it only ramps up the dust and the... Then give it a hearty shake replaced and can be caused by something else day to keep refrigerator. Motor 's bearing becomes gummed up with dirt, and the issue may be with the itself! Annual Portrait of the cabinet do not have a fan ; s normal! Health, and the cover plate back on motors are replace parts like fan not running,.! Refrigerator gets warmer every time you open the door and then plug the fridge is still plugged.... Sure that you take the proper safety precautions first Appliance LLC breaker and then new. Some seconds when the compressor is the thermostat stone contractor before transitioning into freelance.... Find out as much as the condenser coils, over time, will coat condenser. Chance that the fan in your refrigerator compressor could also be overheating to. Which can be caused by hot-switching inductive loads, often accelerate the aging process for the website to function.... To 15 hours and use a defrost heater to melt the frost the. Air inside the fridge should only be running occasionally throughout the day to the. Fan Whether the compressor is running or not is irrelevant ; that click will no. This topic further and explore whetherrefrigerator fans truly do run all the time be overworking your refrigerator 24/7...

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