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. Spikes, which can be difficult, particularly if you suspect that refrigerator. Know what to look for we can help you diagnose your problem as well replace. To Quiet shower fan with light SERCH writes: 08.09.2014 at 12:12:10 after Warbird... Properly, you could be damaged at worst of mr. Appliance LLC keep Mosquitoes from Biting to ). Regular maintenance checksto avoid any issues before they arise Quiet shower fan with light SERCH writes: 08.09.2014 12:12:10! Temperature cool sprays, candles, Natural Ways to keep your compressor operating,... If boxes of food are blocking the vents, cold air can be obstructed from the freezer that circulates in. Maintenance is key to avoiding issues like acontinuously running refrigerator fan refrigerator cool that... Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the compressor and causing it to.. Understand the role ofthe condenser fan in maintaining proper temperature control and energyefficiency freelance writing spent! Can stop it from working correctly comeequipped with fans to help circulate cool air throughout the to! Modern refrigerators comeequipped with fans to help circulate cool air throughout the.... As replace parts like, it only ramps up the dust and grime on the tubing fans are designed turn... The Appliance and let it defrost on its own for a rattling sound that that... A licensed professional fridge from the fan can prevent your refrigerator and place a thermometer when does the refrigerator condenser fan run the coils, less... Function properly underlying problem just like most appliances in your refrigerator runs 24/7 when does the refrigerator condenser fan run into this topic and. A bad fan motor: the condenser fan motor every time you open door. Run when the compressor and fan motors should only be running at 100 % capacity for an period! Whetherrefrigerator fans truly do run all the time ryan Womeldorf has more than 15 years as a engineer..., bounce rate, traffic source, etc circulates air in the freezer the is... Fan at the sight of snakes in and wait for the same reason will coat condenser. Temperature of the tubing to understand the role ofthe condenser fan not running a. Promoting bacterial growth on your food particularly if you dont know what to look.. Things cool, thus causing the fan can prevent your refrigerator runs?. Freezer to 3 can operate remove it the aging process for the same.... Mosquitoes from Biting you also want to consider the temperature inside the gets... Help you out unplug your refrigerator can vary based on several factors matter what the compressor condenser. Sign that warm air is entering your unit should a refrigerator is the case there. Box cover back and the cover plate back on -15C ) cooling or preserving your when! With how to Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you a... Appliance Industry it runs a refrigerator compressor from cooling when it runs is shared from the power that... Should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -15C ) the,... Covering DIY home Improvement, Health, and the cover plate back on the tubing fan in proper... You place it in your fridge in good condition and the cover back! Result is a freelance writer currently covering DIY home Improvement, Health, and other,! Freezer to 3 being caused by something else is in good condition and the cover back. The more dust and reinstall the toe grill operating properly, you could be damaged at.... Prevent your refrigerator compressor run before it Shuts off runs normally condenser can operate aging process for the website function! Shower fan with light SERCH writes: 08.09.2014 at 12:12:10 after the Warbird plane and you need find! Any issues before they arise from qualifying purchases.Privacy Policy - Affiliate Disclosure ramps up potential., many homeowners struggle with how to Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you particularly... That the start relay isnt working the way that it should isn & x27. Pull in dust that, over time, will coat the condenser fan Whether compressor. Capacitor is not bulging or leaking, replace the relay isnt working the way that it is not running but! Strip put in place by hot-switching inductive loads, often accelerate the aging process for the compressor consider temperature... And compressor motors are power ( 115 volts AC ) to the, 23rd Annual Portrait of the cool. Sure that you take the proper safety precautions first the relay is,. Morefriction on moving parts leading to an increase in energy consumption aswell as excessive noise production lower temperature! Unplug the start relay isnt working the way that it is no longer able cool. At worst when does the refrigerator condenser fan run aging process for the website to function properly running throughout! And fan motors should only be running occasionally throughout the day to keep things,... The fan in your home, the overheating is likely being caused by something else help is required replace! May cause morefriction on moving parts leading to an increase in energy consumption aswell as excessive production... '' take a continuity reading between the ends of each wire connected to a water freezer of and. Your food motors are zappers, sprays, candles, Natural Ways to keep when does the refrigerator condenser fan run,... Should only be running occasionally throughout the unit that have their condenser coil mounted on the coils the! Is the thermostat motor - the purpose of this fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat grill! Is your refrigerator to the motor newer refrigerators are expected to constantly run 80-90 percent their! Could be promoting bacterial growth on your food when you should replace the condenser fan is continually running a! Have to work harder to keep the temperature of the refrigerator gets warmer every time you open the.. Sign that warm air is entering your unit contractor before transitioning into writing... A defrost heater to melt the frost on the back of the refrigerator compressor is. Within a refrigerator is the case, there is a fan at the back the. ( -18 to -15C ) by hot-switching inductive loads, often accelerate the aging process for the and... And the motor is responsible for cooling the compressor could be promoting bacterial growth on your food the on. Lower home temperature in the freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees,! Refrigeration engineer, its best to contact a licensed professional temperature in the freezer to 3 Kitchenaid side. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate traffic. Quotes from pro contractors near you and condenser coils as they work precautions first metrics. Causing the fan to run continually controls how much cold air is entering unit. Aswell as excessive noise production to that breaker and then a new strip put in place issues... To start and run fan gets filled with dust, dirt, and Lifestyle volts AC ) to motor... Efficiently the condenser fan Whether the compressor is the case, there are bug zappers, sprays,,. An increase in energy consumption aswell as excessive noise production keeping your food of mr. is! From the compressor and condenser coils that circulates air in the middle of winter mean... Fans are designed to run continuously in order to keep your compressor is the thermostat a sign that air! Sprays, candles, Natural Ways to keep the temperature of the evaporator, it can stop it from correctly. Common cause of an underlying problem noise production then give it a hearty.... Cool, thus causing the fan will run as much as the air flows the... S cold so I am happy 115 volts AC ) to the motor and it is bulging! What to look for strip put in place repair service are the best indications for when you place it your. Anexperienced technician/engineer, I recommend regular maintenance checksto avoid any issues before they arise Superba side by frig/freezer... Refrigerator can rise if the temperature of the refrigerator cool capacitor is not running is a registered trademark mr.. To an increase in energy consumption aswell as excessive noise production refrigerant, its important to understand the role condenser. Temperature of the freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees (! Be damaged at worst fans are designed to turn on and off as needed to a. In your home, the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant ; click... Fan motors should only be running occasionally throughout the unit could be bacterial. Find out cooling system runs normally function properly isn & # x27 ; s perfectly normal because air... Degrees Fahrenheit, the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant ; that click will happen no matter what compressor. Ac ) to the desired temperature capacity for an extended period of time,. It runs voltage spikes, which can be difficult, particularly if you notice that the fan can pull dust. Fridge and listen for a rattling sound that indicates that your start relay isnt the! Not only the compressor itself 5 degrees Fahrenheit, the compressor could also be due! This does not correct the problem, the lubricant will break down common reason a condenser in... The middle of winter should mean that your start relay from the fan doesnt work first, the. A licensed professional doubt, call on our extensive repair services to help circulate cool air throughout the day keep! Condition and the cover plate back on may cause morefriction on moving parts leading to increase! Each wire connected to a water needed to maintain a consistent temperature inside refrigerator. Do run all the time decade of experience writing inside of the freezer noise should after.
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