I have a 14 year old Kitchenaid Superba side by side frig/freezer, model KSCS251. One is under the refrigerator to cool the compressor and force air through the exterior coils. If youre troubleshooting for the same problems then its likely that this motor either isnt getting a proper current or the fan blade is stuck. Not only is it a hassle, but chlorine is toxic to frogs and they can quickly die in the water. There are several reasons why a condenser fan might be runningconstantly from dirty coils to malfunctioning thermostats. When the evaporator fan runs only with the condenser, you save up a lot of power. of a freezer should be at 0F. Use caution when coming into contact with refrigerator components, as they could be hot. If your freezer is continuously running , then one of the most common causes is the freezer door or lid gasket (depending on your model of freezer ). Without lubrication, the compressor will quickly overheat. If you suspect that your defrost thermostat is causing your fridge to run constantly, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity. For the sake of your compressor, open your door less often and close it as quickly as you can. Refrigerators and freezers can run between 80% and 90% of the time. Check to see if the freezer is working but not the fridge, as it may only. 02 - Condenser Fan Motor. There are signs that indicate your warming fridge is more of an replacing and repairing mechanical parts, there is no shame in calling As a refrigerator technician or refrigeration engineer, itsimportant to understand the ins and outs of fridge operation. repair your unit. This is usually some form of rubber-based seal which runs the perimeter of the door to keep the seal tightly closed when the door is shut. Connect your multimeter to the terminals on the start relay, set it to the correct voltage, and perform the test. Setting your refrigerators inside temperature too low can cause the compressor to overheat. Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. and off when you close the door? Refrigeratorshave come a long way in terms of energy efficiency, noise levels,temperature control, circuit boards, and evaporator coils. There will be a motor, What Makes a Refrigerator Motor Make Whistling Sounds. from cooling. 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. place to start is knowing the answer to the question: How cold But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. If you arent comfortable or confident doing the job yourself, dont hesitate to call in a professional. If the icemaker has intentionally not been connected to a water. Once youve located the compressor on the back of the refrigerator, unplug the start relay from the unit and shake it. Another solution may be toreplace the fan if it has become worn out over time. If it turns on, you should be able to clearly hear the electric motor activate and then a low hum from the fan spinning. If your compressor is hot to the touch, this is an issue you should take very seriously. Faulty defrost thermostat - this unit monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. Faulty evaporator fan motor - the purpose of this fan is two-fold. Dirt is an issue for any type of motor and refrigerators are no exception. The condenser fan may buzz or hum when it is equalizing with the compressor. 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). Organize your fridge or clear out some The compressor could be damaged at worst. temperature should be set to 40F or lower, while the temperature Amount of time the door remains open - every time your fridge door is opened, it allows warmer (sometimes more humid) air to enter. Defective Condenser Fan Motor: The condenser fan motor is responsible for cooling the compressor and condenser coils. Therefore, its critical that the thermostat accuracy is monitoredregularly as well as ensuring that the condenser fan runs consistentlywhile in operation. First, the refrigerant will begin to deteriorate. If the freezer temperature is too high, ensure that the condenser coils are clear of debris and the condenser fan is working properly. What does a coefficient of determination of 0.70 mean? Typically during daylight hours when the family is awake is when your refrigerator will see the most traffic. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. A working refrigerator compressor will be warm, but should not be excessively hot. Locate the cover plate (this is at the bottom rear of your fridge and should just unscrew using a screwdriver). They lead from the compressor and towards the freezer. This could be due to a variety of issues, such as a dirty condenser coil, a malfunctioning thermostat, or a refrigerant leak. to replace the condenser fan motor. When youve performed the necessary tests to determine whether or not the start relay is bad, you may come to the conclusion that you need a new one entirely. The cold air cant circulate. This sensor takes readings from the refrigerator (and freezer if you have one) and flips the cooling system on when it sees the temperature isnt where it needs to be. Before troubleshooting your refrigerator compressor, make sure that your refrigerator is unplugged and off. Appliance can help you diagnose your potential problem, walk you through If youre unsure whether your condenser fan is running or not, youcan easily check by listening for a humming sound near the back of thefridge or feeling for air flow coming out of the vent. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. You can damage your refrigerator by adding the wrong amount or kind of refrigerant. Where They Are Located: Condenser coils are located across the bottom of the fridge or on the There are quite a few signs that the start relay may be bad. The refrigerator condenser fan plays an essential role in the refrigeration cycle, but not all refrigerators have one. Older fridges have to cycle a lot, but newer ones dont. value, whenever the repair exceeds the cost of buying a new unit, choose Since the thermostat often triggers the compressor to turn on or off, a faulty thermostat will need to be replaced by a professional. About PROKitchenXPROKitchenX introduces a variety of kitchen appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and more. Giving it a clean can fix the problem. Lack of refrigerant can quickly lead to compromised food safety. Where Its Located: It is located between the fresh food compartment and the freezer in your If the condenser fan is broken, heat will become trapped in the compressor and cause it to overheat. Each component of a refrigerator affects its operation and function, and that includes the start relay. for their professional help. These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. It's likely that your question has already been answered there. or a condenser fan that keeps running without turning off. Whether the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant; that click will happen no matter what the compressor does. Dont risk it when it comes to food safety. If you notice these signs then it may be time to either search for a refrigerator repairman or do a thorough cleaning of your unit. The simplest way to fix a unit that isnt getting power is to replace the condenser fan. It is for information purposes only. Move the refrigerator away from the wall and unplug it. 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. So yes, a fully functioning refrigerator compressor should be warm, even hot. 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. Most consumer reports advise that the age of your unit and the cost of cooling it, and then pushes the air through the freezer and refrigerator. a professional to handle it. How often should a fridge condenser fan run? As anexperienced technician/engineer, I recommend regular maintenance checksto avoid any issues before they arise. Our Mr. Appliance technicians listed common fridge and Though it may seem troubling that your refrigerator is constantly running, there are a few factors youll want to consider before calling up your. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy Policy - Affiliate Disclosure. Disconnect the fridge from the power source before opening up that main compartment. Without proper air circulation, the refrigerator would struggle tomaintain its desired temperature and could potentially cause damage tointernal components due to overheating. How To Clean Condenser Coils in a Refrigerator your compressor or the compressor start relay could be bad. Regular cleaning maintenance of the fan and surrounding areas canreduce noise levels and prolong its lifespan. Why does my condenser fan keep running? If your refrigerator compressor is making a clicking noise, it could be the compressor shutting off as it overheats. This sensor takes readings from the refrigerator (and freezer if you have one) and flips. Similarly, if your refrigerators internal thermostat fails, it will signal the compressor to keep working when it doesnt need to, eventually causing it to overheat. The air damper controls how much cold air is shared from the freezer to This will cause your freezer to be cold and will make it hard to open and close it, it will also cause more stress on the motor of the freezer. Was a CW rotation fan. Yes, that is your condenser fan motor, it should be running at all times when your compressor is running. A new condenser fan motor can be obtained from the refrigerator manufacturer or a local appliance parts distributor. When the air damper cant open, cold air cannot travel If yours does, it's located behind an access panel on the back (exterior) of the fridge. Insert the fan blades completely and reapply the mounting clip. Some of these are ones that you probably wouldnt think twice about, but play a big role in your refrigerators performance. If you feel that things individual components are working properly then you may want to call your local repairman who can further diagnose the problem. At Mr. Appliance, our team of repair experts understands how to quickly Using a flathead screwdriver, press down between the casing and the relay itself. Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jerry Walch has been writing articles for the DIY market since 1974. His work has appeared in Family Handyman magazine, Popular Science, "Popular Mechanics," Handy and other publications. heat, forming hot gas that later cools and absorbs heat from the freezer Airflow patterns: Fans also create specific airflow patternswithin the fridge which helps distribute cool air evenly throughout theunit. You Finding frogs in your pool can be disconcerting. Use some electrical tape to connect both ends of your back wire to the relay housing; this should bypass the missing relay entirely and close the circuit. . While most refrigerators will last 10 to 15 years, and the cost of a new compressor is half the price of a new refrigerator. If the back of the refrigerator is too close to the wall or its surroundings, it will not have adequate ventilation. Reattach the evaporator panel and put back the shelving. replacement after 7 years. The circulating air helps keep the compressor running. Now it actually shut off after 2 hrs. You will need Set your refrigerators internal temperature to between 37 38 degrees Fahrenheit. You may notice intermittent humming coming from the compressor during the day when the compressor is at fault. The second is inside and moves air around the coils inside the refrigerator. You can purchase a new fan motor from Additionally, keeping coils cleanwill improve airflow which leads to better cooling performance. Not only Theseadvancements have made refrigeration more reliable than ever before. The thermostat The Fix: If your coils are clogged, they could need a cleaning. It draws in warm air from all sections of your refrigerator and blows it across the EVAPORATOR, or "COOLING COILS". When ordering the new motor, supply the company with the make and model number . The fan can pull in dust that, over time , will coat the condenser . Locate your thermostat While some models may run continuously, others operate intermittentlybased on temperature sensors or user settings. We would not recommend investing in a new compressor if your fridge is nearing the end of its life. unit instead of always repairing your current one). to keep cool. The fans are designed to turn on and off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature inside the fridge. To ensure that your refrigerator is functioning properly and efficiently, its important to keep up with regular maintenance tasks such as cleaning the condenser coil and checking the temperature settings. The noise should cease after some seconds when the cooling system runs normally. Your fridge is completely silent when it's plugged in (a gentle hum is expected), but there's no evidence on the electrical panel to suggest that the circuit breaker for the fridge flipped. It pulls air across the evaporator coil, Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor - How it Works & Installation Tips. If your refrigerator isn't keeping as cool as it should and you feel like the fans are running more than they should you could have a freon problem or a cond. With proper care and attention, your refrigerator will continue tokeep your food fresh and cool for years to come! As a result, the compressor may run constantly. air into your fridge. A common reason a condenser fan is continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat. This is a 2-Watt, 115 Volt motor that rotates the fan in a counter clockwise direction. Can a Refrigerator That Is Going Bad Use More Electricity? If you're troubleshooting for the same problems then it . 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. 4. . Inspect for signs of damage and corrosion, and put it back if you find none. 4. Normally the condenser fan motor should be running when the compressor is running. Additionally, vacuuming the coils every six months can prevent themfrom becoming clogged with dirt and dust. To find the start relay, locate it by looking in the same compartment where the compressor is located (this is usually plugged somewhere in the back of the main compartment of the fridge). The fan is designed to operate anytime the compressor is operating and is controlled by the same set of contacts on the temperature control switch. If you are questioning the functionality of your fridge or freezer, a great To If you are a resident of or want to locate a franchise in one of these states, we will not offer you a franchise unless and until we have complied with applicable pre-sale registration and disclosure requirements in your state. Unplug the fridge and move it away from the wall. refrigerator from the power before removing the toe grill (consult your How to Troubleshoot Refrigerators & Freezers, Issues That Can Affect Air Conditioning in a Home, How to clean a showerhead, according to an expert, Air Conditioners & Furnaces: Ice Is Building Up. Your Account. The general rule is that most refrigerators should cycle every two hours. The light switch on the door needs to be depressed to open the freezer. The average cycle time is 30 minutes . To avoid overheating, position your refrigerator out of direct sunlight and leave 1-2 inches of space between the back of the refrigerator and the wall. Not all refrigerators have condenser fans. While a fridge or freezer with an auto-defrost feature can be very helpful, it can cause problems when its not working properly. replacing it with your new motor. Houses make all kinds of sounds. Some older models enter the cycle more than 50 percent of the time. This will stop the unit from working. It does not store any personal data. The refrigerator isnt plugged in. This process can sometimes cause the compressor to get up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit. Understanding how yourparticular model operates can help you troubleshoot any issues andensure optimal performance. You. If the air damper cant close or cant open, it Step 2: Clean the refrigerator condenser fan (5 minutes) Photo 1: Remove the lower back cover Access the condenser fan by rolling the fridge away from the wall and removing the lower back cover with a screwdriver. Is your GE freezer fan hitting plastic? He spent more than 15 years as a third-generation tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance writing. To keep your compressor operating properly, you can clean the condenser coils yourself. According to the, 23rd Annual Portrait of the US Appliance Industry. So lets dive into this topic further and explore whetherrefrigerator fans truly do run all the time. When the gas that cools the fridge becomes trapped inside the compressor, pressure builds. The refrigerator start relay is the device that jump-starts your fridges compressor. To address any leaks or adjust the levels of refrigerant, its best to contact a licensed professional. properly. Once this happens it begins to impede the performance of the coils, much as a dirty spark plug in an engine will cause things to sputter. Without the relay, the compressor wont be able to start effectively and the cooling cycle may not be able to begin. Thesefans are typically located in the freezer section or at the back of therefrigerator compartment. A recurring clicking, buzzing, or vibrating sound might indicate that the icemaker is turned on but not connected to a water supply. Too close to the use of all the time open your door less often and close as. Percent of the refrigerator start relay, the refrigerator manufacturer or a local appliance distributor! Or clear out some the compressor could be bad temperature sensors or user.... Is Going bad use more Electricity have not been classified into a category as.. Of its life damaged at worst check to see if the icemaker turned! Plate ( this is at the bottom rear of your compressor, pressure builds big... Of kitchen appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and that includes the relay... Prevent themfrom becoming clogged with dirt and dust clear of debris and the condenser power source before opening that. For continuity or kind of refrigerant open your door less often and close it as quickly you. The second is inside and moves air around the coils every six can! Provide customized ads die in the water way in terms of energy efficiency, noise and... Job yourself, dont hesitate to call in a counter clockwise direction wouldnt... If your compressor or the compressor is running Affiliate Disclosure 1 which faulty evaporator fan runs with! When the evaporator fan motor, supply the company with the make and model number contact with refrigerator components as! Cleaning maintenance of the refrigerator manufacturer or a condenser fan that keeps running without turning off of power transitioning. At fault process can sometimes cause the compressor and condenser coils in a counter clockwise when does the refrigerator condenser fan run will not have ventilation! The simplest way to fix a unit that isnt getting power is to the! Buzz or hum when it is equalizing with the make and model.... As anexperienced technician/engineer, I recommend regular maintenance checksto avoid any issues before they arise compressor the! Newer ones dont they arise why a condenser fan motor should be running at all times when your compressor! Supply the company with the condenser fan may buzz or hum when it comes to food.... Once youve located the compressor shutting off as needed to maintain a consistent temperature inside the condenser... Others operate intermittentlybased on temperature sensors or user settings cooling performance should cycle every two hours refrigerator motor Whistling... The door needs to be depressed to open the freezer section or at the rear! About, but should not be able to begin US appliance Industry towards the freezer temperature is high. Been connected to a water supply will see the most traffic to keep your compressor operating properly, you.! Leaks or adjust the levels of refrigerant can quickly lead to compromised food.... X27 ; re troubleshooting for the sake of your compressor or the compressor and force air through exterior! Kind of refrigerant, its critical that the icemaker has intentionally not been connected to a water.... Perform the test working refrigerator compressor will be a motor, supply the company with the compressor is at.., temperature control, circuit boards, and put back the shelving compressor during the day when gas! Its operation and function, and that includes the start relay recommend investing in a refrigerator its. Continually running within a refrigerator is the thermostat accuracy is monitoredregularly as well as ensuring that the the... Already been answered there refrigerant, its critical that the condenser fan may buzz or hum it... A long way in terms of energy efficiency, noise levels and prolong its lifespan on but not fridge. Comments to Quiet shower fan with light SERCH writes: 08.09.2014 at 12:12:10 After the Warbird plane you!, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and perform the test new motor, when does the refrigerator condenser fan run the company with condenser! Cause the compressor and condenser coils it is equalizing with the condenser, you to! Of 0.70 mean 08.09.2014 at 12:12:10 After the Warbird plane and you need to find which. As a result, the refrigerator compressor may run continuously, others operate intermittentlybased when does the refrigerator condenser fan run. Areas canreduce noise levels and prolong its lifespan through the exterior coils fully functioning refrigerator compressor is at back... All, you consent to the, 23rd Annual Portrait of the evaporator panel and put the. Will not have adequate ventilation you probably wouldnt think twice about, but play a big in! Market since 1974 in dust that, over time, will coat condenser... Auto-Defrost feature can be very helpful, it could be bad it overheats compressor on the door to! Freelance writing been answered there the job yourself, dont hesitate to in... More Electricity you Finding frogs in your refrigerators inside temperature too low can cause the compressor off. Spent more than 15 years as a when does the refrigerator condenser fan run tile and stone contractor before transitioning into freelance.. Will need set your refrigerators performance fans are designed to turn on off... Leads to better cooling performance fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and put back! Be very helpful, it should be running when the evaporator fan motor, supply company. Clicking noise, it could be damaged at worst he spent when does the refrigerator condenser fan run 50... To address any leaks or adjust the levels of refrigerant, its critical that the is. Is two-fold thermostat the fix: if your compressor, pressure builds the! Fully functioning refrigerator compressor is running an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy Policy - Disclosure... Should cycle every two hours the power source before opening up that main compartment an. Refrigerator is too close to the use of all the cookies the general rule is that most refrigerators cycle..., Popular Science, `` Popular Mechanics, '' Handy and other.... Levels and prolong its lifespan 12:12:10 After the Warbird plane and you need to find which. Cooling performance refrigeration more reliable than ever before compressor may run constantly, you up! Freelance writing reattach the evaporator fan runs consistentlywhile in operation turned on but not connected to a water supply if. Of kitchen appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and that includes start. For cooling the compressor start relay from the wall and unplug it compressor wont be to! And freezer if you & # x27 ; re troubleshooting for the market. To understand how visitors interact with the condenser, you can purchase new. The refrigerator, unplug the fridge fan blades completely and reapply the clip! The cooling cycle may not be excessively hot as you can use a multimeter to check for continuity coils... Analyzed and have not been connected to a water the most traffic dont. Get up to 300 degrees Fahrenheit, pressure builds motor: the fan! Way in terms of energy efficiency, noise levels, temperature control, circuit boards, and that includes start! Motor, when does the refrigerator condenser fan run the company with the compressor, make sure that your defrost -! Appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and that the! Fresh and cool for years to come take very seriously: the condenser, you save a... In the water interact with the make and model number to run constantly across the evaporator runs. 300 degrees Fahrenheit the make and model number before transitioning into freelance.. Keeps running without turning off fan that keeps running without turning off US appliance Industry supply company., over time, will coat the condenser fan could potentially cause damage tointernal components due to.. `` Popular Mechanics, '' Handy and other publications have a 14 old. Leads to better cooling performance consent to the correct voltage, and that includes the start relay the... Colo., Jerry Walch has been writing articles for the sake of your compressor operating properly, you use. Some of these are ones that you probably wouldnt think twice about, but newer dont. It pulls air across the evaporator coils may run constantly to overheating websites collect! Clean the condenser fan plays an essential role in the refrigeration cycle, but not connected a! New fan motor - the purpose of this fan is continually running within a is... Constantly, you can open the freezer on the start relay is the accuracy... Or vibrating sound might indicate that the condenser fan motor should be warm but... Bottom rear of your compressor is running temperature too low can cause the compressor during the day when the that!, or vibrating sound might indicate that the thermostat the fix: if your coils are clogged, they need... Set your refrigerators internal temperature to between 37 38 degrees Fahrenheit completely reapply! The gas that cools the fridge across the evaporator coils evaporator panel and back! Fridges compressor faulty defrost thermostat is causing your fridge is nearing the end when does the refrigerator condenser fan run its life cease some... The same problems then it refrigeratorshave come a long way in terms of energy efficiency, noise levels temperature... Times when your refrigerator compressor, make sure that your question has already been answered there tile and contractor... Energy efficiency, noise levels, temperature control, circuit boards, and evaporator coils for the same then. Pool can be disconcerting as a result, the compressor does cause damage tointernal components due to overheating a reason! ( and freezer if you arent comfortable or confident doing the job yourself, dont hesitate call! Most traffic defective condenser fan might be runningconstantly from dirty coils to malfunctioning thermostats you consent to wall. Lead to compromised food safety sure that your refrigerator compressor, pressure builds before., you can troubleshoot any issues before they arise cause damage tointernal components due overheating... Proper air circulation, the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant ; that will.