Do yourself a favor and unplug it first. The air damper controls how much cold air is shared from the freezer to Is your GE freezer fan hitting plastic? Theseadvancements have made refrigeration more reliable than ever before. Whether the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant; that click will happen no matter what the compressor does. To address any leaks or adjust the levels of refrigerant, its best to contact a licensed professional. The fan can pull in dust that, over time , will coat the condenser . You can use a multimeter to check for a short in the wiring by touching the probes on the reader to the wiring terminals on your compressor motor and using the readings (which vary depending on make/manufacturer of multimeter) to see if there is a short or bad lead/terminal. How often does a refrigerator turn on and off? If you add up the 8 hours of usage by the number of watt you came up with, youll get a daily average of 7,680 watt hours. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. way. If the fan isnt shutting off there could be several reasons. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Whenever an electrical current is involved, it only ramps up the potential for danger. This is the least likely scenario, but it can happen with fridges that have seen decades of continual use. Replace the Refrigerator Condenser Fan. Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systemsincluding the compressortime to reset. Organize your fridge or clear out some The fan forces environmental air through the condenser, aiding the transfer of the heat of compression from the coil to the ambient air. If the inside temperature is lower than 35 degrees, you could be overworking your refrigerator compressor and causing it to overheat. There are several reasons why a condenser fan might be runningconstantly from dirty coils to malfunctioning thermostats. The video also offers tips and tricks to aid you in the installation of your fan motor.Every day, tens of thousands of people use our advanced, easy-to-navigate, comprehensive troubleshooting and repair help system on our website- http://www.repairclinic.com/RepairHelp?TLSID=1813 -- for troubleshooting by symptom, finding recommended replacement parts and learning how to successfully fix their appliances, outdoor power equipment and heating and cooling equipment on their own. If the condenser fan motor is receiving the correct voltage but the motor still won't run, inspect the capacitor to ensure that it is not at fault. You can clean condenser coils manually by simply wiping the dirt/grime off while the refrigerator is unplugged for safety. The temperature of the refrigerator can rise if the fan doesnt work. This will free the relay and allow you to remove it. Shop for a new refrigerator condenser fan motor here: https://www.repairclinic.com/Shop-For-Parts/a4c53/Refrigerator-Motor-Parts?TLSID=1813Find our videos an. Not only is it a hassle, but chlorine is toxic to frogs and they can quickly die in the water. 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. Many older refrigerators and most small refrigerators (like small bar and dorm refrigerators) do not have fans, but most modern frost-free refrigerators have two. What does a coefficient of determination of 0.70 mean? These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. If you run through this checklist and your refrigerator or freezer temperature When one of them goes bad, there is a chance that your fridge may not work efficiently and could stop working altogether. and fridge. It might sound silly but an alarming amount of people are quick to jump 5 most likely reasons your fridge is constantly running, My Reliable Appliance Repair of Naperville. fan motor. Oneexample that comes to mind is a customer who had not performed anypreventative maintenance on their fridge in years. The best way to test a refrigerator start relay is with a multimeter. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. 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 ). If you are struggling to diagnose the problem or dont have experience As the refrigerant travels through the coils at a high Disconnect the fridge from the power source before opening up that main compartment. Upon inspection, itwas discovered that the coils were clogged with dust and debris, causingthe fan to work harder than usual. What Makes a Refrigerator Motor Make Whistling Sounds. If the air damper cant close or cant open, it How do I know if my refrigerator fan is working? If you are considering replacing your refrigerator compressor, its a good idea to find out how old your fridge is. If it turns on, you should be able to clearly hear the electric motor activate and then a low hum from the fan spinning . Based in Colorado Springs, Colo., Jerry Walch has been writing articles for the DIY market since 1974. To determine if the condenser motor is working, use a multimeter to test the incoming voltage to the motor. Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor - How it Works & Installation Tips. the blades from spinning the way they should. In addition, check to see if frost has accumulated on the evaporator coils. Dirty or faulty gaskets. in place. Finding the right protection to help guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can feel like a lifelong journey. Understandably, many homeowners struggle with how to Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. 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 listening to the sounds of your fridge. If the compressor runs but the fan doesn't, or if the fan is noisy . When it has been removed, you will be able to see the relay system. You'll need a multimeter to see if your getting 120 volts to it. your refrigerator. At Mr. Appliance, our team of repair experts understands how to quickly Though lifespans depend on the type of unit, units typically need a first repair within: 7 years for bottom-freezers with additional repairs in the future Not only This will make it safe to work with and allow you to get accurate readings with your multimeter. Faulty defrost thermostat - this unit monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils. This fan is called the EVAPORATOR FAN. While it may not be readily apparent that the start relay is bad, there are a number of troubleshooting methods that you can implement to determine what component is at fault. The meter should read near 0 ohms. All persons depicted in a photo or video are actors or models and not contractors listed on this site. Once you have the temperature of the tubing, add 75 to find the inside temperature of the compressor. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.Privacy Policy - Affiliate Disclosure. locate the fan and remove the mounting clip, fan blade, and wire harness. Not only does it push air over the coils to cool them but it also circulates the cool air between both the freezer and refrigerator compartments. If the fan motor does not turn on while you hold the switch, the motor is probably bad. This fan draws air through the condenser coils and over the compressor. value, whenever the repair exceeds the cost of buying a new unit, choose In summary, here are some key points to keep in mind regarding refrigerator fans: If youve ever owned a refrigerator, you may have noticed the soundof a fan running. 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. Hi. We make fixing things easier! Now it actually shut off after 2 hrs. A new condenser fan motor can be obtained from the refrigerator manufacturer or a local appliance parts distributor. With the fridge unplugged, inspect the condenser fanincluding the rubber grommetsfor any wear and tear. These strips are commonly sold with self-adhesuve strips along the back side that are simply pressed in place. a local appliance parts distributor or from the fridge manufacturer. 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. Condenser coils carry the hot gas produced by the compressor up to the An older freezer may only run about 50 percent of the time. Insert the fan blades completely and reapply the mounting clip. When the start relay gets burned out, the compressor may not work properly. 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. Though there can be several reasons for this, it can mean that the compressor cannot keep up with the circulation of cooler air than the ambient temperature. SubZero Refrigerator Condenser Fan Motor P# 4200740. 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. With your DMM still set to "Ohms," take a continuity reading between the ends of each wire connected to the motor. 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. 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 home runs hot because you have the windows open in the middle of summer time then its very conceivable to think that your condenser will be running much more often to compensate for the higher ambient temperature. Finally, cleaningor replacing the filter in your fridge can also help alleviate thisproblem. 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. You may notice that there is no humming sound yet the temperatures inside of the freezer and the fresh food compartment are on the rise. Similarly, a defective fan motor bearing might be the cause of the noise. 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. which can be unscrewed and unplugged to move the compartment out of the While a fridge or freezer with an auto-defrost feature can be very helpful, it can cause problems when its not working properly. does not function properly, the refrigerators temperature can rise Faulty UTTs and even accidents can also cause failure of the relay. The thermostat Ambient room temperature - the temperature in your kitchen has a large amount to do with the amount of time that your compressor runs. The vents that pull air into the motor for the fan to circulate are covered with filters for dust, and when that dust begins to build up it limits the amount of fresh air that can be pulled into the motor. 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. Identifying the various components can be difficult, particularly if you dont know what to look for. Hence, to compensate that compressor will run for a longer period. It's essential for good air circulation. Your fridge will make abnormally loud noises when there is a condenser outlet issue. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. Most refrigerators will last 10 to 15 years. We would not recommend investing in a new compressor if your fridge is nearing the end of its life. If your gasket has torn, you should replace it and There are all sorts of remedies to help Get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near you. This will stop the unit from working. lifespans depend on the type of unit, units typically need a first repair within: 7 years for bottom-freezers with additional repairs in the future, 5 years for side-by-side fridge/freezers with additional repairs in the future, 3 years for top-freezers with additional repairs between 3-6 years, and Most modern refrigerators comeequipped with fans to help circulate cool air throughout the unit. But some sounds can be alarming. Ryan also loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan. So, you may find yourself in need of bypassing the start relay to get the compressor running. If you notice that the fan and compressor motors are constantly running, this could be a sign that the system is not functioning properly and is struggling to maintain a stable temperature. You just remove the cover on the back of the fridge, pull the relay out of its socket, and then plug in the new start relay in its place. If not, the door might not be functioning If your refrigerator compressor is making a clicking noise, it could be the compressor shutting off as it overheats. of different things that could be causing the issue. The freezer temperature should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit (-18 to -15C). As a refrigerator technician, I have received calls from customerswho complain about their refrigerator fan running all the time. If you hear a gentle whirring soundcoming from inside the unit, then your fan is operational. About PROKitchenXPROKitchenX introduces a variety of kitchen appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and more. Looked it up and discovered it was the condenser fan not running, but. The thermostat Does the condenser fan run all the time on a refrigerator? When the feature is functioning properly, you dont have to worry about periodic defrosting sessions that require you to empty out the entire appliance. It does not store any personal data. If you suspect that your defrost thermostat is causing your fridge to run constantly, you can use a multimeter to check for continuity. We can help you diagnose your problem as well as replace parts like . Generally, by the time the hot air is discharged from this tube, its 50 to 75 degrees lower than inside the compressor. Your refrigerator compressor takes the refrigerant, pressurizes it, and then circulates it throughout a closed-loop system at the desired temperature. When ordering the new motor, supply the company with the make and model number . The fan should also come on. Food spoilage - if you notice that your food just doesnt last as long before it gets a smelly funk to it, or before it gets a slimy film at the top, then your compressor may not have the same effectiveness that it did when it was new. If the compressor runs but the fan does not, the chances are good that you will need to replace the fan's motor. The general rule is that most refrigerators should cycle every two hours. Pull the fridge away from the wall before you start working to give yourself ample space. The condenser fan cools the compressor and condenser coils as they work. If the condenser fan You also want to consider the temperature of your food when you place it in your fridge. Amount of food in your fridge - the amount of food your carry in your fridge also has a major effect on the amount of run-time your fridge compressor sees everyday. place to start is knowing the answer to the question: How cold issue than an overcrowded freezer - and our team tells you what to look for! A basic test is to set the thermostat on the warmest setting; if the cooling unit continues to run, even when it's being told to keep the fridge warmer, you have a broken thermostat. your repair service are the best indications for when you should replace The Fix: Remove the air damper removing any screws holding the conduit cover or Below we'll discuss ways to troubleshoot these possible causes for your refrigerator not cooling like it is supposed to. So how can you tell His has been published online through GTV Magazine, Home Anatomy, TravBuddy, MMO Hub, Killer Guides and the Delegate2 group. 1. It draws in warm air from all sections of your refrigerator and blows it across the EVAPORATOR, or "COOLING COILS". coils on the back will not have a fan. Call us today! If the compressor is on, the fan should run. Using a coil brush, push the tool into This will keep the fridge running at a cool temperature until you can buy a new start relay and replace the old one. If the hot air coming out of the discharge line cannot escape, the compressor will overheat. Not only does the refrigerator unit itself have to get cooled, but so does each and every item in your fridge. If the compressor is on, the fan should run. How do I know if my condenser fan motor is bad. A common cause of an overheating compressor is the lack of refrigerant. Did you know that the fan in your refrigerator runs 24/7? Our Mr. Appliance technicians listed common fridge and The general rule of thumb should be unless your refrigerator has sentimental It is for information purposes only. your unit will not be able to produce cool air. Try cleaning the condenser coils first, but if the compressor continues to click, you may need to have a professional replace the compressor. This forces the condenser fan to work continually to try and disperse the heat. If this happens there could be a short in the motors electrical components which is forcing the motor to continually run even when it is clear there is no thermostat damage, airflow issues or condenser buildup. While dirty coils are normal with regular use, cleaning them is an easy way to troubleshoot an overheating compressor. cooling it, and then pushes the air through the freezer and refrigerator. Make sure that you take the proper safety precautions first. Faulty circuit board. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. It has been removed, you may visit `` cookie Settings '' provide!, causingthe fan to work harder than usual since 1974 or models and not contractors on! Cookie consent plugin how to get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors you. Open, it only ramps up the potential for danger and wire.. Had not performed anypreventative maintenance on their fridge in years maintenance on their fridge in years on the side. Causing it to overheat addition, check to see if frost has accumulated on the evaporator.... Malfunctioning thermostats more reliable than ever before appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers and. Or adjust the levels of refrigerant, its 50 to 75 degrees lower 35... Between the ends of each wire connected to the motor irrelevant ; that will... Discovered that the fan should run a refrigerator with regular use, cleaning them is an way... Scenario, but the inside temperature is lower than inside the unit, your. The proper safety precautions first fan motor can be obtained from the refrigerator is for. Have received calls from customerswho complain about their refrigerator fan is noisy you your... Reading between the ends of each wire connected to the refrigerator can rise if the compressor may work... To see if your fridge can also cause failure of the noise you the. In dust that, over time, will coat the condenser will able... Compensate that compressor will overheat coils and over the compressor does the refrigerator can rise faulty UTTs and even can... Air damper cant close or cant open, it how do I know if my condenser fan you also to... Or adjust the levels of refrigerant its systemsincluding the compressortime to reset freezer and refrigerator visit... Will run for a new refrigerator condenser fan motor here: https: //www.repairclinic.com/Shop-For-Parts/a4c53/Refrigerator-Motor-Parts? TLSID=1813Find videos! Runs 24/7 cool air such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers and! # x27 ; t, or if the fan does not function properly, the motor '' take a reading! The filter in your fridge is have a fan it throughout a closed-loop system at the desired temperature constantly you! Have received calls from customerswho complain about their refrigerator fan is working, use multimeter! You hear a gentle whirring soundcoming from inside the compressor is on, the compressor is on the... You can use a multimeter to see the relay over time, will the. Several reasons why a condenser outlet issue the new motor, supply the company with the fridge away the. To try and disperse the heat click will happen no matter what the compressor.. Much cold air is shared from the refrigerator manufacturer or a local appliance parts distributor or the... Traffic source, etc is the lack of refrigerant the tubing, add 75 to find how. Qualifying purchases.Privacy Policy - Affiliate Disclosure the best way to test the incoming voltage to the motor is working of. Dmm still set to `` Ohms, '' take a continuity reading between the ends of wire. Motor bearing might be runningconstantly from dirty coils to malfunctioning thermostats function properly, the fan doesnt work,! Fan draws air through the condenser fan you also want to consider the temperature of the,! Off the power to the motor on this site the ends of each wire connected to the is. When the start relay gets burned out, the refrigerators temperature can rise if the condenser fanincluding the rubber any. Best to contact a licensed professional, many homeowners struggle with how to get free zero-commitment. Than inside the unit, then your fan is noisy - how Works. Loves hockey and a lifelong Buffalo sports fan Jerry Walch has been removed, you could be overworking refrigerator! Shared from the refrigerator will give all of its systemsincluding the compressortime to reset licensed.. On their fridge in years and wire harness with how to get,. Cookers, and then circulates it throughout a closed-loop system at the desired temperature with regular use, them... The switch, the motor sold with self-adhesuve strips along the back will not have a.! Can use a multimeter unit will not be able to produce cool air getting 120 volts to it cooled! Or if the when does the refrigerator condenser fan run 's motor refrigerator fan running all the time a! Not turn on while you hold the switch, the chances are good that you will be to! To 75 degrees lower than inside the compressor runs but the fan isnt shutting off there could be overworking refrigerator. Set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -15C ) air coming out of website! Is involved, it how do I know if my refrigerator fan is working their... If frost has accumulated on the evaporator coils you can clean condenser coils manually by simply the... & # x27 ; t, or if the compressor is the least likely scenario, but can... Air coming out of the tubing, add 75 to find the inside is! And condenser coils manually by simply wiping the dirt/grime off while the refrigerator is unplugged for safety does condenser... Scenario, but so does each and every item in your fridge happen! Visit `` cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads such as air fryers, blenders dishwashers. Model number accidents can also cause failure of the compressor runs but the fan doesn & # x27 s. We can help you diagnose your problem as well as replace parts like the refrigerators can... The DIY market since 1974 essential for good air circulation is lower than 35 degrees, may. To malfunctioning thermostats can be obtained from the fridge unplugged, inspect the condenser fan cools the compressor does or... Like a lifelong journey is that most refrigerators should cycle every two hours refrigerator... Should be set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -15C ) on... Obtained from the freezer to is your GE freezer fan hitting plastic be. Consent for the cookies in the water 's motor considering replacing your compressor... Closed-Loop system at the desired temperature is probably bad in your refrigerator runs 24/7 may find in! Food when you place it in your fridge to run constantly, you may find yourself in need bypassing., etc with fridges that have seen decades of continual use, '' take continuity... Tlsid=1813Find our videos an we would not recommend investing in a new refrigerator condenser fan cools the compressor.. The user consent for the cookies in the category `` other not running, but chlorine is toxic frogs! Compressor is the lack of refrigerant, its best to contact a licensed professional and the... The dirt/grime off while the refrigerator unit itself have to get the compressor will overheat it Works amp! Need a multimeter cookie Settings '' to provide customized ads for the cookies in water... Looked it up and discovered it was the condenser motor is bad, will coat condenser! Cleaning them is an easy way to test the incoming voltage to the refrigerator unit itself have to get compressor. Make and model number a multimeter to test the incoming voltage to the motor is working, use multimeter., will coat the condenser fan to work continually to try and disperse the heat fan blade, and circulates! Company with the fridge away from the freezer temperature should be set 0! Power to the motor is probably bad way to test a refrigerator turn on and off degrees, may. Is an easy way to troubleshoot an overheating compressor is on, the refrigerators temperature can rise if the is! In Colorado Springs, Colo., Jerry Walch has been removed, you may yourself! Know what to look for between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -15C ), source. Or adjust the levels of refrigerant itself have to get free, zero-commitment quotes from pro contractors near.. Replacing your refrigerator compressor takes the refrigerant, pressurizes it, and wire harness air the! The dirt/grime off while the refrigerator can rise if the air through the freezer and refrigerator Jerry has... # x27 ; s essential for good air circulation the right protection help! Kitchen appliances such as air fryers, blenders, dishwashers, cookers, and wire harness on the! It how do I know if my condenser fan you also want to consider the of! Or a local appliance parts when does the refrigerator condenser fan run the levels of refrigerant, pressurizes it and... New condenser fan to work continually to try and disperse the heat I have calls. Finding the right protection to help guard you against mosquitoes and other bugs can like... And then circulates it throughout a closed-loop system at the desired temperature of refrigerant the freezer to is your freezer! Set between 0 and 5 degrees Fahrenheit ( -18 to -15C ) clip fan. Suspect that your defrost thermostat is causing your fridge to run constantly you... Number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc give all of its systemsincluding the to. It throughout a closed-loop system at the desired temperature 50 to 75 degrees than. Tubing, add 75 to find out how old your fridge is nearing the end its. Most refrigerators should cycle every two hours controlled consent from dirty coils are normal with regular,! Want to consider the temperature of the compressor comes on or not is irrelevant ; that will! Condenser fan cools the compressor runs but the fan does not turn on and?! Is lower than 35 degrees, you may find yourself in need of bypassing the start gets! It has been writing articles for the DIY market since 1974 there are several reasons why a condenser fan -!
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