How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is bad?

Warning signs of compressor failure include unusual operating sounds (clicking, buzzing, or humming), inadequate cooling despite the fan running, excessive heat around the compressor area, and frequent cycling on and off. Your refrigerator might also run continuously without reaching the proper temperature, causing food to spoil quickly. Before concluding it's a compressor issue, verify that your refrigerator has power and the correct temperature settings.

Is it worth replacing a refrigerator compressor?

The value proposition depends on several factors. Compressor replacement makes financial sense for refrigerators under seven to 10 years old, especially premium models or those still under warranty. For units approaching or exceeding their expected 12 to 15-year lifespan, or when repair costs approach half the price of a new refrigerator, replacing the entire appliance offers better long-term value.

How long does a refrigerator compressor last?

Refrigerator compressors function effectively for eight to 15 years, though this varies based on usage patterns, maintenance regularity, and manufacturing quality. Environmental factors like ambient temperature, power supply stability, and ventilation also impact longevity. Regular maintenance practices—including coil cleaning, ensuring adequate airflow around the unit, and avoiding overfilling—can significantly extend compressor life.

Can I replace a refrigerator compressor myself?

Refrigerator compressor replacement should be performed exclusively by EPA-certified professionals. The process involves handling refrigerant, which requires special licensing, training, and equipment to manage safely and legally. Amateur attempts risk environmentally harmful refrigerant leaks, component damage, warranty voiding, and potential safety hazards. The specialized tools and expertise required make this repair particularly unsuitable for DIY efforts.

Top-Rated Refrigerator Installs or Repairs Experts in Chehalis, WA

ALL IN ONE General Contractor

195 Summers Rd

4.56(

9

)

•

Approved Pro

ALL IN ONE General Contractor

195 Summers Rd

4.56(

9

)

•

Approved Pro

Customers say: Terrific value

318 local quotes requested

7 years of experience

Licensed, Bonded and Insured Let us help you complete your home projects, no matter how big or how small we can get it done. We are a local business out of Centralia WA. Doing all kinds of home improvements and renovations. *Residential & Commercial *Roofing & Siding *Insulation *Bathroom Remodels *Decks and more! We offer reliable, professional, friendly service, with free estimates.

"Leo was polite friendly and on time. His crew was also polite friendly and on time. They cleaned up afterwards and I am happy with the job. He even agreed to guaranteeing the roof will pass inspection when I sell my house. Great price."

Lydia R on March 2025

Licensed, Bonded and Insured Let us help you complete your home projects, no matter how big or how small we can get it done. We are a local business out of Centralia WA. Doing all kinds of home improvements and renovations. *Residential & Commercial *Roofing & Siding *Insulation *Bathroom Remodels *Decks and more! We offer reliable, professional, friendly service, with free estimates.

"Leo was polite friendly and on time. His crew was also polite friendly and on time. They cleaned up afterwards and I am happy with the job. He even agreed to guaranteeing the roof will pass inspection when I sell my house. Great price."

Lydia R on March 2025

Handy Andy's Repair and Remodel, LLC

Located In:

5.00(

2

)

•

Approved Pro

Handy Andy's Repair and Remodel, LLC

Located In:

5.00(

2

)

•

Approved Pro

Customers say: Quick response

Recommended by 100% of Angi customers

Recommended by 100% of HomeAdvisor customers

1 years of experience

At Handy Andy's Repair and Remodel, we specialize in providing value to our customers by performing quality repair and remodeling services. We take on all types of projects for both residential and commercial customers and pride ourselves on the quality and efficiency of those services, making your home or business improvements quick and easy! We believe that our customers should be paying for a result they are happy with, not the time it takes the contractor to perform the work they deem only good enough. If you are interested in working with us, please call or text (760) 927-2545 for scheduling. We look forward to serving you!

"Overall results were great. Extremely happy with the end results of the project. Stairs demo, landing flooring replacement, guest bath complete remodel. Andy is very meticulous about how things come out, which reflects the pride he takes in his work. Would definitely recommend."

Steve R on February 2025

At Handy Andy's Repair and Remodel, we specialize in providing value to our customers by performing quality repair and remodeling services. We take on all types of projects for both residential and commercial customers and pride ourselves on the quality and efficiency of those services, making your home or business improvements quick and easy! We believe that our customers should be paying for a result they are happy with, not the time it takes the contractor to perform the work they deem only good enough. If you are interested in working with us, please call or text (760) 927-2545 for scheduling. We look forward to serving you!

"Overall results were great. Extremely happy with the end results of the project. Stairs demo, landing flooring replacement, guest bath complete remodel. Andy is very meticulous about how things come out, which reflects the pride he takes in his work. Would definitely recommend."

Steve R on February 2025

Polam Home Improvement Services

PO Box 126

New on HomeAdvisorNew on Angi•

Approved Pro

Polam Home Improvement Services

PO Box 126

New on AngiNew on HomeAdvisor•

Approved Pro

696 local quotes requested

7 years of experience

I am known for my expertise and quality work that I do. I'm dependable, honest and provide good detailed work. Main types of projects that I work on are: stucco, any type of stucco -repair, leaking problems, decks, remodel kitchens and bathrooms , any remodel, build garages, additions, change windows, doors etc.

Opportunity Construction

4225 183rd Ave SW

4.73(

15

)

•

Approved Pro

Opportunity Construction

4225 183rd Ave SW

4.73(

15

)

•

Approved Pro

Customers say: Terrific value

Recommended by 93% of Angi customers

Recommended by 93% of HomeAdvisor customers

655 local quotes requested

We are a general contractor that focuses on the customers needs since 2002. Our primary goal is find solutions that fit into the clients time frame and budget. We work on remodels, rental renovations, handy mans services for general maintenance and repairs, drainage and sewer solutions, decking. Emergency Service. Big or small projects welcome. Let us fulfill your desired needs.

"Dean was up front and laid out what the project entailed and worked with us to come up with a plan that fit within our budget and time frame. We had some weather issues (snow) that caused a bit of a delay but he was in constant contact with us and we were able to get everything done quickly and efficiently. He makes you feel like you're working with a friend more than a contractor. We have a few other projects coming up that we will only hire Opportunity Construction for. Quality of the work done was 10/10 people think that the enclosed porch was here from day one it is so spot on."

Greg L on March 2025

We are a general contractor that focuses on the customers needs since 2002. Our primary goal is find solutions that fit into the clients time frame and budget. We work on remodels, rental renovations, handy mans services for general maintenance and repairs, drainage and sewer solutions, decking. Emergency Service. Big or small projects welcome. Let us fulfill your desired needs.

"Dean was up front and laid out what the project entailed and worked with us to come up with a plan that fit within our budget and time frame. We had some weather issues (snow) that caused a bit of a delay but he was in constant contact with us and we were able to get everything done quickly and efficiently. He makes you feel like you're working with a friend more than a contractor. We have a few other projects coming up that we will only hire Opportunity Construction for. Quality of the work done was 10/10 people think that the enclosed porch was here from day one it is so spot on."

Greg L on March 2025

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

143 Charlotte Ave

4.29(

573

)

•

Approved Pro

Neli Virtual Appliance Repair

143 Charlotte Ave

4.29(

573

)

•

Approved Pro

Customers say: Super punctual

54393 local quotes requested

9 years of experience

Virtually diagnose and/or repair your appliances and HVAC units today without anyone stepping foot inside your home! Starting at $45 you can take control of your home appliance repairs via video chat with a certified technician when it’s convenient for you. Make an appointment today on our website. Neli's certified technicians will work with you to conduct either a diagnosis to find out what's wrong or a repair. You will use Neli’s advanced video chat technology during your appointment. Schedule your appointment today at nelihome.com or call us at 833-876-0900!

"They did fine"

Keavon R on May 2025

Virtually diagnose and/or repair your appliances and HVAC units today without anyone stepping foot inside your home! Starting at $45 you can take control of your home appliance repairs via video chat with a certified technician when it’s convenient for you. Make an appointment today on our website. Neli's certified technicians will work with you to conduct either a diagnosis to find out what's wrong or a repair. You will use Neli’s advanced video chat technology during your appointment. Schedule your appointment today at nelihome.com or call us at 833-876-0900!

"They did fine"

Keavon R on May 2025

Albina General Remodeling

No reviews

Albina General Remodeling

No reviews

Emergency services offered

We have been in the construction business for over 20 years. If you can dream it we can make it happen for you. I promise that you will want to work with us instead of the other people because of just 1 thing and that would be our warranty. We don't give you the regular 1 year and so on. We are so confident and amazing at what we do that you can call 5 years down the road and we will come fix it.

E&G FANTASTIC

No reviews

E&G FANTASTIC

No reviews

3 years of experience

Offering counter top installation. We do Quarts or Granite counter tops. Free estaminets.

Rescue Plumbing LLC

3080 Bell Road Northeast

No reviews

Rescue Plumbing LLC

3080 Bell Road Northeast

No reviews

37 years of experience

Rescue Plumbing LLC in Moses Lake Delivers quality Plumbers Water Heaters for all your Plumbing needs.A quality plumber for all your plumbing needs.Plumbers in Moses Lake and surrounding areas.Plumber Moses Lake,Plumbers Moses Lake,Plumbing Moses Lake,Water Heaters Moses Lake,Water Heater Moses Lake,Plumber,Plumbers,Plumbing,Water Heaters,Water Heater,Moses Lake Plumber,Moses Lake Plumbers,Moses Lake Plumbing,Moses Lake Water Heaters,Moses Lake Water Heater

DC Appliance Repairs

PO Box412

1.00(

3

)

DC Appliance Repairs

PO Box412

1.00(

3

)

6 years of experience

Repairs and installs all appliances no matter the age or brand and we have low cost diagnostic of $85. We also offer a clean and maintain service for all appliances in the home to make sure they have the longest life span as possible.

"I called for washing machine repair and he set up an appointment for the next morning. He no showed. I texted him and he had a family emergency, which is fine, but set up another appointment to come out the next day. He once again no showed. I again texted him, which he read the text, but no response."

Teresa W on June 2023

Repairs and installs all appliances no matter the age or brand and we have low cost diagnostic of $85. We also offer a clean and maintain service for all appliances in the home to make sure they have the longest life span as possible.

"I called for washing machine repair and he set up an appointment for the next morning. He no showed. I texted him and he had a family emergency, which is fine, but set up another appointment to come out the next day. He once again no showed. I again texted him, which he read the text, but no response."

Teresa W on June 2023

Washington Home Center Inc

1051 NW Louisiana

1.00(

1

)

Washington Home Center Inc

1051 NW Louisiana

1.00(

1

)

Additional phone - (800) 438-7279, (800) 241-5187, (800) 490-9424. Additional fax - (360) 748-0588, (360) 748-1032, (360) 426-8493. Additional address - 1899 N National, Chehalis, WA 98532, SE 61 Ryan Rd, Shelton, 98584. Additional DBA - Kirkendoll Homes LLC, Washington Home & Land Services Inc. See website additional services.Additional email - cheryl.richards@washhome.com, ron.parker@washhome.com, brian.amburgy@washhome.com, kathy.kelly@washhome.com, max.lilly@washhome.com, keith.wilkinson@washhome.com, chuck.hampton@washhome.com, mike.newhall@washhome.com, kain.kirkendoll@washhome.com, kristin.kirkendoll@washhome.com, lisa.renggli@washhome.com, virginia.krikava@washhome.com, jeff.holcomb@washhome.com, rod.richards@washhome.com, frances.cramer@washhome.com, laurie.doyle@washhome.com. Financing available. Cost is determined by the job.