There’s nothing quite like spoiled food to turn a dream sail into a bad vacation. If you leave shore without your refrigeration system working properly, this could happen to you. Just like clean, fresh water is essential to being at sea for long periods, the ability to keep things cold is, too.
This is why you’ll want to ensure your system works properly before you take off. What does a bad refrigerator compressor sound like?
Table of Contents
What Does a Bad Refrigerator Compressor Sound Like?
Grinding, Scraping, or Knocking
Sizzling
Recurring Clicking, Buzzing, or Vibrating
Rattling
Loud Humming
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How Can You Tell If a Refrigerator Compressor Is Bad?
If you listen hard enough, your refrigeration system tries to talk to you. Yet, it can be difficult to know whether it is telling you, “I’m working hard over here!” and “Help me!” This is because systems like this make noise quite often and are usually not a cause for concern. How can you tell the difference? What is a good noise, and what is a bad noise?
Grinding, Scraping, or Knocking
- There could be an obstruction in one of the system’s fans.
- The condenser fan is located at the bottom of the refrigerator.
- The evaporator fan sits in the freezer compartment.
- You will want to remove any debris blocking the fan blades.
- You’ll also want to inspect the fan and replace any broken parts before you leave shore.
Sizzling
- Don’t worry! While a sizzling sound might sound scary, it’s likely not a cause for concern.
- It is probably just water dripping on the defrost heater.
Recurring Clicking, Buzzing, or Vibrating
- The sound is probably the icemaker attempting to make ice but not being connected to a water supply.
- Either connect it or shut it off altogether so the sound will stop.
Rattling
- The cause of the rattling noise may be the sides or back of the fridge touching another surface. It could be like a wall or kitchen cabinet.
- Pull the fridge out a few inches and see if it stops.
- Otherwise, the drain pan below the refrigerator may have come loose.
Loud Humming
- Refrigerator compressors make low humming or buzzing sounds during their normal operation.
- A low sound is not a cause for concern.
That said, if the refrigeration system‘s noise gets louder and louder to the point where you can hear it from the other side of the boat, you’ll need a replacement part.
Will a Refrigerator Compressor Run with a Bad Capacitor?
The capacitor plays a crucial role in helping the compressor start. If the capacitor is bad, the compressor may fail to start or run inconsistently. You might hear clicking or buzzing sounds as the system struggles to engage. A bad capacitor doesn’t necessarily damage the compressor itself. However, prolonged use with a faulty capacitor could strain the compressor, potentially leading to more expensive repairs.
If you suspect the capacitor is the problem, a technician can test and replace it to restore proper functionality. Addressing capacitor issues promptly can extend the life of your refrigerator’s compressor.
Order Replacement Parts
Now that you know what a bad refrigerator compressor sounds like, you can see if you need to repair it. When you need new parts for your marine refrigeration system, we encourage you to order from Cruise RO Water and Power. COOL BLUE refrigeration systems are as reliable as your land-based 120v kitchen refrigerator, using half the daily amps of other 12v refrigeration systems. The best part is that no refrigeration technician or experience is needed!
