Understanding the main parts of a fridge makes it much easier to describe a fault, follow a technician’s diagnosis and decide whether a repair is worthwhile. Here is how a fridge works, part by part, and what goes wrong with each.
How Does a Fridge Work? The Short Answer
A fridge moves heat from inside the cabinet to the room outside. The compressor pumps refrigerant around a sealed system. In the evaporator inside the fridge, the refrigerant absorbs heat and boils into a gas. The compressor raises its pressure, and in the condenser outside the cabinet it releases that heat and turns back into a liquid. An expansion device drops the pressure again, and the cycle repeats. Fans, a defrost system, sensors and a control board manage the process.
The Main Parts of a Fridge
Compressor
The pump at the heart of the system, usually at the back bottom of the fridge. Common problems: failing to start, clicking, overheating, loud noise. See signs of a bad compressor.
Condenser coils
Release heat to the room, at the back, underneath or inside the side walls. Common problems: dust build-up causing poor cooling and overheating. See fridge hot on the outside.
Condenser fan
On many fridges, cools the condenser and compressor. Common problems: worn bearings, noise, failure causing overheating.
Expansion device (capillary tube)
Drops the refrigerant pressure before it enters the evaporator. Common problems: blockages causing poor cooling, a sealed system repair.
Evaporator coils
Inside the cabinet, usually behind the freezer back panel, where heat is absorbed. Common problems: frost build-up, leaks. See evaporator coil problems.
Evaporator fan
Circulates cold air through both compartments. Common problems: squealing, failure causing a warm fridge. See freezer fan not working.
Defrost system
A heater, sensor or thermostat and timer or board that melts frost off the evaporator. Common problems: heavy frost, warm fridge, leaks. See defrost problems.
Thermostat, sensors and control board
Monitor temperatures and tell the compressor and fans when to run. Common problems: wrong temperatures, error codes, no power.
Door seals
Keep cold air in and warm, humid air out. Common problems: splits, hardening, poor sealing.
Drain and drain pan
Carry defrost water away to evaporate. Common problems: blockages causing leaks. See fridge leaking water.
Not sure which part is at fault? Call Ace Fridge Repairs on 0452 462 556.
Fridge Repairs Across Sydney
Ace Fridge Repairs diagnoses and repairs every part of the fridge across Greater Sydney, including Double Bay, Auburn and Penrith, from 93B Pagoda Crescent, Quakers Hill NSW 2763, with a 12-month warranty on parts and labour. For a list of the parts we replace most often, see fridge parts that commonly need replacing.
For residential or commercial fridge repairs, call 0452 462 556, 24/7.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main parts of a fridge?
The compressor, condenser, expansion device, evaporator, fans, defrost system, thermostat or sensors, control board, door seals and drain.
Which fridge part does the cooling?
The evaporator inside the cabinet absorbs heat, while the compressor and condenser move that heat outside. All parts of the sealed system work together.
Which fridge parts fail most often?
Fans, defrost components, seals, sensors and control boards fail more often than the compressor.