This article explains how to solve the issue of a Whirlpool refrigerator overheating in detail.
Table of Contents
Whirlpool Refrigerator Overheating in Compressor – Fixed
The compressor on a Whirlpool refrigerator typically gets hot during regular operations. Nothing is wrong with this, but it should not get excessively hot or overheat. The condenser fan should run simultaneously to cool the compressor and the condenser coils. Also, the compressor only runs in cycles to give it some rest time. Therefore, it is normal to find the compressor warm or slightly hot.
However, an overheating compressor poses a problem for the refrigerator. If you find it overheating, check the thermostat to ensure it controls the temperature correctly. Also, check the condenser coils; significantly dirty coils can trap heat and cause the compressor to run to the point of overheating. The evaporator fan may also be faulty, and it can cause the compressor to work extra, which leads to overheating. And the refrigerant level may have dropped, which is unlikely unless there is a leak. This article on Whirlpool refrigerator compressor issues explains how to fix these problems.
Other issues can cause the compressor to overheat, apart from those mentioned above. If there is poor air circulation around the refrigerator, the compressor and condenser coils will overheat. There should be a few inches of space behind and by the sides of the appliance to help with heat dissipation.
Also, the location of the refrigerator can affect the compressor. If you place it too close to a heat source or in the path of direct sunlight, the heat will compromise the refrigerator’s capacity to cool, causing the compressor to work harder. The extra work can make it overheat, and the heat source can also make it overheat.
A final possibility is that the compressor is failing. A faulty compressor may run more than usual to help the refrigerator cool because it may have difficulty operating normally. And when it runs continuously to maintain a cool temperature, it overheats and eventually fails, sometimes prematurely. Have a qualified appliance technician check the compressor and other components to determine faulty ones and fix them.
Whirlpool Refrigerator Gets Hot between Doors – Quick Fix
You may find that the area between the doors becomes hot when the refrigerator runs for a while. The same is true for the frame where the door seal meets the refrigerator. Warm liquid is circulating around the edges of the refrigerator and freezer sections to keep the refrigerator cabinet from building condensation.
It also ensures ice does not form in this area, which can cause the door seals to malfunction and compromise cooling. Therefore, it is normal for this area to feel warm or slightly hot. Hot days may cause the compressor to run longer than usual and tend to build humidity. This refrigerator function becomes especially necessary to keep the condensation out, which may cause the area between the doors to become hot.
However, when the condenser coils are dirty, the heat they trap can cause the area to become hot. This is especially true if the compressor has to run more than normal to help the refrigerator to maintain a cool temperature. If your refrigerator has visible coils, it may be time to inspect and clean them after determining whether or not they are significantly dirty. Use a vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt and wipe the coils with a cloth if there is stubborn dirt.
There may also be a mullion behind the area between the doors. The mullion acts as a heater to keep that area warm and prevent condensation buildup. It may cause the space between the doors to become hot, but you can turn it off using a dedicated switch. Consult the user manual to see if your refrigerator model has a mullion between the doors and find out how to control it. You can also contact the Whirlpool Service Center for further assistance.
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Side Walls of Whirlpool Refrigerator Hot – How to Fix
You should expect the side walls and cabinet of your Whirlpool refrigerator because of the way the appliance works. A refrigerator transfers heat from the inside to the outside. It takes warm air, cools it by absorbing the heat in it with the help of the refrigerant, and transfers the heat out through the condenser coils. Therefore, this regular operation should cause the side walls and other external parts to feel somewhat warm.
However, when the sides become too hot, it may be because the refrigerator is working too hard to maintain a cool internal temperature. That means the air circulation is restricted, and several issues can cause it to happen. Check the airflow around the external part of the appliance. Create enough space around it, especially at the back. There should be at least two inches of clearance to allow the heat to dissipate from the condenser coils. The same applies to the sides and top of the appliance.
Furthermore, check the condenser fan. The fan has the responsibility of cooling the condenser coils and compressor, so they do not overheat. So, if the side walls of your Whirlpool refrigerator are significantly hot, it may be because the condenser fan is no longer working. Check to see if it is dirty and clean it. Ensure the blade is in its proper position and is not bent. Also, check the motor by turning the blade by hand; if stiff, the motor may be defective and in need of a replacement.
While checking the fan, inspect the condenser coils. A significant amount of dirt can cause the refrigerator to overheat, evidenced by hot side walls. The condenser coils must be cleaned every six months or twelve months, but that depends on the refrigerator usage and the foot traffic around the house. A vacuum cleaner or a condenser coil cleaning brush can thoroughly clean the coils. Otherwise, hire a technician for a more professional cleaning job.
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