Replacing a fridge compressor costs an average of $450, but the size and type of compressor could bring your total anywhere between $300 and $400.
Installing a new refrigerator compressor costs about $450 on average, ranging between $300 and $400, in most cases. The cost for the compressor itself can run from $100 to $500, not including installation. When your refrigerator is running perfectly, you probably don’t give its inner workings much thought. However, a refrigerator compressor is vital to its operation. The compressor is like the heart of your fridge, pumping refrigerant gas to create the energy necessary to keep the fridge cool.
A few factors determine the price of a refrigerator compressor, including its size and design and the fridge's dimensions.
Like most things in the home improvement space, bigger translates to higher costs when it comes to your fridge compressor. Large refrigerators need proportionally large compressors to handle the cooling. Extra-large compressors run up to $700 for just the part, but these designs are typically reserved for commercial refrigerators. Large residential compressors max out at around $400 to $500, even when they are extra beefy.
However, you don’t have a choice when it comes to a replacement model, as you need the part that fits your specific refrigerator, no matter the size. If you have a small refrigerator, the cost for an equivalent compressor starts at around $100.
The type of compressor also dictates the overall cost of the replacement part. There are four main types of technology used with refrigerator compressors, each with price ranges, pros, and cons. Remember, though, to purchase the part that fits your refrigerator, even if it is a less desirable type.
Open compressor: An open compressor design separates the motor from any related components, making this type easy to repair, as you can easily swap out the motor when needed. These compressors are on the larger side, can leak with heavy use, and cost around $200 to $400.
Hermetic compressor: As the name suggests, the parts of these compressors are located in a hermetically sealed enclosure. This helps the compressor last longer, as the parts are never exposed to the harsh elements of a refrigerator's interior. This makes repairs difficult, however, though the buy-in cost of this compressor type is on the lower side, at $100 to $250. Labor costs to access the compressor will be higher.
Piston compressor: This is the most common type of compressor on the market and is likely sitting in your refrigerator right now. These come in multiple configurations to suit most residential-friendly refrigerator designs. They are relatively easy to repair and replace but require regular lubrication to operate with peak efficiency. These compact compressors are affordable, at between $100 and $300.
Spiral compressor: Otherwise called scroll compressors, spiral compressors feature a minimalist design with few components. This makes them durable, long-lasting, and easy to repair, though the power output is reduced when compared to other types. These are often found in high-end modern refrigerators and cost around $200 to $450.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) requires anyone working with refrigerants to be certified, as replacing a compressor requires specialized tools and expertise. Refrigerator technicians charge anywhere from $45 to $120 per hour, plus a one-time service fee between $150 and $200.
Luckily, replacing a compressor is a fairly quick process, in many cases, taking just an hour or two. Labor costs will typically be a bit higher for larger compressors and certain designs that make accessing them more challenging, like hermetic compressors. You can use the table below to estimate your labor costs.
| Compressor Type | Average Time to Replace | Average Time to Repair |
|---|---|---|
| Hermetic Compressor | 1–2 hours | 2–3 hours |
| Open Compressor | 1 hour | 1–2 hours |
| Piston Compressor | 1 hour | 1 hour |
| Spiral Compressor | 1 hour | 1–2 hours |
Most appliance repair companies charge extra for emergency repairs. The pricing structure for emergency repair calls can vary based on the timing of the call, the complexity of the task, the parts of a refrigerator that need replacements, and a company's overall approach to service fees. Generally, emergency repair fees kick in when you request work after business hours, on weekends, or during holidays. Expect to pay an extra $50 to $200 for emergency compressor repairs.
In general, refrigerator compressor replacement costs are higher in urban areas than in rural areas. However, you may end up paying more in service fees or travel fees if you live in a more remote location that requires a tech to make a long drive to your home for repair services. Additionally, the availability of qualified refrigerator repair technicians in your area can influence pricing. In areas with limited repair options, demand for qualified, licensed techs with expertise can drive up costs.
| Average Cost | $300 | $375 |
| Typical Range | $200–$400 | $250–$650 |
Compressor repairs are slightly less expensive than a full replacement, with the cost to repair a compressor coming in at $200 to $450. However, refrigerator compressors last eight to 10 years, so consider springing for the extra money to replace them as they approach the end of their life span. Otherwise, another issue is more likely to pop up just a few months later, especially if you notice other signs that your fridge is dying.
Additionally, not all compressors can be repaired. Hermetic compressors, for instance, typically require replacement, as the design does not allow access to the interior components. Professionals can repair certain components on these compressors, but interior damage will necessitate a full replacement.
Compressors are not the only parts of a refrigerator that require occasional TLC. Below are some other common refrigerator repair costs.
If the fridge is running, but not staying cool, there’s a chance the problem is simply a faulty relay switch, which can cost $50 to $200 to repair.
Fixing a refrigerant leak costs about $200 to $300. If you notice a chemical smell in your kitchen or your fridge runs but isn’t cooling, you might have a refrigerant leak. This is uncommon and usually only occurs if your fridge experiences physical damage that bends or kinks the refrigerant lines inside. You should definitely call a refrigerator repair service if you believe you have a refrigerant leak.
Fixing refrigerator coils costs $100 to $400, depending on the underlying issue and any accessibility concerns. You might be able to get away with just cleaning the coils, which usually costs between $50 and $100.
Besides the compressor, a refrigerator’s coils are the main components that help keep everything cool. They condense warm air and assist with circulating the coolant throughout the interior. In other words, these coils are extremely important. Unfortunately, they typically reside near the bottom of the refrigerator, so they are especially prone to damage from debris and associated gunk.
The humble ice maker is a deceptively complex piece of equipment, requiring a good amount of time to repair. On average, repairing a standard ice maker costs $200, though this price fluctuates depending on the design. In most cases, pros recommend a full replacement, which might not be more affordable but usually provides a better, more permanent solution at just a slightly higher cost in some cases. Replacing an ice maker usually costs between $250 and $600. If you are really strapped for cash, consider disconnecting your ice maker and going with simple ice trays.
The control board is the most expensive repair job on this list, with repairs costing anywhere from $80 to $800. A refrigerator’s control board is the brains of the entire operation, so no other component works without it. If your refrigerator has stopped working entirely, it is likely a control board issue. The cost of replacement control boards goes up when troubleshooting modern high-end models that have advanced features.
It’s worth mentioning that control board replacement is often only worthwhile if your fridge isn’t nearing the end of its useful life. With a total price between 25% and 50% of what a new fridge usually costs, buying a new fridge might be more affordable in the long run.
To potentially save money on a service call or avoid a refrigerator repair, you can check a few things to see why your fridge might not be cooling before calling a pro:
Ensure the fridge has power and the temperature is set properly (at or below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, while the freezer should be at 0 degrees Fahrenheit).
Pull the fridge away from the wall and check behind it. Is the fan clean, and are the coils free of blockages? As long as you’re back there, unplug the fridge and gently brush off any dust, dirt, and pet hair, vacuuming it up. It’s a good idea to do this every year anyway to prevent debris from interfering with your fridge.
Unplug the fridge and remove the service panel for about 20 minutes to allow it to cool and reset, then plug it back in.
Still not cooling? To save your cold food, find a top appliance repair service near you.
In the case of fridge compressor repairs or replacements, it is nearly always more cost-effective to hire a pro. Compressors are complex bits of technology with designs that take years of experience to fully understand, so it’s easy to make costly mistakes as a DIYer.
Going the DIY route will save on labor costs, sometimes over $100 per hour, but you will likely spend that money gathering up specialized tools. Additionally, pros get these jobs done in under two hours, and it is sure to take you much longer.
Finally, pros are safety-conscious, as refrigerant leaks can be dangerous to deal with, and they know where to recycle the faulty compressor in a way that meets local regulatory standards.
Some refrigerator repair projects, such as troubleshooting a faulty door gasket, are great to try on your own to save on that service call fee. However, you should really leave compressor repair and replacement to a professional.
There are some simple ways to save money when repairing or replacing a refrigerator compressor.
Used parts: Buying used compressors and related parts can save you some serious money, as a used compressor costs around half as much as a new unit. However, you won’t get a product warranty with a new compressor, so get the go-ahead from your technician before choosing this route.
Double up on repair jobs: Technicians charge a service fee no matter how long the job takes. In other words, have your pro handle several refrigerator issues at once to avoid calling them back out for another visit and paying the fee again.
Clear out the fridge: Remember, pros charge by the hour, so make things easy for them by clearing out the refrigerator and freezer before they arrive. Otherwise, they might have to do it themselves and charge you for it.
Check your warranty: Dig up any warranties you have lying around that pertain to the refrigerator. If you purchased a standalone extended warranty at some point in the past, it might still be active. The same goes for the manufacturer’s warranty if the refrigerator is newer. The warranty might cover all or most of the repair costs.
Gather multiple estimates: Don’t go with the first estimate you come across. Instead, talk to a few technicians and collect several estimates. This allows you to choose a pro based on cost, but it also allows you to use other estimates as a bargaining chip to get the costs down with your preferred pro.
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If the food in your fridge is no longer cold, there’s a good chance the compressor has gone. Just to be sure, before calling a technician, make sure the fridge has power and that the refrigerator temperature is set properly (at or below 40 degrees F while the freezer should be at 0 degrees F). It’s also a good idea to pull it away from the wall and check behind. Are the coils and fan clean? If so, call an appliance technician.
Refrigerator compressors are robust enough to last for the full life span of the appliance. Most will last eight to 15 years. However, the durability of a compressor can depend on how well you maintain your refrigerator. Common reasons why refrigerator compressors fail include overheating, lack of lubrication, and dust buildup.
If your refrigerator is more than 15 years old, it probably needs to be replaced, and it makes more sense to replace over repair. A new fridge costs $1,000 to $4,000 or more. If you have a newer fridge, it’s worth spending a couple hundred dollars on a repair to make it last several more years. Repairing an older fridge might not yield much in the way of useful life. You can always ask your repair technician if it makes more sense to replace your fridge rather than repair it.
When your refrigerator starts making strange noises or isn’t staying cold, it might be time to service or replace it. The cost to repair a refrigerator or freezer averages $200 to $330. One common problem is an overheating fan, which happens when a compressor is too hot to touch or makes a strange noise. There could also be a problem with the start relay. If that’s the case, you will hear a clicking noise and feel warm air in the fridge. Another issue is an evaporator malfunction, which might make odd sounds.
It depends on the issue, the cost of the replacement compressor, and the cost of replacing the entire refrigerator, but in many cases, yes, it’s worth replacing your fridge compressor. While refrigerator compressors can be expensive, usually falling between $200 and $650 with an average of $375, the total pales in comparison to the several thousand dollars you’d spend on a new fridge. If your fridge is nearing the end of its life anyway, consider a full replacement. Otherwise, it probably makes the most sense just to replace your compressor.
