How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost? Different Brands

Refrigerator compressors are the most expensive part of a refrigerator. In this article let's find out how much does a Refrigerator Compressor cost?

Ever considered the importance of your refrigerator’s compressor? This crucial component keeps food fresh and drinks cold. What if it breaks? How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost?

On average, the cost of a refrigerator compressor generally ranges from $100 to $500. This doesn’t include labor charges, which can go from $100 to $200.

Understanding the price of a refrigerator compressor helps you plan for repairs or replacements. We’ve prepared this detailed guide on the cost of a refrigerator compressor, discussing prices and affecting factors. 

Let’s start exploring the cost of a refrigerator compressor!

How much does a Refrigerator Compressor cost?

Signs Your Refrigerator Compressor Needs to Be Replaced

Before starting the replacement price breakdown, it’s essential to understand the problem thoroughly because we don’t want you to spend money on an expensive compressor while the issue was something else all along.

How do you know the Refrigerator Compressor is not working properly?

Luckily, there are signs to tell us whether the compressor has gone wrong or not. We will be discussing those signs in detail below. So, strap right in.

Strange Noises: Is your fridge making strange noises? This could suggest your compressor is failing. Normal fridge operation involves some noise, but loud sounds, clicks, or hums indicate an issue. 
Overheating: Is your fridge’s back hot? A too hot refrigerator compressor signifies a major problem. While it’s usual for the fridge’s back to be a bit warm, a hot surface shows the compressor is overworking.
Higher Energy Bills: Seeing an increase in your energy bills? Continuous refrigerator operation may be the culprit, potentially indicating a compressor issue. While energy usage fluctuates, a sudden rise often signals a problem.
Fridge Doesn’t Cool Properly: Is your food spoiling quickly or is your fridge warm despite being set cold? These are signs of a failing compressor. The compressor’s role is to cool the fridge and if it’s not, it needs replacing. These indications suggest your refrigerator compressor needs replacement.

How Much Does a Refrigerator Compressor Cost?

Curious about the average cost of a refrigerator compressor replacement? The price varies depending on the refrigerator brand, type of compressor, and if professional installation is hired.

The cost of a new refrigerator compressor ranges from $100 to $500, not including potential labor costs. The price may vary based on your refrigerator specifics and local labor rates. 

How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Refrigerator Compressor?

If you opt for professional assistance, considering the task’s complexity, the total price, including the compressor, labor, and additional parts if needed, can rise to between $400 and $1000.

Let’s break down the replacement price in detail, help you identify the signs, and how you can save more money during the replacement process.

  • Brand of the refrigerator: High-end brands like Sub-Zero could cost more.
  • Type of compressor: Some types of compressors may cost more than others.
  • Professional installation: Labor costs can vary dramatically based on your location and the complexity of the installation.

For homeowners, understanding costs prior to repairs is essential to prevent surprises. Consider getting quotes from various professionals for a good deal. 

Keep in mind, older refrigerator models may have hard-to-find or discontinued compressors. This can increase costs, making a full replacement more cost-effective. 

How Much Does a Compressor Cost for a LG Refrigerator?

An LG refrigerator compressor costs around $200 to $300, excluding labor costs of $100 to $200. A more advanced linear compressor, found in high-end LG fridges, will cost between $400 to $600, plus labor costs if you’re not installing it yourself. 

Therefore, the total cost for a compressor replacement in an LG refrigerator can range from $300 to $800. Despite the high cost, it’s an essential component for keeping your food fresh and drinks cold. 

If your LG refrigerator is under warranty, the compressor might be covered, potentially reducing or eliminating the cost. Always check your warranty before purchasing a new compressor.

How Much Does a Compressor Cost for a Kenmore Refrigerator?

Kenmore Elite Refrigerator comes with an LG linear compressor. It is more efficient and power-saving than the regular ones. So, you can order the same compressor to avoid any compatibility risk.

The cost of a Kenmore refrigerator compressor can stay between $275 to $290, depending on the marketplace you choose. If your two-year-old Kenmore elite has a faulty compressor, it will not cool anymore. However, we don’t recommend you to spend a lump-sump on a new fridge altogether. All you need is a new compressing unit to solve the issue.

How Much Does a Compressor Cost for a Whirlpool Refrigerator?

Whirlpool Refrigerator comes with a compressor of the same brand. They also sell the compressors as a replacement unit. Depending on the marketplace you choose, you can get one for something like $330 to $350.

You will need to update the control board and clean up the coils properly before installation. If you are not confident enough, it would be better to call someone who has the expertise. Plus, it would be best if you had a lot of tools to get the job done without any help. We don’t expect you to have all of them. Plus, a wrong move is enough to completely damage the $1000 double-door refrigerator.

How Much Does a Compressor Cost for a Maytag Refrigerator?

Maytag refrigerator compressors cost between $200 and $400, not including installation costs. Labor for installation can add an additional $200 to $300, making the total replacement cost around $400 to $700. 

A new Maytag refrigerator ranges from $1,000 to $2,500. However, a new compressor can prolong your refrigerator’s lifespan by several years, which could be a beneficial investment.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a New Refrigerator Compressor

So, you’ve decided that it’s time to replace your refrigerator’s compressor. But how do you know which one to choose? There are several factors to consider when making your decision. Let’s take a closer look. 

Compatibility: Not all compressors are compatible with all refrigerators. It’s crucial to ensure that the compressor you’re considering is suitable for your specific make and model of refrigerator. Your user manual or a quick online search can often provide this information. 
Efficiency: Efficiency is another key factor. A more efficient compressor can save you money on your energy bills in the long run. Look for a compressor with a high energy efficiency ratio (EER). 
Warranty: Don’t forget about the warranty. A compressor with a longer warranty period could end up saving you money if something goes wrong. It’s worth paying a bit more upfront for a compressor with a good warranty. 
Brand Reputation: Finally, consider the reputation of the brand. Some brands have a better track record for reliability and customer service than others. It’s always a good idea to do some research before making your final decision. 

Although price matters, it’s not the sole factor in selecting a new refrigerator compressor. Consider all factors to make the best choice for your needs.

How to Replace the Compressor on a Budget?

We have already explained how the pricing works. But it can be overwhelming if you don’t have a fund for monthly home maintenance. After all, spending $500 all of a sudden on a compressor is not a joke. 

Therefore, we have prepared this shortlist on how you can save some money during the replacement process.

First of all, don’t go after a new compressor. There are plenty of websites people use to buy used home appliances for a lower price. You can get one from such sellers for as low as $35.
The next way would be to DIY the installation process. If you have a close friend or family who is in this business, get them to help you out. You might also have enough knowledge to do it. Just rent the tools from your local hardware store and start the work.
Check if you could solve the issue without a new compressor. Sometimes a tiny component might trigger the compressor to act weirdly. Before you hurry to replace the compressor, run some tests at home. For example, it might be the relay switch that is causing issues. If the switch is faulty, just get a new one. It might fix the compressor issue as well.

Read More –

Replace Refrigerator Compressor or Buy New? Making the Right Choice

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it worth getting a new Refrigerator than replacing the Compressor?
It depends on how old your Refrigerator is. If the unit has served over ten years, it would be a waste to invest more bucks in it. Just buy a brand new one and save yourself the trouble. However, if the Refrigerator is still new, try replacing the component causing issues.
How long does a Refrigerator Compressor last?
If you take care of the compressor properly, it should last ten years or more without any repair. As time passes, the efficiency with which it works reduces gradually. So, you can expect it to cause more disturbance during the last few years.
Why is my Refrigerator Compressor so Hot?
The refrigerator compressor can overheat due to various reasons. One of them is a dirty ventilation system. Check whether the fan located at the back of the Refrigerator has caught dirt or debris in it. Or, a sudden surge in the electricity can cause such overheating too.

Wrapping Up

Your experience with the Refrigerator somehow depends on luck too. Because we have seen Refrigerators from the same brand serving over decades for one user and showing errors within a year for another person. Don’t worry if the compressor is giving you a hard time. You can always replace or repair it.

We tried to give you all the necessary information on how much money it would require. So that you can get an overall idea before going into the market yourself. That was all for today. Hope you got your answer on how much a refrigerator compressor costs.

Author

Edward Winters

Edward is a seasoned home appliances specialist focusing on refrigerators. With a decade's experience, he has an extensive understanding of installation, repair, and maintenance. He has a history of diagnosing and fixing complicated refrigerator issues. Passionate about assisting individuals with home appliance decisions, Edward's expertise spans all major refrigerator brands, covering installation, repair, maintenance, and troubleshooting.