Common Reasons for Compressor Failure

Think of the compressor as the heart of your refrigeration system. It pumps refrigerant gas away from the evaporator and into the condenser. And just like a heart, compressors need love and attention to ensure a healthy, long life.


If you don't properly care for your commercial refrigerator's compressor, it could fail. Unfortunately, this is often the case. Let's take a look at some common reasons for compressor failure:

1. Slugging

This happens when a system's compressor delivers liquid instead of gas. Listen for a loud knocking noise, which is a good indicator of this problem. It's important to have it looked at right away; otherwise, your refrigeration system could be severely damaged.

2. Flooding 

When refrigerant is returned as droplets instead of vapor, flooding develops. This can wash oil off of bearing surfaces, causing them to wear away and overheat. The expansion device should be inspected when flooding occurs.

3. Insufficient lubrication

Compressor failure due to loss or lack of lubrication is extremely common. It can happen for a number of reasons, from flooding to insufficient oil from the start. This leads to overheating due to extreme friction.

Other common reasons for compressor failure include:

• Contamination
• Overheating
• Electrical problems

If you're unsure why your refrigeration system's compressor has failed, call up the experts of East Coast Refrigeration at 631-249-4556. We offer 24-hour emergency service -- that's right, even on weekends and holidays.

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