About Refrigeration Parts
A refrigerator is a simple machine, when you break down the components and analyze how the parts work. The basic idea of a refrigerator is to use the evaporation of liquid (the refrigerant) to absorb heat. There are only four basic parts to a refrigerator, which all must work together for the refrigerator to function properly.
Compressor
The compressor is the brain of the refrigerator. The compressor compresses the refrigerant, which makes the external serpentine pipes dissipate the heat. When the compressor fails, the refrigerator will no longer be able to cool. However, the compressor can be replaced. Depending on the age of the compressor, replacing the compressor can average between $500 and $1,000. Compressor can be found online or at local refrigeration suppliers or HVAC distributors.
Internal and External Serpentine Pipes
The internal serpentine pipes are what the refrigerant moves through to absorb the heat. The external serpentine pipes work hand-in-hand with the compressor. The compressor pushes the refrigerant through these pipes to remove the heat from the unit. Depending on the age of the unit, serpentine pipes can range from $50 to $300 installed. Pipes can be found at refrigeration parts distributors locally or online.
Expansion Valve
The expansion valve takes the cooled refrigerant and moves it to a low-pressure area within the refrigerator. The expansion valve evaporates the heat, allowing it to get cold. The expansion valve can be replaced for approximately $150 to $250, depending on the age of the unit. Expansion valves can be found online or at a refrigeration parts distributor locally.
Refrigerant
Refrigerant is a liquid that travels through the serpentine lines to cool the refrigerator. A refill of refrigerant is typically a process that is only performed by a licensed refrigeration expert. In some states, refrigerant is only bought and sold by licensed experts. The expert will bring in the refrigerant and "charge" the refrigerator for an average cost of $100 to $300 a refill.