Official Caloric side-by-side refrigerator parts

Common repair parts for Caloric side-by-side refrigerators

• Compressor. The compressor is a positive displacement pump rotated by an electric motor. The compressor receives low-pressure refrigerant gas from the evaporator and rotates to compress that refrigerant to a high-pressure gas that moves through the condenser. The refrigerant gets hot when compressed by the compressor pump. The condenser is a heat exchanger that removes heat from the refrigerant gas and condenses it into a high-pressure liquid refrigerant. The high-pressure liquid refrigerant flows through the expansion device and into the evaporator that's at low pressure. The high-pressure refrigerant expands and evaporates. It absorbs the latent heat of vaporization as it changes from a liquid to a gas, which causes the cooling action in the evaporator. The refrigerant flows through the evaporator and back to the compressor where the cycles starts over.
• Compressor start relay. The compressor start relay starts the compressor and shuts off the compressor if the motor overheats. Replace the start relay if it's defective.
• Condenser fan. The condenser fan is in the machine compartment of your refrigerator next to the compressor. It moves air across the condenser coils to help cool the hot refrigerant coming out of the compressor. The refrigerant is cooled before it moves through the expansion device and into the evaporator.
• Defrost heater. The refrigerator defrost heater melts frost from the freezer’s evaporator fins. Replace the defrost heater if it doesn't heat when activated.
• Defrost timer. The defrost timer is an electro-mechanical timer that controls the intervals between automatic defrost cycles in your refrigerator. The defrost timer motor runs and moves the components in the device. When the contacts for the defrost cycle are engaged, the compressor stops and the defrost heater turns on briefly to melt frost from the evaporator fins. Removing the frost promotes a more efficient exchange of heat across that component. When the fins are defrosted, the contacts disengage, allowing normal cooling in the refrigerator.

Maintenance tips for your Caloric side-by-side refrigerator

Routine maintenance helps your refrigerator run more smoothly, so it uses less energy. Clean the condenser coils regularly to help the sealed system cool down the refrigerator efficiently. The compressor won't run as frequently if you keep those condenser coils clean. Adjust the refrigerator door to prevent air leaks into the refrigerator and freezer compartments. Air leaks cause frost buildup on the evaporator, which interrupts airflow and causes cooling problems.

Routine maintenance can also help prevent odor problems. Clean the inside of the refrigerator so spills don't build up and cause smells. Clean the drain pan under the refrigerator regularly because that pan can attract bugs or residue that causes odors.