Had to choose between OEM and aftermarket compressor for a fridge in Phoenix last July

I went with the aftermarket one to save $200 and it died after 8 months. Has anyone else had bad luck with aftermarket compressors on hot days?

2 comments

2 Comments

rileyl678d agoMost Upvoted

Aftermarket compressors usually run cheaper because they skip the thicker windings and better insulation OEMs use. Phoenix July heat pushes any fridge hard, and a budget compressor just can't shed heat fast enough. Did you check if the replacement had the same BTU rating, or was it a "close enough" spec?

noah_rivera578d ago

Close enough" is the sound my compressor made right before it gave up the ghost, too. I tried saving $150 on an aftermarket unit for my Phoenix place last August, and it was like putting a bicycle tire on a dump truck. The thing ran constantly, never got below 50 degrees inside, and then just stopped one Tuesday afternoon. You really do get what you pay for when it's 115 outside.