Found a stat that blew my mind on fridge compressor failure rates

I was digging through some service data from a supply house in Denver last month and came across a stat that surprised me. They said about 60 percent of fridge compressor callbacks happen because of dirty condenser coils, not a bad part. I always check coils, but I never realized it was that high of a percentage. Now I’m spending an extra 10 minutes per job just blowing out dust and checking airflow. Sure, it slows me down a bit, but it beats coming back for a free redo. Has anyone else seen numbers like this from their own jobs or is this just a regional thing?

3 comments

3 Comments

davidshah10d ago

Yeah, that 60% number sounds about right from what I’ve seen too. Dirty coils are the sneakiest cause of trouble because everything else tests fine and you just assume the compressor gave up. It’s frustrating how much time it adds, but I’d rather spend ten minutes cleaning than waste an hour on a return trip.

smith.lee10d ago

Have you ever cleaned a coil so caked up you wondered if the previous guy just painted over it? I've definitely been that guy who spent twenty minutes scrubbing only to realize the unit was just dusty from sitting in a field. It's embarrassing when the customer watches you walk back to the truck for a hose, but at least I didn't have to explain why I replaced a perfectly good compressor. The best part is when you tell them it was just dirty coils and they think you're making it up to charge them extra.

david_palmer10d ago

@smith.lee yeah I've pulled a hose out more than once after telling a customer I'd have it fixed in 30 minutes. You could try hitting those coils with a stiff brush before you grab the hose, it knocks off the crust faster and saves you the walk.