When choosing new household appliances or when faced with a breakdown of an old one, consumers often wonder about the reliability of key components. In Turkish brand refrigerators Beko the core of the cooling system is the compressor. It is its type and quality that determine how quietly the unit will operate, how much electricity it will consume, and how long it will last without costly repairs.
The manufacturer does not adhere to a single standard for all models, which can confuse the buyer. In different lines there are both classic piston units and modern inverter systems. Understanding what kind of motor is installed in your refrigerator will help you correctly set operating modes and avoid errors during operation.
In this article we will analyze in detail what types of motors the company uses, what is their fundamental difference and what you should pay attention to when purchasing or diagnosing a malfunction. Information it will be useful both for those who are just planning a purchase and for owners of equipment who want to extend its life services.
Review of manufacturers and types of motors
The company Beko is a large international holding, which allows it to use a wide base of component suppliers. In refrigerators of this brand you can most often find compressors from well-known world giants, such as Secop (formerly Danfoss), LG or Embraco. However, budget models can also install motors of their own production or from lesser-known Asian brands.
The main division occurs according to the operating principle. Most classic models are equipped with piston compressors. They work on the principle of a reciprocating piston that compresses the refrigerant. This is a time-tested technology that is distinguished by its maintainability and availability of spare parts.
In more expensive series, especially in models with marking No Frost and an extended warranty period, inverter motors are used. Their key difference is the absence of a strict connection to the on and off cycles. The shaft rotation speed is electronically controlled depending on the current temperature in the chambers.
It is important to understand that the appearance of the compressor does not always indicate its type. For an accurate determination, you need to look at the technical sticker or nameplate located on the body of the motor itself. The model, type of refrigerant and power consumption are indicated there.
⚠️ Attention: When trying to replace the compressor yourself, remember that different types of motors require different settings for the thermal relay and starting device. Installing an inverter compressor instead of a conventional one without replacing the control board is impossible.
Manufacturers are constantly updating their model ranges, so different engine modifications may occur in the same year of production. This depends on the logistics chains and the availability of components at a particular assembly plant.
Linear compressors: technology and principle of operation
Linear compressors deserve special attention, which are often confused with inverter ones, although these are different technologies. In refrigerators Beko they are less common, but have unique characteristics. In such devices, the piston is driven by electromagnetic forces, rather than by rotation of the engine shaft.
Linear the engine has a minimum number of rubbing parts, which theoretically reduces wear and vibration levels. The absence of rotating elements allows the design to be more compact and lightweight. This gives engineers the opportunity to increase the useful volume of the refrigeration chamber due to thinner walls or efficient use of space.
The operation of such a compressor is also regulated according to the “on-off” principle, but with a high frequency and low amplitude. This allows you to maintain the temperature with high precision. Products in such refrigerators are less susceptible to temperature changes, which has a positive effect on their shelf life.
Despite the advantages, the technology has its own characteristics. Linear compressors are sensitive to voltage fluctuations in the electrical network. For their stable operation, it is highly desirable to use a high-quality voltage stabilizer, especially in the private sector or old houses.
Repair of such units is often not economically feasible due to the high cost of original spare parts and the complexity of diagnostics. If the control electronics fail, an ordinary technician may not be able to cope with the restoration without specialized equipment.
Inverter systems in Beko refrigerators
Modern models Beko are increasingly equipped with inverter compressors. These are motors that can smoothly change the shaft speed. Instead of a sharp start at maximum speed and subsequent shutdown, the inverter motor works constantly, but with different intensity.
The main advantage of such a system is energy efficiency. The compressor does not waste energy on constant starting currents, which can be several times higher than the rated values. This allows refrigerators labeled A++ or A+++ to really save electricity in the long run.
In addition, the absence of constant on and off cycles makes the operation of the unit almost silent. You will not hear the characteristic click of the relay and the hum of the starting engine. The temperature in the chambers is maintained in a very narrow range, which is ideal for storing vegetables and fruits.
However, inverter systems also have vulnerabilities. The control board, which converts the current for the motor, is a complex electronic assembly. It is sensitive to power surges and requires high-quality electrical wiring in the house.
⚠️ Attention: Inverter compressors cannot be tested by “connecting directly” to the network, like conventional motors. This will instantly damage the electronics. Diagnostics is only possible through a tester or by connecting to a standard board.
The cost of repairing an inverter compressor is much higher. It is often easier and cheaper to replace the entire assembly than to try to restore its individual elements. Therefore, when purchasing such equipment, you should think about an extended warranty.
Why can an inverter refrigerator hum?
Sometimes users hear a hum from an inverter refrigerator. This may be due to the fact that the motor operates continuously at low speeds, creating background noise, or vibration is transmitted to the housing due to incorrect installation.
Comparison of characteristics: table of differences
To systematize the information and understand which compressor is in your refrigerator Beko or which one is better to choose, it is convenient to use the comparison table. It will help you quickly assess the pros and cons of each technology.
| Characteristics | Conventional piston | Inverter | Linear |
|---|---|---|---|
| Operating principle | On/Off | Smooth speed control | Electromagnetic movement |
| Noise level | Medium/High | Low | Very low |
| Energy consumption | Standard | Economical (up to 30%) | Economical |
| Sensitivity to the network | Moderate | High (stabilizer required) | High |
| Repair cost | Low | High | High |
As can be seen from the table, classic engines lose in comfort and efficiency, but gain in reliability and low cost of maintenance. Inverter and linear systems are a choice in favor of technology and comfort, but with a caveat to operating conditions.
When choosing, you should consider not only the price of the refrigerator, but also the potential costs of its maintenance. In regions with unstable power supply, overpaying for an inverter may not be worth it due to the risk of electronic failure.
How to determine the type of compressor in your refrigerator
If you do not know which motor is installed in your refrigerator Beko, it is not necessary to look for documentation or call the service center. There are several ways to determine this yourself by simply inspecting the unit.
The first and easiest way is to study the technical sticker. It is usually located inside the refrigerator compartment on the side wall or on the door. The word Inverter or Linearmay be indicated there. If there are no such symbols, most likely it is a regular compressor.
The second way is to listen to the operation of the refrigerator. A regular motor works in cycles: you hear a loud start, then a hum, and after a while - a click and silence. The inverter unit turns on smoothly, the hum is barely audible, and it does not stop completely, but only changes the tone of the sound.
The third method is a visual inspection of the motor (requires disconnecting from the network and access to the rear wall). Inverter compressors are often hermetically sealed and connected directly to the circuit board with no visible "pill" start relay on the case. Conventional motors have a characteristic black or gray relay on the side.
- 🔍 Look at the nameplate: the presence of a frequency
50/60 Hzwithout indicating the range often indicates a regular motor. - 👂 Listen to the sound: the absence of clicks when starting is a sign of an inverter.
- ⚡ Appreciate the smoothness: inverter systems do not jerk the refrigerator when starting.
You can also find the refrigerator model on the Internet and look at the technical specifications on the manufacturer’s official website. The type of cooling technology used is always indicated there.
☑️ Checking the compressor type
Faults and service life of different compressors
The service life of a compressor directly depends on its type and operating conditions. Conventional piston motors in refrigerators Beko under normal conditions can operate for 10-15 years or more. Their design is simple, and there is practically nothing to break there, except for the wear of the piston group.
Manufacturers often count on 20 years of service for inverter compressors, since they are devoid of loads during startup. However, real statistics show that the electronics of these systems can fail much earlier, especially in the conditions of Russian power grids.
The most common problems with conventional compressors are jamming of the mechanism due to oil burnout or inter-turn short circuit of the windings. Symptoms: the motor hums, but does not start, or constantly works without turning off, but does not cool.
Inverter systems more often suffer from control failures. The compressor may not start due to a board error, although the motor itself is working. Diagnostics requires special knowledge and equipment.
Linear compressors may suffer from destruction of ceramic elements or problems with the electromagnetic coil. Repairing such components at home is impossible.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator stops freezing, do not rush to change the compressor. In 50% of cases, the problem lies in a freon leak or a malfunction of the thermostat, and the motor has nothing to do with it.
To extend the life of any type of compressor, it is important to ensure good ventilation of the back wall of the refrigerator. Heat stagnation leads to overheating of the oil and accelerated wear of rubbing parts.
Regular defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the condenser from dust also significantly increases the service life of the engine, reducing the load on it.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to replace a regular Beko compressor to an inverter one?
Theoretically it is possible, but technically it is very difficult and expensive. It will be necessary to replace not only the motor itself, but also the control board, re-solder the electrical circuit and reconfigure the system. Economically, such a replacement is not feasible.
Why does the new Beko refrigerator hum loudly?
New compressors may operate louder due to the need for break-in. Also check whether the refrigerator is level (adjust the legs) and whether the back wall of the refrigerator is touching furniture or heating pipes.
Which compressor is quieter: linear or inverter?
Both types are considered quiet compared to conventional piston ones. However, linear ones often operate even quieter due to the absence of rotating parts, although they can produce a specific buzzing sound.
Where is the compressor marking located?
The marking (nameplate) is stuck on the metal body of the compressor itself, which is located in the lower rear part of the refrigerator. To see it, you need to remove the protective cover or move the unit away from the wall.
How many years is the warranty for the Beko compressor?
The standard warranty for the entire refrigerator is usually 2 years. However, the manufacturer often gives an extended warranty of up to 10 years for the compressor (as the main unit), but this requires mandatory registration of the model on the manufacturer’s website within a certain period after purchase.