The question of how many motors are in the refrigerator often arises among owners of household appliances when strange sounds, vibrations appear or they want to understand the principles of operation of the device. Many people mistakenly believe that compressor and the motor are different components, or, conversely, they think that there is always only one motor in the unit. In fact, the design can differ significantly depending on the model, year of manufacture and price segment of the refrigerator. Understanding this difference is critical for correctly diagnosing faults and assessing the energy efficiency of the device.
The modern market offers a huge selection of models, from simple single-chamber options to complex multi-systems. The number of engines directly affects the cost of maintenance, noise level and durability of the equipment. In this article we will analyze in detail the structure of the compressor group, explain the difference between linear and inverter systems, and also answer the question of why in some cases there may actually be two of them. This will help you better navigate the characteristics when purchasing or repairing.
Basic device of a refrigeration unit
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor, which is often called a motor in everyday life. It is this unit that is responsible for compressing the refrigerant and circulating it through the closed circuit of the system. The classic design uses one compressor that pumps up pressure, causing freon to pass from a gaseous state to a liquid state and back, taking heat from the chambers. Sealed block usually located in the lower rear part of the housing.
However, when talking about “motors”, it is important not to confuse the main compressor with other electric motors, which are also present in the design. For example, in models with a system No Frost there are necessarily fans that provide forced air circulation. Although they also have engines, their power and purpose are radically different from the compressor power unit. When diagnosing “how many motors” the main attention is always paid to the compressor group.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to independently open the sealed compressor casing or replace the refrigerant without a license and special equipment is prohibited by law and is dangerous to life due to the high pressure and toxicity of the substances.
The standard package includes: a starting relay that supplies an impulse to start the motor windings. In older models, this process was accompanied by a characteristic clicking and buzzing sound. Modern systems operate quieter, but the principle remains the same: electrical energy is converted into mechanical energy, driving a piston or plunger.
One or two: classification of refrigerators by the number of compressors
The answer to the question of how many motors are in a refrigerator most often depends on the number of independent cooling circuits. Most budget and mid-range models use one compressorwhich distributes cold air or refrigerant through a system of solenoid valves between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. This is an economical and time-tested solution.
The situation changes when it comes to premium equipment or large multi-chamber models. A scheme with two compressors is often used here. In this case, one motor serves exclusively the freezer compartment, and the second - the refrigerator compartment. This allows you to set different temperature conditions independently of each other and increases reliability: if one unit fails, the second will continue to work.
The presence of two motors has its pros and cons. On the one hand, this increases energy consumption and repair costs. On the other hand, each compressor operates in a more gentle mode, heats up less and is less likely to turn on at full power. For large families, where the refrigerator is often opened, a two-compressor system may be more efficient.
- 🔹 One motor: characteristic of 80% of models on the market, cheaper to repair, easier to maintain.
- 🔹 Two motors: found in Side-by-Side models and the premium segment, ensuring complete independence of the chambers.
- 🔹 Three motors: rare, usually used in professional cabinets or refrigerators with a separate "zero temperature" zone.
Linear and inverter motors: what is the difference
Number of motors - not the only important parameter. It is critically important to understand what type the motor installed in your refrigerator. Traditional linear compressors work on the principle of “turned on - cooled - turned off”. They always operate at full power when turned on and stop completely when the desired temperature is reached. This creates a cyclic load on the network and nodes.
Inverter motors, which have become standard in recent years, work differently. They do not turn off completely, but only reduce the speed to a minimum, maintaining the temperature. This is similar to how a car moves at a constant speed along a highway, without accelerating or braking constantly. Inverter allows you to save up to 30-40% of electricity and significantly reduces noise levels.
Why do inverter refrigerators hum differently?
The inverter compressor emits a low-frequency monotonous hum, which is almost inaudible, in contrast to the characteristic “growling” and clicks when starting a linear motor. This is due to the absence of sharp starting currents.
When diagnosing faults, it is important to take into account the type of motor. Linear compressors are easier to diagnose by sound (clear operating cycles), while inverter compressors require checking the electronic control module, since the motor itself may be working, but the control board may not.
Comparison table of compressor characteristics
To systematize the information and understand which type of motor or number of motors is best suited for your conditions, it is worth turning to a comparative analysis. The differences relate not only to price, but also to operating costs.
| Characteristics | One linear compressor | Two linear compressors | One inverter compressor |
|---|---|---|---|
| Noise level | Medium (clicks are heard) | High (work alternately) | Low (almost silent) |
| Energy consumption | Standard (class A/A+) | High (two engines) | Minimum (class A++/A+++) |
| Temperature accuracy | ±2-3°C (differences) | ±1-2°C (in each chamber) | ±0.5°C (stable) |
| Repair cost | Low | High (replacement two nodes) | High (replacement of board + motor) |
The table shows that the choice between the number and type of motors is always a compromise between the cost of ownership and ease of use. For a small family, one high-quality inverter motor is often enough, while for a large house with food supplies, it is more rational to consider the option with two circuits.
Fans: secondary motors in the No Frost system
When talking about how many motors are in the refrigerator, we must not forget about the system No Frost. In such models, in addition to the main compressor, one or more fans operate. They are also equipped with electric motors, although of much lower power. Their task is to drive air through the evaporator and distribute it among the chambers.
Usually there is one fan in the refrigerator compartment, and another in the freezer, or a single channel with dampers is used. Fan motors may fail, which leads to freezing of the evaporator or lack of cold when the compressor is running. Diagnostics these components require opening the inner lining of the chamber.
It is important to distinguish fan noise from compressor noise. The fan often makes a whistling or crackling sound, especially if ice has frozen on its axis or snow chips have fallen on it. The compressor vibrates and hums in lower tones.
Diagnostics and typical problems of motors
Understanding the number and type of motors helps to quickly identify the problem. If the refrigerator with one compressor is no longer cold, but the motor is humming and hot to the touch, the winding may have jammed or broken. In models with two compressors, a malfunction of one of them will result in one chamber working and the other not.
A frequent problem is the failure of the starting relay or capacitor, especially in linear models. This is not a breakdown of the motor itself, but without these elements it will not start. Inverter systems are more sensitive to power surges in the network, so the presence of a high-quality stabilizer is critical for them.
☑️ Primary diagnostics of the motor
⚠️ Attention: If the compressor runs continuously for more than 24 hours without shutting down (or reducing speed in inverter models), this may indicate a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction. Operation in this mode will lead to the motor burning out.
Frequently asked questions about the design of refrigerators
At the end of the article, we will answer the most popular questions from users that often arise when searching for information about the number of engines.
Can there be three motors in a refrigerator?
Theoretically, yes, but in practice in everyday life this is extremely rare. Three motors can be used in professional cabinets or in home models with three independent cooling zones (for example, a refrigerator, a freezer and a separate "Fresh Zone" with individual control).
Why is the new refrigerator quieter than the old one?
Most likely, your new model has inverter compressorinstalled. Unlike older linear models, it does not make loud clicking noises when starting and stopping, and does not run at maximum speed all the time.
What should you do if the refrigerator is humming but not cooling?
This may mean that the motor is idling due to Refrigerant leakage or capillary tube blockage. It is also possible for the piston group to jam. In any case, you need to call a technician to measure the pressure in the system.
Does the number of motors affect electricity consumption?
Yes, directly. Two motors consume more energy than one, even if they are inverter motors. However, one powerful motor operating in a dual-circuit system can be more effective than two low-power ones. The key factor remains the energy consumption class and type of compressor.