Modern Samsung refrigerators operating on the system No Frostare complex climatic units, where Air circulation plays a crucial role in keeping food fresh. Unlike older models with a weeping evaporator, here special blowers are responsible for the temperature regime, distributing the cold flow throughout all chambers. Users often wonder how many such devices are installed in their appliances and why their number may differ in different models.
The number of fans directly depends on the design of the refrigerator: whether it is two-chamber, whether it has a separate freshness zone or belongs to the Side-by-Side class. In the standard two-chamber version, you can most often find two main components, but in the premium series their number increases to provide more precise microclimate control. Understanding the design of your model Samsung will help you quickly diagnose problems with cooling or ice formation.
In this article we will take a detailed look at the layout of superchargers, their functions and typical malfunctions that owners encounter. You will learn why the refrigerator is humming and how to determine which element requires attention or replacement. Most two-chamber Samsung No Frost refrigerators have two main fans: one in the freezer and one in the refrigerator compartment.
Basic diagram: standard two-chamber model
Considering the classic two-chamber model Samsung, we are talking about a system where the freezer compartment is located at the bottom and the refrigerator compartment is at the top. In this configuration, the evaporator located in the freezer takes on the bulk of the cooling work. It is here that the first and most important circulation fanis installed, which forces air through the evaporator and directs it upward into the refrigerator compartment.
The second fan is usually located in the upper part of the refrigerator compartment, behind the decorative panel. Its task is to ensure uniform mixing of air masses inside the main compartment, preventing the formation of “warm pockets”. If this element stops working, you may notice that the food on the upper shelves is not cooled as well as on the lower shelves, or vice versa, depending on the flow pattern of the specific model.
It is important to understand that these two devices do not operate constantly, but on command from the electronic control module. Temperature sensors read the indicators in real time and give commands to turn the motors on or off. Failure to synchronize their operation often leads to errors that are displayed on the display or signaled by blinking indicators.
Premium segment: Twin Cooling systems and three fans
The situation changes dramatically when we move to models equipped with the system Twin Cooling System. In such refrigerators, Samsung has implemented the concept of independent cooling: separate evaporators and, accordingly, separate air circulation circuits are provided for the freezer and refrigerator compartments. This allows you not only to avoid mixing odors, but also to maintain different humidity in each compartment.
In a scheme with two evaporators, the number of fans increases to three. Two of them work directly on the evaporators (one in the freezer, the second hidden in the refrigerator compartment), providing the main heat exchange. The third fan, often called circulation or distribution, is installed inside the refrigeration chamber for final mixing of the air before supplying it to the shelves.
The presence of a third fan makes the system more complex, but also more efficient. However, this also increases the number of potential points of failure. If you hear extraneous noise coming from the top of the refrigerator, where there is no freezer, most likely the problem lies in the additional blower of the Twin Cooling system.
⚠️ Attention: In models with the Twin Cooling system, you cannot simply remove the back wall of the refrigerator compartment without first turning off the power and defrosting. Inside there may be sensitive electronics and fragile plastic air ducts that can be easily damaged if handled carelessly.
Location and functions of each unit
To accurately determine which fan has failed, you need to know their exact location. In a freezer, the fan is usually hidden behind the back panel, next to the evaporator. It has an elongated shape and is mounted on special rubber shock absorbers to dampen vibration during operation. Its main function is forced convection through the evaporator radiator.
In the refrigerator compartment, the upper fan is often integrated into the control unit or located under the “roof” of the chamber. You can get to it by removing the top decorative plastic strip. This node is responsible for the distribution of flows along the height of the chamber. In some models Samsung it is made in the form of a turbine, which allows you to create more powerful air pressure with smaller dimensions.
The third fan (in systems with two evaporators) is located in a niche behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. It works in tandem with an additional defrost heating element and a second temperature sensor. Its task is to prevent air from stagnating in the freshness zone and to ensure quick access to the desired temperature after loading products.
Technical characteristics and types of motors
Samsung refrigerators primarily use DC motors (DC) with electronic speed control. This allows the control module to change fan speed depending on the current cooling demand. At low speeds, the appliances operate almost silently, which is an important advantage for modern kitchens.
Early models could be equipped with AC motors (AC), which operated either at full power or were turned off. Such motors are noisier and subject to bearing wear. You can determine the type of motor by the markings on the case: DC motors often have a more complex form of connection connector (3-4 contacts) compared to AC analogues.
Below is a table comparing the main parameters of fans used in various series of Samsung refrigerators:
| Parameter | Main (Freezer) | Additional (Refrigerator) | Circulation (Twin Cooling) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Location | Behind the back wall of the freezer | Under the top panel | In the refrigerator evaporator niche |
| Motor type | DC (most often) / AC | DC | DC |
| Function | Evaporator purge | Distribution cold | Circulation in the 2nd circuit |
| Failure frequency | High (due to ice) | Average | Low |
Typical malfunctions and their symptoms
The most common problem faced by refrigerator owners Samsung is fan freezing. If the defrost system (heating element, defrost sensor or fuse) does not work correctly, ice begins to accumulate on the blades and in the motor bearing. As a result, the fan begins to hum, crackle, or stops completely.
The second common scenario is mechanical wear of the plain bearings. Over time, the lubricant dries out and the shaft begins to rotate with difficulty. This results in a characteristic howling sound that intensifies when the door is opened (since at this moment the system often goes into maximum power mode). If such a unit is not replaced in time, it may burn out, leaving the refrigerator without cooling.
- 🔊 Extraneous noise: humming, crackling, whistling or knocking coming from inside the chambers, especially in silence.
- ❄️ Poor cooling: Food in the refrigerator spoils faster, condensation or ice appears on the walls.
- ⚡ Error on the display: flashing indicators or the appearance of an error code (for example, 22C, 23C or 26E), indicating a problem with sensors or motors.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to defrost the fan with a hairdryer without removing it from the refrigerator. The housing plastic and wiring may melt from high temperatures, which will lead to a short circuit or deformation of the seat.
Diagnostics and performance testing
Before ordering a new part, you need to make sure that the problem is in the fan, and not in the control module or wiring Primary diagnosis is carried out visually and auditorily. Open the refrigerator door, find the door sensor button (usually located at the end) and press it. If the fan does not start after 1-2 minutes, it may be faulty.
For a more accurate check, you will need a multimeter. In continuity or resistance measurement mode, you can check the motor windings. However, given the low resistance of DC motor windings, this method does not always give 100% results. The safest way is to check the presence of voltage at the connector when the refrigerator is turned on at a time when the fan should be running.
☑️ Fan diagnostic checklist
It is also worth checking the condition of the rubber shock absorbers on which the motor is mounted. If they dry out or lose elasticity, vibration will be transmitted to the refrigerator body, creating the illusion of a breakdown of the engine itself. Replacing cheap shock absorbers often solves the noise problem without buying a new part.
Replacing a fan: difficulties and nuances
The process of replacing a fan in a Samsung refrigerator requires care and adherence to a sequence of actions. The main difficulty is access: to get to the motor in the freezer, you often have to completely defrost the chamber for 12-24 hours to remove the ice, otherwise you can damage the aluminum evaporator when dismantling the panel.
When purchasing a spare part, pay attention not only to the catalog number, but also to the length of the shaft and the location of the mounting holes. There are no universal fans, and even within the same brand different modifications can be used. Original spare parts Samsung usually have markings starting with the prefix DA, for example, DA31-xxxxx.
Is it possible to lubricate an old fan?
Theoretically, if the problem is only dried grease, you can try removing the rubber bearing plugs and adding synthetic oil. However, in practice, this gives only a temporary effect for 1-3 months, after which the noise returns with renewed vigor. A complete replacement of the unit is recommended.
After installing a new fan, be sure to check the tightness of the air duct connections. If there is a gap somewhere, cold air will bypass the chambers, and the refrigerator will work with increased load, consuming more electricity.
Prevention and extension of service life
In order for the fans in your Samsung refrigerator to last as long as possible, it is important to monitor the serviceability of the defrost system. Regularly (once every six months) completely defrost the refrigerator, even if it operates using No Frost technology. This will remove microscopic ice crystals in hard-to-reach places, which over time can turn into an ice plug.
Also make sure that the door seals are tight. If warm, humid air constantly enters the chamber, the load on the evaporator and fan increases many times over. Wipe the seals with clean water and check their elasticity. Proper operation is the key to a long life of the compressor and fans.
FAQ: Frequently asked questions
Why does the fan in a Samsung refrigerator sometimes work, sometimes stops?
This is normal behavior for modern models. The electronics regulate the speed and operating mode of the fan depending on the temperature inside the chambers and the operation of the compressor. If it stops completely and does not turn on for a long time, check the door opening sensor.
Is it possible to operate the refrigerator if the fan is broken?
For a short time - it is possible, but not recommended. Without air circulation, cooling will be uneven, food may spoil, and the compressor will wear out trying to compensate for the lack of convection. In Twin Cooling systems, the failure of one fan will disrupt the humidity balance.
Where can I find the part number to replace the fan?
The part number (starts with DA...) is indicated on a sticker attached directly to the motor housing. To see it, you will have to remove the decorative panel. The number can also be found in the service documentation for your specific refrigerator model.
How much does it cost to replace a fan in the service?
The cost consists of the price of the spare part itself and the work of the technician. An original fan can cost from 1,500 to 4,000 rubles, depending on the model. Replacement work is usually estimated at 1500–2500 rubles, but can be more expensive if complex defrosting or disassembly is required.
Does the tilt of the refrigerator affect the operation of the fans?
Yes, a strong tilt can disrupt the circulation of oil in the compressor and change the operation of the defrost system, which indirectly affects the fans. In addition, when misaligned, vibrations may occur, which will accelerate the wear of the motor bearings.