What destroys a fridge compressor?

Several severe electrical, mechanical, and environmental conditions can destroy a residential refrigerator compressor prematurely. The most frequent destroyer is thick dust, pet hair, and lint accumulation clogging the exterior condenser coils beneath or behind the unit; when coils cannot dissipate heat, the compressor runs at dangerously high temperatures and pressures, burning out internal motor windings. Other major causes include repeated electrical power surges, failing start relays that cause electrical stalling, and operating with a low refrigerant charge from a sealed system leak, which deprives the compressor of cooling oil. You can troubleshoot by monitoring coil cleanliness and operating temperatures. You can verify system health when keeping condenser coils clean and replacing faulty start relays protects the motor from fatal overheating.