Refrigerator burning smell
Common reasons your refrigerator burning smell
The most common reasons your refrigerator has a burning smell are a broken defrost heater, defective electronic control board or a worn compressor motor bearing.
64% of the time it's the
Defrost Heater13% of the time it's the
Electronic Control Board7% of the time it's the
Compressor Motor Bearing16% of the time it's the
Something else
Schedule your refrigerator repair now!
We can help! Our service technicians have repaired over 42M refrigerators. We can fix yours no matter where you bought it.
Common refrigerator repair parts you may need
Replacing one of these refrigerator parts may fix your problem.
Defrost Heater Replacement
A malfunctioning refrigerator defrost heater can trigger the buildup of frost or ice on the evaporator coils, which reduces cooling efficiency. This occurs because the defrost heater fails to melt the frost during its designated cycles. As a result, both the refrigerator and freezer compartments experience elevated temperatures. Furthermore, a faulty defrost heater may overheat, causing the accumulated frost or ice to scorch and emit a burning odor. This burning smell becomes a significant concern. Moreover, the effectiveness of the defrost cycle diminishes, leading to persistent frost buildup and potentially more severe issues with the refrigerator's cooling system over time.
Electronic Control Board Replacement
A failed electronic control board can lead to a variety of failures in a refrigerator, including a lack of power or cooling and water leaking. This is because the board acts as the brain of the refrigerator, controlling operations such as regulating internal temperatures, running fans, managing defrost cycles, overseeing the icemaker, and controlling dispenser functions. If the electronic control board is defective, it can disrupt communication between many different components, including automatic doors if equipped. A malfunctioning board may cause a chattering or clicking noise from the refrigerator and may emit a burning odor. Due to the potential impact on multiple components, it is advisable to have a Sears Home Services professional conduct diagnostic tests on the board to confirm if replacement is necessary.
Compressor Motor Bearing Replacement
When a compressor motor bearing is worn, you may notice increased noise during operation, such as grinding or squealing sounds, an indication of friction and wear on the bearing. There may be a burning smell, and you also might hear an intermittent buzzing or humming noise, especially when the compressor starts or stops. Over time, a worn bearing will cause the compressor to seize. It's imperative to have a Sears Home Services professional address these symptoms promptly to prevent further damage to the compressor.
What to expect when you experience a refrigerator burning smell issue
What should you do with a burning smell problem?
Fixing most burning smell problems usually involves replacing the defrost heater, electronic control board or compressor motor bearing. However, there are many potential causes, so an accurate diagnosis is key to fixing the problem.
Follow these recommendations for a refrigerator burning smell
When the refrigerator has a burning smell, there can be many reasons. To avoid replacing unnecessary parts we recommend having a Sears Home Services professional inspect the refrigerator and perform the needed repairs.
What to be mindful of with a refrigerator burning smell diagnosis
The process of identifying issues with modern appliances demands a thorough understanding and specialized training. Merely swapping out parts without employing accurate diagnostic techniques may not effectively resolve refrigerator issues. With significant advancements in appliance technology over the past decade, contemporary models now incorporate sophisticated electronic components that pose considerable challenges for troubleshooting. Consequently, do-it-yourself repairs on modern appliances have become increasingly complex
What our customers say about us
With more than 1.3 Million 5 Star Reviews, you don't have to take our word for it
Jake is a great person.
He did a great job, the problem is with the refrigerator.
Nancy V, Meridian, ID
Great job
Robert did a great job and was kind and courteous. He cleaned up everything. I would highly recommend using him.
Karen K, Mount Laurel, NJ
Service appointment
Joe was very professional and knowledgeable technician who quickly found and fixed the problem. I would recommend for service again
Tim R, Schaghticoke, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Repair Refrigerator Resources
Find out why your Samsung fridge is not cooling but the freezer section works. Get expert troubleshooting tips to fix the problem.
Find out why the fridge is not cool but the freezer is and learn how to troubleshoot the common problems that cause this failure.
Find out what to do when the freezer is not freezing but the fridge works fine. Fix the problem fast with our expert DIY troubleshooting tips.
Find out why Whirlpool fridge is not cooling but the freezer works and learn how to troubleshoot the common problems that cause this failure.
Glossary Terms
A dual ice maker is a feature in some refrigerators that includes two separate ice makers: one in the fridge compartment and another in the freezer section. This setup doubles the appliance's ice-making capacity.
A French-door refrigerator features two doors that open side-by-side on the top section for the refrigerator compartment, with a bottom freezer drawer, combining style, efficiency, and easy access to both refrigerated and frozen goods.
Refrigerant is a chemical compound used in HVAC systems and refrigerators to absorb heat from the environment by cycling through states of evaporation and condensation, enabling the cooling process through its cycle of evaporation and condensation.
R-12 refrigerant, also known as Freon-12, is a chlorofluorocarbon (CFC) compound that was once widely used in air conditioning systems, refrigerators, and aerosol propellants before its phase-out due to environmental concerns.
Common refrigerator symptoms to look out for
- Refrigerator noisy
- Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is fine
- Refrigerator freezer not working but fridge is
- Refrigerator not cooling
- Refrigerator compressor not running
- Refrigerator leaking
- Refrigerator leaking water
- Refrigerator stopped working
- Refrigerator leaks water
- Refrigerator cold but freezer not freezing
- Refrigerator dispenser not working
- Refrigerator drawer problem
- Refrigerator leaking from bottom
- Refrigerator light not working
- Refrigerator not draining
- Refrigerator too cold freezer too warm
- Refrigerator broken shelf
- Refrigerator no water
- Refrigerator door not closing
- Refrigerator no power
- Refrigerator water dispenser not working
- Refrigerator not working
- Refrigerator display not working
- Refrigerator fan not working
- Refrigerator will not make ice
- Refrigerator won't turn on when plugged in
- Refrigerator not turning on