My new (9 month old) Frigidaire Pro refrigerator has developed a coolant leak.  The store I bought it from is picking it up on Monday so they can take it back to the shop to fix the leak and recharge the coolant.  Is it possible or probably that running the compressor with low coolant would age, wear down or otherwise do the compressor damage?

-Rosalinda

Since the refrigerant carries the oil, I would say that increased wear is possible. But maybe it never got that low.

Thanks Jonr. I still don't know if they can repair it, but they thought so. Since this is my second problem with this refrigerator in 9 months, I think I got one of those Monday morning builds. I want them to just give me a new one, but we will see.

-Rosalinda

My 5 yr old amana just quit, bad compressor. 7-800 bucks to repair. Evidently it happens often to Amana's and some other whirlpool brands. And here I am using a backup in my mancave that is over 20 yrs old that is still going strong, guess they don't makem like they used to. Amana won't do anything about it after going up the ranks a few levels to managers. I ended up giving it away to a toothless craigslist critter that picked it up, and shopping for a new one. Found a GE Cafe that has 10yr warranty on compressor and other parts, also considering a Samsung or LG. Whirlpool(owns amana and other brands) won't see a dime from me, ever.

The old (backup) one I am using is about 25 and is a Roper. it seems like such a crap shoot with newer appliances. I like energy efficiency, but I wonder if it is any more energy efficient to have to buy a new refer every 5 or so years, or just keep using the old one. You waste resources on one end or the other and I am not sure which way is the bigger energy hog.

I have Frigidaire freezer that has been running well for several years (touch wood, salt over shoulder etc) and I read massive numbers of products reviews before buying the refer. I wanted an all refrigerator, and this one seemed the best of the bunch. Even the incredibly overpriced sub zero's etc had some terrible reviews. There just does not seem to be a good way to predict what will be reliable. And that is a sad statement to make about products sold in the US (though rarely built here). I bought a Speed Queen washer and dryer despite not being eStar rated. They are US built, have the best warranty in the industry and are plain vanilla, no fancy electronics etc. I use them in an energy efficient way (mostly cold water washes, full loads, line dry the clothes first etc), water is not a limited resource were I live (have my own well), and not having to rebuy them every few years seemed much more energy efficient than the so called eStar rated ones.

I am now wondering if I should buy the extended warranty if they repair and return my refer. My confidence in this one is shaken. The charge card I used extended my warranty for one year, but I am not sure that will be enough. Sigh......

-Rosalinda

They repaired the leak in the refer, but it is not cooling (it is still in the shop), so the compressor is compromised. I talked to Electrolux/Frigidaire, was firm, calm, but insistent, and I finally got to speak to a "manager" who said she will call the appliance store and approve a new refer be delivered to me.

I hate spending extra on extended warranties, but am wondering if it would be wise to spend the $271, for 3 years of peace of mind, knowing that the likelihood the major repair will probably come after the warranty expires....

-Rosalinda

The new replacement refer arrived 5 July and comes with a full one year warranty. The folks at Frigidaire/Electrolux called to follow up and make sure everything was OK. The new one runs much more quietly and less frequently than the original, so my theory of the original being a lemon from the get go was probably correct.

I guess all's well that ends well. I appreciate that Frigidaire/Electrolux called to follow up, and that they gave me a full year warranty on the replacement, something I gather many appliance companies do not do, when your original warranty runs out.

-Rosalinda

I would still buy the extended warranty. It saved our GE twice. Cheap chinese compressors.

Cheap chinese compressors.

Guess who specs, orders and accepts those compressors.