Burning Smell from Your Refrigerator? How to Fix It

The last thing you want is to walk into your kitchen and smell burning coming from an appliance. Any strange smells coming from your household appliances is cause for concern, but if your refrigerator smells like it’s burning every time you walk past or take something out from it, it’s definitely worth investigating. 

Whether it’s due to electrical components malfunctioning, or general wear and tear from years of use, a burning odor should be addressed promptly to prevent further damage from occurring to your refrigerator. 

The Common Causes of a Burning Smell From Your Refrigerator 

There are usually several culprits that can cause a burning smell from your refrigerator. These are faulty components, faulty wiring, dust buildup, and improper maintenance. Narrowing down potential causes can help you fix the issue promptly. 

1. Overheating 

Your refrigerator’s compressors, starter relays, condenser fan motor, and circuit boards can all overheat. This can be due to being overworked through years of use, poor operational habits, component issues and breakdown, or obstructions to any component leading to a blocked airflow. When blocked or worn out, these components can quickly overheat which produces a strong burnt smell. In many cases, you will also be able to feel excessive heat coming out from the faulty component. 

2. Electrical Wiring 

Electrical issues, including burnt wires and faulty connectors, can create a smell reminiscent of burnt plastic. This can be a serious fire hazard, so ensure you’re properly checking all wire connections around the refrigerator’s control board and wire terminals if you suspect this to be the cause. If you notice smoke or sparks alongside the burning smell, quickly unplug your refrigerator from the outlet and contact a service professional for assistance.

3. Dust and Debris 

Refrigerators need proper ventilation to work properly. If you notice loud sounds from the fan and poor cooling functionality alongside the burning smell, this could indicate dust and debris buildup. When clogged or covered by dust and debris, the components become unnecessarily insulated, which leads to overheating. Many homeowners don’t realise that their appliances need to be maintained and cleaned regularly to prevent this. Natural buildup can occur even if you keep your kitchen spotlessly clean. 

Refrigerator Areas To Check 

Are you struggling to identify the cause of the burning smell? Refrigerators have many components, so conducting a methodical check of key areas can help you narrow down the issue to get it fixed. 

Wiring

Check the power cord and outlet. Identify the wiring behind the diagram sticker and control panel — these are likely places for faulty, pinched, or burnt wires.  

Compressor

The area around the compressor can emit excessive heat or a burning smell. It’s usually located at the bottom or lower back of the refrigerator, behind an access panel. 

Inside The Refrigerator

Check the interior lightbulb, air vents, door seals, and thermostat settings to ensure everything is clean and nothing looks broken or faulty. 

Condenser Coils 

These coils usually cover the whole back of the refrigerator or are found under a panel at the bottom. Check for abnormal dust or debris buildup and clean it off. 

Condenser Fan Motor 

You’ll find the condenser fan motor close to the coils and compressor. The fan mechanism brings air over these two components to prevent overheating. Check if it’s stuck or not moving, and whether there are burn marks or a strong plastic smell.  

Can I Fix The Burning Smell Myself?

In most cases, you will be able to locate and fix the burning refrigerator smell yourself. It requires you to check the different components, clean them, and in some cases, replace them if they’re old or faulty. For this you may need screwdrivers and a vacuum brush. However, if you notice the presence of smoke or sparks, you should avoid trying to fix the issue yourself. This indicates the issue has become a fire hazard and needs proper technical intervention. 

If you constantly experience burning smells despite cleaning and replacing components regularly, this could mean you need to purchase a new refrigerator. Typically, refrigerators from reliable manufacturers can last 15-20 years. If it’s been longer than this, your refrigerator can break down from age.  

How To Avoid Burning Smells From Your Refrigerator

While there’s no 100% foolproof way to prevent burning smells from your refrigerator in the future, proper maintenance and checks can lower the likelihood of this occurring again.  

• Ensure proper ventilation with adequate airflow around the refrigerator, especially if it’s against a wall. Ideally there should be 3-5 inches between the wall and each edge. 
• Conduct regular maintenance every 6-9 months: Clean dust and debris from the condenser coils and drip pan, check the condenser fan is working well, and ensure the plug and wires are kept securely in place. 
• Prevent unnecessary motor and system strain: ensure dishes are cooled down before placing it in the refrigerator and avoid food overcrowding which can restrict airflow. 

When To Ask For Help: Hire a Refrigerator Repair Technician

If you suspect multiple component failure or there’s significant damage to the internal components that can’t be fixed by your own attempts, a refrigerator repair technician may be the best option. They offer a safe and professional alternative to get your refrigerator smelling and operating normally again.

Reach out with any questions!  

Final Thoughts 

Abnormal smells from your refrigerator should never be ignored as they can pose a safety threat and indicate that one or more components needs to be fixed or replaced. In most cases, the cause of a burning smell can be fixed by yourself, but in severe cases or when there’s multiple component breakdowns, it’s best to get assistance from a licensed refrigerator repair technician.