When dealing with sealed system problems, issues that occur inside the closed loop of refrigeration or air‑conditioning units. Also called closed‑circuit faults, these problems stop the fluid from moving where it should, so your fridge, freezer or AC loses cooling power. The trouble usually hides behind the walls of the unit, making it hard to see until something breaks. Knowing what a sealed system is helps you ask the right questions when a tech shows up.
One of the most common triggers is a refrigerant leak, a loss of the cooling fluid that circulates through the sealed circuit. When the leak‑rate climbs, pressure drops, the compressor works harder and the whole system overheats. Another frequent offender is the compressor, the pump that pressurises the refrigerant and drives the cooling cycle. A failing compressor can make strange noises, cycle on and off quickly, or simply stop turning, which instantly stops cooling. Both the leak and the compressor are linked: a leak can starve the compressor of fluid, and a weak compressor can cause excess heat that stresses seals, creating more leaks. Spotting a hissing sound, ice build‑up on the evaporator, or unusually warm temperatures often points to one of these two culprits.
The third piece that often gets blamed is the evaporator coil, the component where the refrigerant absorbs heat and turns back into gas. When the coil freezes over or gets clogged with dirt, airflow drops and the system can’t reject heat properly, leading to a cascade of issues that mimic a sealed‑system fault. In many homes, a dirty filter or blocked vent causes the coil to ice up, which then triggers the compressor to overwork and can even push the refrigerant out of the system. Cleaning the coil, checking for proper airflow, and ensuring the thermostat settings are correct often solves the problem before you need a professional to replace parts.
With these three entities in mind—refrigerant leak, compressor, and evaporator coil—you can start diagnosing why your appliance isn’t cooling. Below you’ll find a collection of articles that walk through DIY checks, explain when to call a pro, and highlight cost‑effective fixes for each of these sealed system problems.
Ever wondered what can break your wallet when fixing a fridge? See which refrigerator repairs top the list, why they cost so much, and what you can do about it.
