Hit 1,000 compressor replacements last Tuesday and it stopped me cold

I was just finishing up a swap on a old Whirlpool fridge in Arlington and my apprentice asked how many I've done. I started counting back from when I first started in 2008. Got to 985 about a month ago, so with this one I'm past 1,000 for sure. Did the math on failures too - about 12% fail within the first year, most of them those cheap Copeland knockoffs from the supply house. What number caught you by surprise in this trade?

2 comments

2 Comments

riverh495d ago

Might be misremembering but I think Copeland actually makes some of the more reliable compressors. Those knockoffs are usually the ones with random Asian brand names stamped on them.

the_hayden5d ago

Copeland compressors are way overhyped honestly. I've seen just as many failures from their scroll units as any other brand in commercial fridges over the last few years. The knockoffs are hit or miss sure, but some of those Chinese brands have actually been improving a lot lately while Copeland keeps cutting corners on materials. The real issue isnt where its made, its how the system is designed and maintained in the first place. Half the time a Copeland dies early its because the install was garbage or the evap coil is undersized. Plus their replacement parts pricing is straight robbery, makes you want to just swap in a cheaper unit and move on. Placebo effect is strong with the big name brands, people just assume theyre better because they cost more.