Updated September 2026 • Clearwater, Pinellas County, FL
A refrigerator that clicks every few minutes and doesn't cool usually has a failed start relay or overload: the compressor tries to start, overheats, and the overload clicks it off. A relay costs about $120 to $250 to replace. If a new relay doesn't fix it, the compressor itself may be failing, which costs $300 to $800 or more.
Need help now? Call (727) 387-0008.
What the Clicking Means
On most standard refrigerators, a small start relay and overload are mounted on the side of the compressor at the back bottom of the fridge. The relay gives the compressor an extra kick to start; the overload shuts it off if it draws too much current. When either part fails, or the compressor struggles, you hear a click, sometimes a short hum, then another click a few minutes later. The fridge never cools.
Relay or Compressor? How Technicians Tell
| Sign | Points to |
|---|---|
| Relay rattles when shaken (older PTC relays), or smells burnt | Failed start relay |
| Relay tests bad with a meter | Replace relay |
| New relay installed, still clicking | Compressor windings or a locked compressor |
| Compressor very hot, clicks right after the hum | Overload tripping; compressor straining |
| Clicking started after a storm or outage | Surge-damaged relay or control board |
| Inverter fridge (many Samsung and LG) clicking | Often the inverter board or compressor, not a separate relay |
Why It Happens More in Clearwater Summers
Dirty condenser coils and summer heat (August averages about 90°F) make the compressor run hotter and longer, which wears out start components faster. Garage fridges are especially prone. Clean coils and good airflow around the fridge help relays and compressors last.
What You Can Safely Do
- Unplug the fridge for 5 minutes, then restart it; sometimes an overheated overload resets.
- Pull the fridge out and vacuum the condenser coils.
- Make sure there are a few inches of airflow around the back and sides.
- Keep the doors closed and move perishables to a cooler if temperatures pass 40°F.
Replacing a relay involves live electrical parts at the compressor. If you're not comfortable with that, it's a quick job for a technician.
Is It Worth Fixing?
A relay repair is almost always worth it. If the compressor has failed, compare the quote to the price of a comparable new fridge; see the 50% rule and compressor repair.
Clicking Sounds That Are Normal
- A single click when the compressor starts or stops, followed by a steady hum.
- Clicks from the defrost timer or control board a few times a day.
- A click and short buzz when the ice maker's water valve opens.
The problem sign is the pattern: click, short hum, silence, repeat every few minutes, with the fridge warming up.
Relay Costs by Fridge Type
| Fridge type | Start component | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| Standard top-freezer, side-by-side | PTC start relay and overload on the compressor | $120–$250 |
| Inverter models (many Samsung, LG) | Inverter board drives the compressor | $200–$450 |
| Built-ins (Sub-Zero, Monogram) | Start components or control board | Quoted by model |
Protect Your Food While You Wait
Keep the doors closed; food stays safe about 4 hours in the fridge. Move milk, meat and leftovers to a cooler with ice if it will be longer. A thermometer tells you when items cross 40°F.
Related Help in Clearwater
Frequently Asked Questions
Most often the start relay or overload has failed, so the compressor can't start and keeps getting shut off. If a new relay doesn't fix it, the compressor may be failing.
Usually $120 to $250 including labor. The part itself is inexpensive; most of the cost is the service call.
Not usually, but repeated overheating isn't good for the compressor. Unplug it if you smell burning, and move perishables to keep them cold.
Fridge Clicking and Warming Up?
Call before food spoils. Most relay repairs are done in one visit.
Call (727) 387-0008