Safety: Unplug the unit and allow the compressor to cool before touching. Compressors can reach very high temperatures.

Steps to investigate:

Clean condenser: Thoroughly clean the condenser coil and ensure the condenser fan is operating correctly.
Check ventilation: Confirm adequate airflow around the unit, especially for built-in Caple models.
Monitor performance: After cleaning, allow the unit to run for several hours and check if cabinet temperature improves.
Professional diagnosis: If the compressor remains extremely hot and cooling is poor, a sealed system issue is likely. A refrigeration engineer should check pressures, refrigerant charge, and compressor condition.

Warning: Do not attempt to add refrigerant or open the sealed system yourself; this requires specialized tools and certification.

Compressor very hot to touch and cabinet only slightly cool

Possible Causes