Can I replace fridge parts myself?
Yes. On an Admiral NS20H7H side-by-side refrigerator, we recommend DIY replacement for simple, non-sealed-system parts (like a light bulb, fan motor, or start relay) as long as you unplug the refrigerator first and work carefully around sharp metal edges and wiring.
Good DIY repairs vs. repairs to leave to a pro
Many common refrigerator repairs are straightforward; sealed-system and refrigerant-related work is not.
- Good DIY candidates
- Replacing a burned-out interior bulb such as the refrigerator light bulb W10887190
- Replacing an evaporator fan motor such as the refrigerator fan motor 833697
- Replacing a no-start relay/overload such as the refrigerator start relay WPW10189190
- Replacing a defrost timer such as the refrigerator defrost timer WP4391974
- Usually not DIY
- Refrigerant leaks, compressor replacement, or any sealed-system work
- Electrical diagnosis beyond basic checks (especially if breakers trip)
Before you start (safe, practical checklist)
- Unplug the refrigerator (do not rely on the control panel being “off”).
- Move food to a cooler if the doors will be open for more than 30 minutes.
- Take photos of wire routing and connector positions before disconnecting anything.
- Use cut-resistant gloves; sheet metal edges inside compartments can be sharp.
- If you smell burning insulation or see melted wiring, stop and have the unit inspected.
Quick “is this the right part?” guide
Use your model number NS20H7H and match the part by ID.
| Symptom | Common DIY part to check | Example from this model’s parts |
|---|---|---|
| Lights out but cooling OK | Light bulb | Refrigerator light bulb W10887190 |
| Warm fridge/freezer, fan noise missing | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator fan motor 833697 |
| Clicking, won’t start | Start relay/overload | Refrigerator start relay WPW10189190 |
| Frost buildup, poor airflow | Defrost system component | Refrigerator defrost heater WP61001846 |
Why it matters
DIY repairs can restore cooling and airflow quickly and help prevent food spoilage. Choosing the correct Admiral NS20H7H part and following basic electrical safety steps also reduces the chance of repeat failures or accidental damage during installation.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the most expensive part of a refrigerator to replace?
For an Admiral NS20H7H side-by-side refrigerator, the most expensive repair is typically the compressor (often called a sealed-system repair). It usually costs the most because it requires specialized tools, refrigerant handling, and more labor than common electrical or mechanical part replacements.
What usually costs the most (and why)
These repairs tend to be the highest-cost because they are labor-intensive and tied to the cooling system:
- Compressor replacement: major sealed-system work; refrigerant must be recovered and recharged
- Refrigerant leak repair (sealed system): locating and repairing leaks takes time and specialized equipment
- Evaporator or condenser replacement: sealed-system components; typically high labor
- Main control board (on models that use one): expensive electronics and diagnosis time
Lower-cost parts that still fix common problems
Many “not cooling” or “noisy” complaints on NS20H7H are caused by smaller components that are far less expensive than a compressor:
- Start device issues: a failed relay/overload can prevent the compressor from starting (see refrigerator start relay WPW10189190)
- Airflow problems: a failed fan can stop cold air circulation (see refrigerator fan motor 833697)
- Defrost failures: frost buildup can block airflow (see refrigerator defrost heater WP61001846 and refrigerator defrost timer WP4391974)
- Lighting and hardware: bulbs, screws, leveling legs are typically simple swaps (example: refrigerator light bulb W10887190)
Quick cost comparison (typical)
Actual totals vary by region and labor rates, but this shows why compressors top the list.
| Repair type | Typical parts cost | Typical labor complexity | Why it gets expensive |
|---|---|---|---|
| Compressor / sealed system | High | High | Refrigerant handling, brazing, long diagnosis time |
| Control board (if used) | Medium to high | Medium | Electronics cost plus troubleshooting |
| Fan motor / defrost parts | Low to medium | Low to medium | Accessible parts, shorter repair time |
Why it matters
When a refrigerator is not cooling, we recommend checking common, lower-cost causes first (start relay, evaporator fan, defrost system). Those repairs often restore cooling without the cost of sealed-system work.
Last updated: February 2026
Who makes admiral refrigerators?
Admiral refrigerators (including the Admiral NS20H7H side-by-side) are manufactured under the Whirlpool family of brands. If you are matching parts for your refrigerator, the most reliable approach is to use the model number NS20H7H and select parts from the model-specific list, such as the refrigerator start relay WPW10189190.
Why the manufacturer matters for parts and repairs
Admiral branding can appear on different generations of refrigerators, but parts selection is always model-driven. Using the exact model number helps ensure compatibility for key systems like cooling, defrost, and lighting.
- Confirms the correct part design for your production run
- Helps avoid look-alike parts that do not fit
- Improves troubleshooting accuracy (cooling, frost, noise, lights)
- Reduces returns caused by mismatched electrical components
Common Whirlpool-family parts you may need on NS20H7H
These are examples of part types that often come up during refrigerator troubleshooting. If your symptom matches, start with the part list for NS20H7H.
- Compressor start issues: start relay/overload
- Warm refrigerator section: evaporator fan motor
- Heavy frost on evaporator cover: defrost heater or defrost timer
- Dim or out lights: refrigerator light bulb
- Water under the unit: drain hose clamp or drain system checks
Quick symptom-to-part starting points
| Symptom | Most common area to check | Example part on this model page |
|---|---|---|
| Clicking, won’t start cooling | Compressor start circuit | Start relay/overload |
| Noisy, warm fresh food section | Evaporator fan airflow | Fan motor |
| Frost buildup, poor airflow | Defrost system | Defrost heater or defrost timer |
| Interior light out | Lighting | Light bulb |
Helpful DIY guidance
If you are working on water and filtration questions for an Admiral refrigerator, we recommend starting with how to replace the water filter in an Admiral refrigerator.
Why it matters
Knowing Admiral is made under the Whirlpool umbrella helps set expectations for parts style and troubleshooting approach, but the model number NS20H7H is what guarantees you are choosing the right replacement parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What are the most commonly replaced parts in a refrigerator?
In most refrigerators (including the Admiral NS20H7H side-by-side), the most commonly replaced parts are the ones that wear out from daily use or get affected by airflow, frost, and water flow: light bulbs, fan motors, defrost parts, and start components. For this model, examples include the refrigerator light bulb W10887190, refrigerator fan motor 833697, and refrigerator defrost heater WP61001846.
Common refrigerator parts that get replaced most often
These are the parts we see replaced frequently across side-by-side refrigerators:
- Water filtration and water system parts (filters, water inlet valve, tubing) when flow slows or ice tastes off
- Door sealing parts (gaskets, hinges, bushings) when warm air leaks in and frost builds up
- Evaporator (freezer) fan and condenser fan parts when cooling is weak or noisy
- Defrost system parts (defrost heater, defrost timer, defrost thermostat) when the evaporator frosts over
- Compressor start components (start relay, overload, run capacitor) when the compressor will not start or clicks
- Lighting and small hardware (bulbs, screws, trim) for basic wear and breakage
Model NS20H7H examples from the parts list
Here are a few commonly-needed categories and matching examples available for Admiral NS20H7H:
| Symptom you notice | Part category often involved | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Interior light out | Light bulb | Refrigerator light bulb W10887190 |
| Warm temps, noisy freezer | Evaporator fan motor | Refrigerator fan motor 833697 |
| Frost buildup on back freezer wall | Defrost heater / timer | Refrigerator defrost heater WP61001846, refrigerator defrost timer WP4391974 |
| Clicking, compressor not starting | Start device | Refrigerator start relay WPW10189190 |
Why it matters
Replacing the right “high-wear” part early can prevent bigger problems. For example, a failed evaporator fan can cause warm temperatures and poor airflow, and a defrost failure can lead to heavy frost that blocks cooling.
Helpful DIY guidance
- For fan-related cooling symptoms, use how to fix your evaporator cooling fan
- For water filter questions and routine replacement, use how to replace the water filter in an Admiral refrigerator
Last updated: February 2026





