Hi, I am not a pro. Not lacking some understanding; but not a pro.

What I am trying to understand/do is replace the compressors in a Northland freezer and refrigerator. I don't know if these are sold in any of the regions covered by members. This is their name in the US. I believe they may be known as Marvell in other areas.

These units were my wife's fondest desire for the new (retirement) house. The other item was a Bluestar range that has now caught fire internally twice. But it cooks good!

The units are a moderately unusual design. Aside from mediocre insulation and horrible noise, they are very nice. SS everywhere. They are essentially built-ins. A lot of storage space for their size. The reason for this is that all the mechanical systems are in an easily removable (if you are not as old and weak as I am now) module on the top of the units.

Last year, the refrigerator module failed. Naturally it was on the hottest time of the year. I found out that the only place they keep spares is in the NE corner of the US. I am in the NW corner. For several days I spent $30 a day for dry ice. Shipping was $500. The unit itself was over $2000. The dealer in the area does not do repairs. The compressors have no manufacturer name or part number that I have found; just the Northland info. The units are >10 years old. From what I have gathered, this is longer than they are expected to work. So the freezer is running on borrowed time and the new refrigerator module is making odd noises.

Both of the mechanical modules are very noisy. We hear them throughout the house. If there were not doors between the bedroom and the kitchen, it would be difficult to sleep. Very very annoying.

For better or worse, I am an engineer. My wife is seriously divided on that being good or bad. It tends to vary by the day (or smaller time intervals, based on circumstances). I designed the house and all the systems; with reasonable success.

I have no interest in trying to accumulate the equipment to deal with a compressor replacement. I am trying to locate a contractor.

OK; that sets the scene.

What I want to do:

1 - Replace the compressors in both units (each are different), preferably with something that has a much lower noise level.

2 - If I can get new compressors, repair the old refrigerator module (they did not want it back) as a spare. This would also allow a contractor to familiarize themselves with the unit when not under time pressure to get it done.

3 - Also buy parts for the freezer module

4 - Schedule a refurb of the Freezer module to be done in one or two days max (to avoid driving into town for dry ice as much as possible).

Finding a contractor has been a bit of a pain as well.

What I need.

1 - Identification of the parts in the existing units. I have not been able to find any documentation for the actual OEM parts.

2 - Identify replacement compressors and ancillary parts (preferable with something quieter and/or more efficient).

3 - I am not adverse to adding some VF motor controllers if there are significant advantages.

I would welcome any conversation on these issues. Even if you are not familiar with the Northland (Marvell) units, general input on better compressors, VFD, etc. would be a real help.