Why is My Refrigerator Making Noise?

Is anything more unsettling than weird noises coming from your fridge on a quiet evening? A peaceful night can turn into a game of, ‘Why is my fridge making noise?’ You’re not alone. The National Association of Home Builders says over 60% of homeowners have had a noisy refrigerator. In this post, we’ll explain common refrigerator noises and give tips to keep your fridge quiet.

Common Causes of Refrigerator Noises  

Refrigerators tend to get noisier as they get older. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, the average fridge lasts 12 years. Common refrigerator noise includes a broken condenser fan, a worn-out compressor, or sometimes even loose parts. These can lead to unusual sounds like humming, buzzing, or rattling. Here are some common refrigerator noises you can expect to hear from your fridge:

Normal Refrigerator Noises

Your refrigerator might make some surprising sounds from time to time, but these are usually nothing to worry about. Here are some examples:

Humming Noises

The gentle hum you hear is just the compressor doing its job. The refrigerator’s compressor is like its heart, always working to keep your food cool. The compressor moves refrigerant in your fridge, taking in heat and releasing it outside to keep your food at the right temperature. Since refrigerators run all day at low speeds to save energy, you’ll hear a constant, low-level hum.

Clattering or Clicking Noises

Do you hear a clattering or clicking sound? If your fridge has an ice maker, these noises occur when the ice maker fills with water and the ice drops into the bin. These noises are normal and will happen every few hours. Ignore them since they’re a sign that your ice maker is working correctly.

Cracking Noises

When a fridge cools, the inside parts can expand and contract, making crackling sounds. Opening and closing the refrigerator doors will trigger the defrost heater and increase the expansion of these parts. As long as your refrigerator continues to cool your food, you can ignore any cracking noises.

Gurgling, Dripping, or Sizzling Noises

• When ice melts and drips, it might cause dripping or gurgling noises.
• Sometimes, the compressor can make a gurgling noise as it starts or stops.
• If water drips onto the defrost heater, it might make a sizzling noise.

Tips to Quiet a Noisy Fridge

Proper Placement

Properly positioning your fridge can minimize vibrating noises. Pull it out 2 inches from the wall, leaving some space on the sides to give it some breathing room. This will help reduce vibrations, improve airflow, and keep your fridge running quiet. Items touching the refrigerator can cause noise, so make sure nothing is leaning against it

Level the Fridge 

If you notice your fridge making rattling noises, check if it is level. An uneven fridge can cause parts and shelves to vibrate and rattle. Use a bubble level to check if your refrigerator is balanced. Leveling your fridge will stop the rattling. It will also make your fridge work less hard, lowering your energy costs.

Abnormal Refrigerator Noises

Your fridge usually makes some sounds. But some noises might mean there’s a problem. Below are some noises you should be concerned about.

Grinding 

A grinding noise is often a problem with the fan motor or the compressor. The fan motor could be worn out, causing the blades to rub against other components. Or, the compressor might be struggling, which is a more severe issue. To address a grinding noise, start by inspecting the fan motor for any visible wear and tear. If it’s the motor, try replacing it yourself. If the problem is with the compressor, call a professional.

Clicking 

Clicking sounds can be caused by a faulty start relay or an issue with the defrost timer. These parts can wear out over time, leading to clicking as they struggle to run. To check for damage, use your refrigerator’s manual to find and inspect these parts. If they’re damaged, call an appliance repair professional to replace or repair them.

Buzzing 

A buzzing sound might come from a broken ice maker or a vibrating condenser coil. The ice maker can buzz if it’s not receiving water, while a clogged line may cause the water valve to buzz as it struggles to run. Check the water supply line for any clogs and check that it’s connected correctly. If you’ve inspected the waterline and the ice maker still makes loud noises, you might need to replace it. As for the condenser, cleaning or replacing the fan can often stop the buzzing sounds.

Whining 

Whining noises are typically linked to the evaporator fan, which circulates cold air in the freezer. When debris obstructs the blades, or the fan is worn out, it produces a high-pitched whining sound. First, make sure the blades are free of obstructions, and then clean them thoroughly. If the whining noise continues, you should replace the fan motor.

Vibrating/Rattling 

Vibrating or rattling sounds are often caused by a loose drain pain or other items inside the fridge. They can also result from the appliance not being level or stable. Check for any loose items or parts inside the fridge. Next, check that the refrigerator is on a flat, stable surface and adjust the leveling screws at the bottom of the refrigerator to make sure it’s level.

How to Fix A Noisy Refrigerator

Simple DIY Refrigerator Repairs

Before calling in a professional, there are a few simple steps you can take to troubleshoot and potentially fix the noises yourself:

• Check for Loose Items on Shelves 

 Sometimes, the noise from your fridge is just items vibrating against each other. Look for items touching refrigerator walls or each other and make space between them. Next, loose shelves can sometimes rub up against the walls or other items, so check that they’re not dangling by tightening their screws.

• Clean Condenser Coils 

A fridge’s condenser coil can become dusty or covered in debris, requiring it to work harder and causing a loud buzzing sound. To clean the coils of dirt, simply use a light brush or vacuum.

• Clean Dirty Fan Blades

Sometimes, a refrigerator’s fan blades become covered in debris. First, unplug the fridge and then gently clean around the blades with a soft towel or brush.

• Secure the Drain Pan

When a drain pan becomes loose, it can create rattling sounds. Secure the pan or put insulating material around it to minimize the noise.

Check the User Manual

Every refrigerator make and model has unique features. Always consult your user manual for troubleshooting any issues with a specific appliance. The manual often includes instructions that can help you identify and solve any problems you may have with your refrigerator. If you’re not sure or uncomfortable fixing your fridge, call a refrigerator repair professional.

When to Call a Professional for Refrigerator Repair

While some issues can be resolved quickly on your own, others will be best suited for a professional to look at. Don’t hesitate to call a professional appliance repair technician if you encounter the following:

• Electrical Issues 

If you think the noise from your fridge is an electrical issue, call a licensed technician. Trying to fix electrical issues yourself can be dangerous. A professional tech will have the tools and know how to fix your fridge as safely as possible.

• Complex Repairs 

If your fridge is making noise because of a bad compressor or motor, you should call a technician to fix it. Attempting these repairs yourself can cause more damage or even void your appliance’s warranty.

Conclusion

A noisy refrigerator can be annoying, but understanding the common causes and how to fix them can help you return to a peaceful night at home. While some fridge sounds are normal, others might mean a bigger problem needs checking out. While some of these tips can be done yourself, consulting a professional refrigerator repair technician is best. By following these tips and seeking professional help when necessary, you can enjoy a quiet night in.