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Noisy Refrigerator? What Those Sounds Mean (and When to Call a Pro)

Each time you walk into the kitchen you notice that your refrigerator has been making a loud buzzing noise. This noise is usually coming from the freezer portion of the appliance and can be a normal occurrence. However, there are times where the buzzing can be overly loud and will signify that your appliance will need repair or service.

The Compressor
Located on the back of the appliance, the condenser will make a constant buzzing or humming noise as it operates. This noise is normal especially when it’s trying to cool the inside of the appliance down, which is almost all of the time. A low level of this noise is normal, but if it has reached sound levels that have become intolerable, call an expert technician to service it.

Condenser Coils
Basic refrigerator/freezer maintenance involves the cleaning of the condenser coils on the back of the appliance. Dusting and vacuuming of these pieces will allow for better airflow and efficiency. When the coils are covered in dust it will overwork itself trying to cool down the inside of the appliance, thus creating a loud buzzing noise. Give your coils a good cleaning, but if they’re not accessible then call a professional to do it for you.

Ice Maker
Built-in ice makers usually only make a low-level noise while they are in the process of making ice. If the freezer is making noises that are louder than normal, or during times when ice is not in production, it will need service. A connection could be loose, disconnected, or frozen, so hire a professional repair service to have this fixed.

A refrigerator/freezer that makes a few slight noises is normal, but one that is emitting a loud buzzing noise is not. When yours creates this noise or any other problem, contact us to have it repaired in no time

Possible meanings of those sounds

If the rattling noise is coming from the bottom of the refrigerator

If you hear a loud rattling noise near the bottom of the refrigerator, the culprit is likely to be the drain pan, says Doug Rogers, president of repair company SA Appliance repairs.

“This is an easy fix: Just secure the pan back in place for peace and quiet,” he says. The drain pan is located underneath the fridge and is roughly an inch above the floor.

If the noise is coming from the back of the refrigerator

A noisy sound coming from the back of the fridge is probably the condenser fan or the compressor.

“If you determine the noise is caused by the condenser fan, try cleaning away dust and debris that may have accumulated between the fan blades, using a soft brush,” says Rogers.

Of course, be sure to unplug your refrigerator before cleaning the compressor, attempting any repairs, or calling a technician.

If the noise is coming from inside the refrigerator

Hear a noise inside the refrigerator that sounds like a squeak or rattle? It’s probably the circulation fan, which pushes air through the freezer and fridge sections of your appliance. The circulation fan is located right behind an access panel on the back of the refrigerator.

“You can make certain this is the problem by pushing in the light switch in the freezer,” says Rogers. If the circulation fan is the culprit, the noise in the refrigerator will get louder.

Fan motors in refrigerators can fail in many different ways, but one of the most common (and gross) ways is an animal getting inside the fan and dying. You might not hear any noise, since the animal is blocking the fridge fan from running. It might also feel really warm and hot by the fan.

Unfortunately, Rogers says, the only fix for this is to replace the noisy fan in your refrigerator (a repair service is in order).

If it sounds like squealing or a bird chirping in your fridge

Your fridge shouldn’t sound like a bird or small critter is trapped inside. If you do hear noisy refrigerator sounds like squealing or chirping, it may mean the evaporator fan is malfunctioning.

If something is wrong with the refrigerator fan, the freezer won’t cool adequately, says Rogers.

The evaporator fan can be accessed by removing the freezer’s contents and looking at the inside panel in the back of the freezer. You’ll need a screwdriver to open it. See if the blade is operating smoothly by spinning it. Check wires and all components for signs of wear and tear, along with grommets.

“If the fan blade doesn’t move freely, or there are signs of damage or corrosion on wires or connectors, it may be necessary to replace these fridge parts,” Rogers says.

If it sounds like buzzing or humming in your refrigerator

Your light is probably close to going out if you hear an electrical buzzing sound, says Sears home service knowledge author Adrienne Berain-Normann. On some units, you can replace the lights yourself, though you may need to call a repair service.

If it sounds like knocking

Rogers says a knocking noise is likely to be a sign that the condenser is failing or that the fan motor isn’t working properly. The fan is probably too hot or running too hard.

If a clicking sound is coming from your ice maker

click-click-click coming from your ice maker could mean that the water line valve is loose or not connected to the water supply. If you recently moved the fridge, a broken connection could prevent the ice maker from working.

Replace Missing Fridge Parts

If you have missing parts on your fridge, the first option you will want to get rid of it. In any case, do not throw it out. Missing parts can be easily replaced or repaired in some cases. We know how frustrating it is when your stove has missing components that causes it to malfunction. Let us restore it to near new conditions by replacing your thermostat, blown fuse, hinges, thermostats, or other main parts that are missing. We will get your stove back to the function you want so you can prepare meals easily.

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