No kitchen is complete without the quiet hum of a refrigerator, letting us know it’s keeping our food and drink cool.
But there’s an emphasis on the ‘quiet’. If you’re panicking because your refrigerator is growling at you, freeze! Don’t Google “refrigerator making loud noises”, we’ve got you.
Here’s a low-down to why your refrigerator is sounding like animals trapped in a zoo.
Is the Refrigerator Making a Squeak or Rattling Sound?
Before you worry about your refrigerator making popping noises, see if the noise is because of other issues. For example, if your food isn’t cooling properly or there’s lots of heat emanating from beneath the appliance, call in professional help.
But if it’s just a noise, it’s possible to solve this issue yourself. A squeak or rattling noise may be linked to the circulation fan which pushes air through the freezer and fridge compartments.
The circulation fan sits behind an access panel at the back of the refrigerator. To check if this is the culprit, push the light switch in the freezer and if the noise gets louder, you’ve got your problem.
This is one of the much-dreaded refrigerators sounds as there’s no fix so you must get a replacement fan.
Is the Noise Coming From the Back, Bottom, or Inside the Refrigerator?
Another reason you have a rattling noise underneath your fridge is because of the drain pan. To fix it, secure the pan back in place and enjoy silence once again.
Loud noises coming from the back of your refrigerator shows there’s an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or the compressor. A noisy refrigerator compressor is common but it can also be because of the condenser fan.
To determine the source, remove the rear access panel and locate the condenser fan motor. It should be near the compressor at the bottom of the refrigerator.
Although, always remember to unplug your refrigerator before you tinker away! See if there is anything’s broken and clear away any dust or debris that could stop the fan from spinning.
To test your fan, unplug the motor of the condenser fan, plug your refrigerator back in, and see if the noise continues. If so, it’s the compressor that should be dealt with a professional.
If It Sounds Like a Bird Squealing or Chirping
Is your refrigerator making noises like this?
Chances are, your evaporator fan is malfunctioning. This fan is located at the back of the freezer section of the refrigerator. You must remove the freezer’s contents and unscrew the inside panel to get to it.
Get a screwdriver to remove the screws and see if the fan’s blades are operating by spinning it.
The evaporator fan grommet is important as it isolates the motor from the mounting bracket and increases its vibration and noise. Check wires and all components to see if they’re in good condition.
If the fan isn’t moving or if there are corroded wires, you must replace the parts.
Sounds Like Someone’s Knocking In Your Fridge
This is one of the telltale refrigerator noises that shows your condenser is failing or the fan isn’t working. It’s likely the fan is too hot or cold.
What About that Constant Clicking Sound?
Is your refrigerator making clicking noises?
The clicking is coming from your ice maker which means the water line valve isn’t connected to the water supply properly. If you’ve recently moved the fridge, then a broken connection could stop the ice maker from working.
But if there is a single clicking sound, it may be from the compressor trying to re-start itself. The sound could last from three to five minutes.
If It Sounds Like Buzzing or Humming
Is the humming or buzzing noise getting louder?
If you hear an electrical buzzing sound, then most likely your light is about to die. Luckily, on some units, you can replace the lights yourself.
Also, a buzz is common on self-defrost refrigerators as it’s the water that is dripping on the defrost heater.
Got It! And Which Sounds Are Okay?
Before you get paranoid about every sound your refrigerator emits, remember that not all are life-threatening.
You may hear gurgling which is Freon boiling in the evaporator, the reason is refrigerators are cool. Therefore this, obviously, isn’t a sound to worry about.
A single click or tic-tock noise is because your defrost timer is switching on and off. Or you may hear a drip when defrost water is dropping into the pan underneath the refrigerator.
Also, consider how long you’ve had your refrigerator (they can last up to 20 years!) as an older one will be noisier than a brand new unit. But if there are constant noises which have developed into freezer problems, then you should get professional advice.
…And That’s How You Help a Refrigerator Making Loud Noises!
If your refrigerator making loud noises is consistent take action.
Before you check for issues yourself, always unplug the refrigerator to prevent injury and try to clear away any dust or debris from the fan.
And if you’re completely overwhelmed, don’t fret. Call in a repairman as they’ll know will fix it without compromising your refrigerator’s inner workings. Good luck!
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