Refrigerator making noise? This Is Why

refridgerator making noise

Why is my refrigerator making noise? All refrigerators make noise, but other noises may seem too unfamiliar and quite alarming. Such noises can quickly stop your refrigerator from effectively working if you don’t take proper measures on time. You first have to listen to the type of sound coming out of your fridge and know where precisely the noise is coming from.

A refrigerator buzzing, for instance, could mean that its compressor is dirty and needs cleaning. Is the noise emanating from inside or outside, at the back, below, or on top of the fridge? Whatever the source, here are some of the different noises that usually come out of a refrigerator and possible solutions.

The Fridge Makes a Buzzing Noise

There are various reasons why your refrigerator could be making a buzzing sound. As mentioned above, the most common cause of a refrigerator buzzing is a dirty compressor and fans.

Also, check whether the fridge is standing on even ground and if there’s no magnetic material placed on it. Sometimes, a fridge making humming noise could be an indicator that it needs to be filled up.

refrigerator making sizzling noise

Solution

Where is the buzzing sound coming from? Answering this question will help you find the ideal solution to the persistent buzzing problem.

If the noise originates from the top outer part of the fridge, you need to take everything you’ve placed on top of it out. Some materials you put on your fridge could be magnetic. So, when the refrigerator is running, the magnet vibrates, causing that buzzing noise that you can’t stand even a minute longer.

Suppose you’ve removed everything you had placed on the fridge, but the sound persists. In such a scenario, you should try other solutions.

The fridge’s compressor and fans could be covered in dust and other debris. Have the two parts cleaned, and if broken, replaced. Consider hiring a fridge professional to do this task because it involves removing and returning the two parts after cleaning. However, if you understand how fridge components work, you can handle this task independently.

The next step is to check if the refrigerator is standing on an even floor. The buzzing noise could occur because the fridge isn’t balanced. Proper balancing ensures the system works effectively and will stop it from making that irritating sound.

Finally, after doing all the above, if you can still hear that buzzing sound, then it’s about time you fill it up.

why is my refrigerator making noise

The Fridge Makes a Loud Popping Noise

You shouldn’t be overly concerned if your refrigerator makes loud popping noises once in a while. Mostly, a new fridge will occasionally make such noises because it’s still trying to adjust to the new temperature changes after you’ve set it up.

When different fridge components such as water inlet and ice maker run, they may also make such noises. Sometimes, buzzing and hissing accompany the popping sound. If this happens, you may have a bigger problem at hand that you must attend to as fast as possible.

Here are the leading causes of loud popping sounds in fridges.

  • Refrigerator unit turning on and off
  • Due to thermal expansion
  • Originates from the water inlet valve
  • The noise may also come from its evaporator coil

When your refrigerator unit turns on and off, you’ll most likely hear a loud popping sound produced. The same sound also occurs when the defrost feature automatically turns on and off.

Due to temperature changes when the unit turns on and off, the fridge components tend to contract and expand, adjusting to the changes. You will hear loud popping noises occasionally when this happens.

There will be a popping noise at the water inlet when fetching water to the ice breaker to make ice. And from the ice breaker while dropping ice or at the time the harvesting cycle starts. This same popping sound will sometimes happen after you’ve finished defrosting your freezer, as the evaporator coil gets cold again.

Solution

Occasional loud popping sounds from your refrigerator shouldn’t be a major concern. But if it happens frequently, accompanied by other different types of noises, then you may need to seek a solution.

First, consider turning off the above features. That said, you’ll have to make some compromises. You’ll no longer fetch ice from your ice breaker, nor will you defrost your freezer.

Alternatively, you can put your fridge in a soundproof product, either a box or a DIY cabinet. But you first have to ensure the popping sounds are normal and that you can’t do away with any feature.

refrigerator making noise

The Fridge Makes a Rattling Sound

A persistent fridge rattling sound signifies a problem that needs quick fixing. It becomes even worse if the freezer is making a loud noise.

There are various causes of a rattling sound from a fridge. It might be dirt covering the condenser blades, or the drain pan is loose. Sometimes, the fridge’s ice maker could be full of water. Remember also to check the compressor and the defrost time as they may be faulty.

But in most cases, the rattling sound usually comes from the plastic components of your fridge adjusting to the temperature changes.

Solution

Before administering the required solution, first, investigate the source of the rattling sound. Any rattling noise from under the fridge could mean that the drain pan is not correctly fixed. The only needed solution here is to fix it.

With time, the condenser fan and blades accumulate so much dirt that it becomes difficult for your fridge to run effectively, leading to rattling noises. The best solution here is to clean and maintain not only these parts but all the components of your fridge from time to time.

A rattling sound from the back of your fridge may be an indication that either the condenser fan or the compressor is faulty. In this case, you need to call a professional to come and check and replace the parts accordingly.

The defrost timer can also cause a rattling noise from inside the fridge if it becomes faulty. Don’t forget to advise the fridge repair expert to also check on it.

fridge making cracking noise

The Fridge Makes a Grinding Noise

In most cases, a grinding noise comes from the ice maker machine inside your freezer. This machine produces this noise when making ice.

Also, after dropping ice on that plastic component, the loud popping noise is usually accompanied by a grinding noise before the ice settles. This phenomenon only happens if the plastic is cold and empty and is very normal, by the way.

Sometimes, your refrigerator making grinding noise could indicate issues with the condenser and evaporator fans. These fans may have ice and other debris stuck on them, or they could be faulty. They may also become less effective and loose with time, causing a grinding noise.

Solution

You must first get close to your fridge to point out where the grinding noise is coming from. If it’s from the ice maker, then there’s no cause for alarm. However, if you find it irritating, you can turn this feature off. That is if not having ice is not too much of a sacrifice to any member of your family.

But if the noise is coming from the fans, you should get worried. First, see if they only need cleaning or if they’re broken and need replacement or repair. For repair and replacement, hire a qualified professional for the job.

refrigerator making cracking noise

The Fridge Makes a Cracking Noise

This is one normal noise that a fridge usually makes when running, more so for frost-free refrigerators. When the build-up ice starts to melt in an auto defrost refrigerator, the fridge will make a cracking noise.

You will also hear your fridge making cracking noise when you’re manually defrosting it. This cracking noise should stop once all the ice melts down.

A refrigerator making sizzling noise may also result from the auto-defrost feature, which occurs when the ice melts.

Solution

Your fridge making noise occasionally, either cracking or sizzling, is very normal. But if the noise is continuous, then you should call a technician to fix it. Also, check if the cracking noise is coming from the ice maker and decide to either turn it off or not.

fridge rattling sound

Conclusion

There you have it, some of the noises a refrigerator makes, causes, and possible solutions. A refrigerator buzzing and making other types of noises can sometimes be irritating. But with the above solutions, you can surely save yourself from such a noisy environment.

Generally, a refrigerator making noise is normal but should only occur once in a while, not continuously. Most of these noises occur when the fridge is running.

If you suspect any of the fridge components are worn out or broken and need replacement or repair, call a qualified technician for the job. This is better than risking refrigerant leakage or getting an electric shock. Only replace the worn-out parts or repair them if you’re a professional or well-versed with fridges.

Why does my fridge make a grinding noise?

There are 2 possible causes to why a grinding noise is made. The first one is the most common and happens when the fridge makes ice. The second cause could be that the fridge’s fans are making this noise. This one is rather hard to fix. Find the solutions and more common sounds your fridge makes here

Why does my fridge make noises?

It is common for fridges to make noises under certain circumstances. These noises are common and in most cases, you shouldn’t worry about them too much. The sounds can be pretty frustrating and you might want them to stop. Here you’ll find all causes and solutions on how to fix the noises.