Refrigerators are one of the appliances it is almost impossible to live without. Many of us have one or even more in our homes, so it’s important that they operate at their best.
Most appliances make sounds.
Like many appliances, fridges may make some sounds when used. Most of these sounds are normal. When the sound is bothersome it can be a sign of an underlying problem. It’s important to understand when a sound is normal vs a sound that could be a problem. Read below to find out more.
When is it normal for your fridge to make a noise?
As mentioned, appliances make sounds when they are used normally. However, unlike a dishwasher that operates for a few hours a day, fridges must operate 24/7. This means, if they do make audible sounds, it can be annoying.
How do you distinguish normal sounds from problematic sounds?
Actively listen for the source
Before you can do something about the noises in your fridge, you must take some steps to know exactly where the sound is coming from.
- If the sound is coming from the top part of your fridge:
The issue may be due to the defrost heater, temperature controls, or evaporator fan.
- If the sound is coming from the middle part of your fridge:
The issue may be due to the condenser, gasket, or coils.
- If the sound is coming from the bottom part of your fridge:
The issue may be due to the compressor, defrost timer, or drain pan.
Understand, It is normal for a refrigerator to make sounds if…
…It is still new.
If you hear a strange sound within the first few days, you should not worry about it. New refrigerators take some time to adjust their compressor and fans for them to give their best performance.
As long as the sound is gentle, you do not have to return your fridge.
If the sound is too loud you may want to check your warranty after a couple of weeks. All manufacturers strive for excellent quality control but occasionally an item gets to a consumer in less than stellar condition.
…it is making ice.
When your ice maker is operating it can make many sounds, from buzzes, hums, and rattles. This happens when it is filling up its water supply or dropping ice into the collection tray. Depending on the model you could hear these sounds every 15 minutes to every hour.
…It is filled to the brim.
Having too much inside your fridge can block important vents and airways, which can result in many issues. One of the many reasons behind a faulty fridge is when overfilled. When putting things in the fridge make sure to avoid blocking vents.
When should you be worried about a sound?
Most serious problems can be traced to the following parts of your fridge:
Reason #1: Drain pan
Also known as a drip pan, this part deals with the excess condensation from your freezer. All refrigerator models usually position their drip pans in the bottom part of the appliance for it to catch the condensation easily. When your drain pan is poorly positioned, it will not catch the water droplets and may even cause mechanical failure once water seeps through. This can result in a rattling or buzzing sound.
What can you do?
Reposition your drain pan
Locate the position of your drip pan. Check your manual and read the instructions as to how you can remove it properly. Inspect the area. Is the excess water spilling on your floor instead of the pan? Remove your drip pan and drain the water. Reposition the pan correctly by making sure that it collects the water drops properly.
Secure it
Check your pan and move it around lightly. If your drain pan is loose, you can try using duct tape to secure it in place.
Replacement
Inspect your drain pan for cracks, bends, and holes. If your pan is damaged, you will need to replace it with a new one. Check the model of your fridge and call us with the model number, and we can help you order a new one.
Reason #2: Condenser fan motor
Condenser fans are what make modern refrigerators cool at the recommended temperature. Because it helps prevent overheating, it is a very important part of a fridge. Not all fridges have condenser fans. If a condenser fan motor is faulty, your refrigerator may need to work much harder. This causes the buzzing sound. An overheating fridge is not only annoying but also dangerous. Condenser fans help the coil cool down and will go dusty over time. Check your manual and see if you have a condenser fan motor. Most are located in the back panel of the fridge. In many instances, the buzzing sound may be due to the dirt and debris stuck on your condenser fan.
What can you do?
Clean the fans
Unplug your fridge and wait for a few minutes for it to release some heat. Remove the rear cover of your fridge. Take a paintbrush to remove the debris and dust from the blades of your condenser fan. Plug your fridge and wait for the weird noises to come back. If there is none, you solved the problem.
Replace the condenser fan motor
Unplug your fridge. Remove the rear cover of your fridge. Inspect the motor of your condenser fan. Does it look worn? Did cleaning not do anything to lessen the buzzing noise? If so, replacing may be your only option. We recommend calling a professional technician when it comes to motor replacements.
Reason #3: Condenser coils
Most refrigerator models have condenser coils in the back part of the appliance. Their main purpose is to cool and condense the refrigerant. When the condenser coils are faulty, they will not be able to cool off the system properly. This affects the entire operation of your refrigerator,
What can you do?
Clean your condenser coils
Unplug your refrigerator. Remove the rear panel of your appliance. Use a dry paintbrush to dust off your condenser coils. You can also use a vacuum for a more thorough clean. In some cases, it can be difficult to remove the back panel of your fridge. If you are not confident with your ability to clean it on your own, call a professional.
Reason #4: Door seal or gasket
Over time, your refrigerator’s door seals or gaskets may be loose or dirty. Although they do not usually make a buzzing sound, a faulty seal can affect the mechanism of your fridge.If a door gasket is not doing its job correctly, the other important parts of your fridge will be affected. This results in your compressor working harder, which will eventually damage it for good. Damaged compressors often make loud buzzing sounds once they are not running properly.
What can you do?
Inspect your door seal for damage
Take a close look at your fridge’s door seal and gaskets. If you see any debris or dirt, wipe them off. Take a piece of paper or a bill and trap it between your fridge and gasket. Try pulling the paper away slowly. If you did so without any difficulty, it is time to have your seal replaced. Cracks, holes, and other damages are a clear sign that you need a seal replacement. Give All Appliance Parts a call with your model number and we can help you get the seal you need for your model.
Reason #5: Defrost Timer
If you have a frost-free refrigerator, it is likely that your defrost timer may be causing weird noises in your fridge. Defrost timers assist with transitioning your freezer between cooling and defrosting mode.
What can you do?
Inspect your defrost timer and replace it when necessary
Aside from the buzzing sound, listen for scraping noises. The latter is often a sign of a faulty defrost timer. Locate your defrost timer. Depending on the model of your fridge, it may be in the top or bottom part of your appliance. Most timers are made of plastic and are usually white in color. If you suspect that your timer may be faulty, you will need a replacement.
Reason #6: Evaporator fan motor
Their main function is to constantly regulate and spread the flow of air in your refrigerator box. In some models, a refrigerator may have one or more evaporator fan motors. When your evaporator fans are going bad, your fridge will surely suffer. This results in the increased temperature in your refrigerator which will eventually cause it to overheat and damage more of its parts.
What can you do?
Manually turn your fans
Unplug your fridge. Locate your evaporator fan motor. Make sure to check your refrigerator’s manual. Using your fingers, turn the fan blades manually. Check for any blockage, debris, or dirt. Wipe the dust away using a dry cloth. Plug your fridge back in. If the fridge is still making noises, you will need a replacement. This will be the case if you found it difficult to turn the fans earlier.
Reason #7: Compressor
Your refrigerator’s compressor is very important, as it is the one that circulates the refrigerant in the refrigeration cycle. This is exactly why a compressor is also called the heart of a refrigerator.
A faulty compressor can be the worst problem your refrigerator will have. If you suspect that your compressor is damaged, we suggest unplugging your fridge until the problem is fixed, as this can lead to high electricity bills.
Most compressors make a gentle, humming, sound. However, when they are not functioning well, the humming turns into loud buzzing. It is also possible to hear clicking noises, which is often a bad sign.
What can you do?
Note: Before anything else, please keep in mind that when it comes to compressors, professional help is necessary. DIY inspections and replacements can be dangerous and may cause unfortunate accidents.
Replace your compressor
Call a technician to inspect your refrigerator. Compressors are costly but it can be cheaper than buying a new fridge.
When you hear weird noises coming from your fridge, this can be a sign of a serious problem. We always recommend having your fridge inspected before a minor problem turns into a major one. As always if you need a part of advice call All Appliance Parts and we will do our best to get you back to where you need to be.
