Updated on March 13, 2023
The compressor, condenser fan, or defrost timer may be causing loud sounds emanating from the rear of the machine. Your refrigerator’s evaporator fan, which distributes air through the freezer and refrigerator, is most likely to blame for the loud noise.
Is your refrigerator a source of constant commotion? As a precaution, it’s best to spend some time investigating the cause of the noise. Here’s how to fix a noisy refrigerator, according to the professionals.
It’s natural to be concerned if your refrigerator begins producing strange noises, but don’t worry just yet—most of the time, this doesn’t mean anything serious is wrong. GE Appliances, for example, publishes a list of refrigerator sounds that are deemed typical and do not need a repair call. There is a good chance that a sizzling sound coming from the defrost heater is nothing more than water dropping on it. If you hear popping and cracking sounds, they might be caused by the unit changing temperature and don’t need any action on your side.
Fridge fights aren’t always that amicable. It’s important that you pay attention to the noises listed below and get help if you hear any of them. Always off the fridge’s electricity before you do any work on it. Attempting a repair on a computer that’s still under warranty might invalidate the warranty, so don’t do it. If you’re dealing with an older appliance, an internet search may be your best bet for locating any replacement components.
Steps to Fix a Refrigerator Making Loud Noise
1. Listen for the Source
Do you hear the rumbling coming from the refrigerator’s back?
A rattling refrigerator from the bottom indicates that the drain pan is loose. The compressor, condenser fan, or defrost timer may be causing loud sounds emanating from the rear of the machine. It’s possible that the evaporator fan, which moves air through the freezer and fridge, is malfunctioning if your refrigerator makes a lot of noise from the inside out.
Learn how to detect and fix each of these fridge issues by reading on. The refrigerator must be unplugged before any cleaning or repairs are done! Find a Mr. Appliance near you for dependable service from trained technicians.
Your heating and cooling system may be the source of the squeaking noises that come from your refrigerator. Here are some of the suggests you pay attention to. Neighbourly’s home service expert network.
2. Secure the Drain Pan
Drain pans may become loose and cause sounds from the bottom of the refrigerator, but this is a simple remedy. The pan may be reinstalled using the original hardware to bring back the peace and quiet in your home.
3. Listen and Look for a Faulty Defrost Timer
The defrost timer may be broken if you hear a ticking or scraping sound while the appliance is running. The presence of frost in the refrigerator or freezer might indicate a malfunctioning timer (if the thermostat is set correctly). Next, listen carefully. Only a few times every day, for approximately an hour, does the refrigerator make a lot of noise. One further indication that it is time to update the defrost timer. Investigate further with the help of a professional refrigerator repairman.
4. Clean and Inspect the Condenser Fan
Not all fridge have condenser fans. If yours does, it’s situated behind an access panel on the rear (outside) of the fridge. With the fridge unplugged, check the condensing fan—including the rubber grommets—for any wear and tear. Use a soft brush to clear dirt and debris that might be clogging the condenser motor fan. If this doesn’t cure your loud refrigerator issue, try the other recommendations below.
While you’re cleaning the fan, save these instructions on how to wash your refrigerator entirely, when you find time.
5. Check the Evaporator Fan
To determine whether the refrigerator’s evaporator fan is making the noise, just turn on the freezer’s light switch. There is a chance that this fan is making the noise. To determine the full degree of the damage, examine the fan.
The refrigerator’s evaporator fan is hidden behind a panel secured in place by screws or clips at the rear of the freezer area. Make sure the fridge’s fan is running properly by spinning the blades with your fingers while the appliance is disconnected. Check for evidence of wear and tear on wires, grommets, and other components. If the fan blade does not move freely, or if there are other indicators of damage or corrosion, it may be required to replace the fan and its components..
6. See If It’s Refrigerator Compressor Noise
A typical complaint is that the refrigerator’s compressor is making a lot of noise, but it’s important to verify that this is the root of the problem. If the noise persists, try disconnecting the condenser fan motor and then re-plugging your refrigerator. Compressor failure may be to blame. The next concern is how to reduce compressor noise in a refrigerator: The compressor is so crucial to the refrigerator’s operation that we strongly advise getting it checked out by a professional.
