Originally Created on: September 30, 2022 @ 9:22 am

Why do fridges make noise? Fridges may produce a variety of noises. Some of these are harmless, while others may indicate a pending or ongoing issue. A few common fridge sounds include: buzzing, clicking, and rattling.

The many sounds people associate with their fridge are the noise the compressor motor makes as it cools down the refrigerator compartment and defrosts food. 

The buzz you hear inside your refrigerator is likely due to the compressor running – it’s just cooling down your food. And while some people say they can listen to an ice crusher, this isn’t true – at least not on most models. Ice crushers are usually a separate motor inside the ice maker section of the freezer.

In this article, we will be diving deep into this particular topic to help you understand why refrigerators make noise. Let’s get straight into it!

Why Do Fridges Make Noise?

Fridges make noise for a variety of reasons, some of which are related to the design of the refrigerator and others to the environment in which it is located.

A refrigerator is a mechanical device that requires you to change its internal components from time to time. These parts normally become worn out after extended use, causing the appliance to make noise.

For example, a fridge’s evaporator coil will wear down over time and can freeze in the freezer compartment. The aging component is like a battery, and the freezer compartment acts as an environment for it. Eventually, the deterioration can cause your fridge to buzz as it misfires.

Additionally, your fridge compressor does not run continuously at all times – instead, it runs only when you are defrosting, or your refrigerator door is open. That is why the compressor stops running whenever you open your fridge door, and all you hear is the buzzing sound.

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Is it Normal For the Fridge to Make Noise?

Yes, fridges make noises. However, this does not mean that the appliance is running smoothly. There could be other underlying factors that should be considered.

The noise could indicate a problem with your refrigerator or freezer compartments. The issues are normally related to motor functions and may result from worn-out evaporator coils or compressor components (for example, due to an imbalance in refrigerant).

If this is not fixed, problems can also result from short circuit damage caused by faulty wiring.

It is not uncommon for a fridge to make a humming noise. This can happen when the refrigerator is running or when the motor kicks in. The sound can also come from the compressor, which is what cools and circulates the refrigerant in your refrigerator.

A fan or light going on and off, as well as the refrigerator light, bulb burning out could also lead to a humming noise from your fridge.

The noise may be louder if there are many other appliances in your kitchen area and they are all running at the same time.

Why is the Fridge Making Loud Noises?

The loud noises you hear from your fridge are likely a result of the compressor running. It’s just keeping the machine cool and ensuring your food is cold. Nevertheless, the compressor does not run continuously at all times – instead, it only runs when defrosting or an opened door causes enough airflow to start the cooling process.

The loud noises would also be experienced when the fridge is running especially as the motor kicks in to start the cooling process.

There are also other common situations. If you’re storing unusually large items (for example, wine bottles), they can put pressure on the freezer compartment wall, causing it to crack or break apart and alert you that there’s a problem inside your freezer.

Also, opening your fridge door while vacuuming can cause vibrations in your refrigerator, causing its motor to make noise.

When Should I Worry About My Fridge Noises?

If the buzzing noise from your fridges is not too loud, it does not necessarily mean that you’re facing a problem. However, if you notice it frequently (like every time you open the door) and louder than usual, it could be due to an issue with the freezer compartment wall or the fan.

It’s not uncommon for refrigerators to make strange noises. And, while some may be inconsequential and simply a sign of the machine’s normal operation, others may indicate potential problems.

Some of the most common fridge noises are caused by the compressor, which is located at the back of your fridge. The compressor is what cools your food and drinks and it can often make a buzzing noise or even a clicking sound.

If you hear this sound, it could mean that one of your coils has failed or that there is a problem with the condenser fan blade. It’s not time to panic yet, but you should contact an appliance repair professional as soon as possible.

If you are concerned about your refrigerator, the first thing you should do is inspect the fridge door seal. If it is not properly sealed, cold air will escape and warm air will enter.
This can cause condensation inside your fridge, which means that water droplets can form on the walls and drip onto food.

The next thing you should check is if there are any leaks in the gasket around where the door closes. The gasket seals off a gap between the outside of your fridge and inside, so if there is a leak, then warm air will seep in and get trapped inside with all of your food.

In any case, excessive noise from your fridge indicates a problem and should be checked out by a professional.

How do I Stop My Fridge From Making Noise?

The key here is to determine the exact cause of the problem. For example, the problem could be related to the evaporator coil or compressor fan and would require one of these parts to be replaced. In some cases, however, noise problems are caused by the internal wiring. You may have to replace the whole unit when this is the case.

It’s also possible that your refrigerator’s airflow is blocked due to excess ice buildup – in which case you’ll hear a high-pitched sound as the cooling system struggles to keep up with temperature demands.

This can also manifest as a clicking sound – and if your fridge has an ice maker, it may also be accompanied by the sounds of an ice crusher. In cases like this, the best way to solve the problem is by defrosting the freezer compartment.

Conclusion

A refrigerator is a mechanical device that requires you to change its internal components from time to time. These parts normally become worn out after extended use, causing the appliance to make noise or produce unusual sounds.