A refrigerator is an essential appliance in any household, keeping our food fresh and preserving each ingredient’s quality. But what happens when this trusty appliance starts making strange noises? It can be quite alarming, especially when we’re not sure what’s causing the noise or if it’s something serious.
The good news is that most refrigerator noises are easy to identify, and solutions exist when you know what to look for. We’ve created a comprehensive guide that explores why your refrigerator is making noises and how to fix it. From clicking and buzzing to shaking and gurgling, we explore the various appliance sounds and their causes below.
Problem: Clicking or Tapping Noises
If you hear a clicking or tapping noise coming from your refrigerator, it could be due to the compressor starting or shutting off. This sound is relatively normal and usually nothing to worry about.
However, if you notice that the noise is accompanied by your refrigerator not cooling properly or turning on and off frequently, it may indicate an issue with the compressor. In this case, it’s best to call a professional for refrigerator repair.
Solution
You can begin with a quick inspection of the appliance’s fan and compressor. If the noise is more like humming or buzzing, it’s like the fan is to blame. You can start with cleaning the fan to remove debris and ensure there isn’t a clog. If this noise persists after cleaning, consider a fan replacement altogether.
For a clicking or tapping noise, check the compressor. Although it’s normal for a compressor to make these sounds when starting or shutting off, these sounds can accompany cooling issues. In that situation, you may need to call a professional for refrigerator repair. Keep in mind that it’s unlikely for operational issues to have quick fixes, especially without professional guidance.
Problem: Buzzing or Humming Noise
As mentioned above, a buzzing or humming noise is another common sound that can come from your refrigerator. This sound could stem from the evaporator fan motor, which is responsible for circulating air inside the fridge. The fan may become clogged with debris over time, causing it to work harder and make more noise. The buzzing or humming noise is closely related to the compressor clicking, but the buzzing or humming could be an isolated sound.
Solution
You can resolve the buzzing or humming by inspecting the fan and fan parts and cleaning or replacing them. Start by cleaning the fan thoroughly, using the steps mentioned above. And if the problem persists, consider having a professional inspection. Professionals can replace the fan for you, and this will likely coincide with an appliance warranty. It’s best to avoid making a DIY fix that could void an existing warranty.
Problem: Rattling or Vibrating Noise
A rattling or vibrating noise coming from your refrigerator could indicate a loose or damaged part. Over time, smaller and often-used parts become loose and begin to wiggle with the appliance’s natural movements. And sometimes, the compressor or condenser fan becomes loose.
If you can locate the source of the noise, you’re likely to find a solution you can handle yourself. But if you can’t find the source or you’re struggling to find a solution, it’s best to call the professionals.
Solution
Checking for loose parts is the best step to take when you begin hearing rattling or vibrating from your refrigerator. Loose screws, shelving, handles, and internal parts can come loose, though it’s not the most common cause for noises. Tighten any loose screws and adjust internal shelving as needed. If this doesn’t resolve the rattling and you’re not comfortable adjusting mechanical parts, a professional appliance repair specialist can help.
Problem: Gurgling or Bubbling Noise
Hearing gurgling or bubbling noises from your refrigerator is usually nothing to worry about and is actually a normal sound. These noises stem from the flow of refrigerant through the evaporator coils and are more noticeable when your fridge is running. However, if these noises become louder or more frequent, it could mean there’s a leak in the refrigerant line.
Solution
A gurgling or bubbling noise typically isn’t a cause for concern unless it becomes loud or frequent, indicating a possible refrigerant leak. If you notice an odd gurgling that becomes noticeable from the next room or across the house, avoid a DIY solution—call a local refrigerator repair service right away. They’ll be able to check the fridge’s lines thoroughly and find the source of the problem. From here, they can replace the line if necessary.
Problem: Sizzling or Hissing Noise
A sizzling or hissing noise coming from your refrigerator is not a good sign. This could indicate a problem with the compressor or condenser fan, which a professional should inspect right away. There could also be an issue with the defrost cycle that’s causing ice to build on the evaporator coils and creating sizzling when they meet the hot refrigerant.
Solution
When you detect hissing or sizzling from your appliance, consider turning it off and unplugging it right away to prevent further damage in or around the fridge. Unplugging also prevents electrical damage surrounding the fridge, specifically near the electrical plug. Once you unplug the appliance, call your local appliance repair specialist to schedule the first available appointment and explain that the fridge was hissing and you’ve powered it down.
Closing Thoughts With Gulfcoast Appliance Repair
While it may be tempting to ignore a noisy refrigerator and hope the problem will go away on its own, it’s important to address it as soon as possible. Ignoring a potential issue can lead to bigger problems down the line and may result in costly repairs or even replacement of your appliance. By understanding why your refrigerator is making noise and how to fix it or what steps to take, you can tackle repairs and enjoy a long-lasting appliance.
Here at Gulfcoast Appliance Repair, our team of expert technicians has been serving the Lee and Collier Counties for over 25 years. We know how valuable your fridge is to your home, and we encourage you to contact our team right away if the noise becomes problematic or troublesome. We can service, repair, or replace factory-qualified parts and ensure a warranty remains intact if one exists. Partner with us today and get back to a peaceful, quieter home!
