How Do I Stop My Fridge From Making Noise?

What to do if the refrigerator is making weird noise from the back?

If your refrigerator is making weird noise from the back, it’s time to investigate and fix the problem. If left unresolved, this problem can cause further damage to your fridge and even cost you more money in energy bills. So, here’s what you should check first:

Inspect the defrost timer

Defrost timer controls the frequency at which defrost cycles occur in the refrigerator. It monitors the temperature of the evaporator coils and tells the compressor when to turn on and off. If stuck in an open or closed position, it can cause a loud humming noise from the fridge and reduced cooling efficiency inside.

To diagnose this issue, you should unplug your refrigerator and check if there’s any loose wiring connected to the defrost timer. If there are no defective wires, you may need to replace the entire component with a new functional part. Before replacing any components, however, make sure that you consult a service technician who can recommend whether or not this is necessary for fixing your issue.

Clean condenser coils

Condenser coils are located on the back of a refrigerator and help dissipate heat from the unit. When condenser coils become clogged with dirt and dust, they can cause noise and decrease energy efficiency in your refrigerator. Fortunately, cleaning these coils is relatively easy to do yourself.

To begin cleaning your condenser coils, turn off power to the refrigerator at its own circuit breaker or unplug it from the wall outlet. Use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to remove any large pieces of debris that may be stuck between fins on the coil surface, being careful not to bend any of them in the process.

Сheck the condenser fan

When your refrigerator is making a clicking noise, it is important to check the condenser fan before attempting any further repairs. First, unplug the fridge before inspecting any parts inside. With a flashlight, locate the fan behind the bottom grill on the back wall of your fridge and ensure no obstructions like dust or lint are blocking its path.

Additionally, checking that all screws and bolts that hold the fan in place are tight will help improve efficiency. If necessary, use a vacuum cleaner to remove debris around or inside the fan blades for more efficient airflow.

Examine the compressor

One of the most common reasons why your fridge is making loud buzzing noise is a faulty compressor. A compressor is an important part of any refrigeration system, as it helps circulate coolant through the fridge and keep food items at their optimal temperature.

The first step in inspecting the compressor is to determine if it needs any repairs or replacements. A noisy compressor could indicate that something inside has gone wrong, and professionals can help you assess what needs to be done. They will also check for any signs of overheating or whether any loose connections need tightening.

Finally, experts can also suggest preventive maintenance tips such as checking the condenser coils and ensuring there’s sufficient ventilation around the appliance. Taking these steps will keep your fridge running efficiently while helping you save money on energy costs in the long run.

How to act if the noise is coming from the fridge front?

If you’ve ever heard a strange noise coming from the front of your fridge, it can be disturbing and embarrassing, especially if you have no idea what’s causing the sound. Fortunately, there are ways to identify and resolve this issue before it becomes a bigger problem.

Check the evaporator fan

Fridge and freezer sections usually have the evaporator fan circulating cold air around the compartment. In order to see if the fan is making noise, make sure the door trigger switch is OK by taping it/holding it with your finger/or using a magnet (if it is magnet type) to trigger it falsely.

The fan usually turns on when the fridge door is open. If you see compartment lights are off, you indeed triggered it right. At this stage, it’s better to call a service technician immediately.

Inspect the dumper control

An air damper assembly is a little temperature control trap door that opens and closes to control the airflow and temperature of the fridge. Sometimes its little servo motor wears out and starts making noise.

To diagnose this problem, open up the front panel of your noisy refrigerator and locate the dumper control. It’s usually located at the bottom of the unit near the motor, which is typically encased in plastic or metal housing. Once you have identified it, carefully unplug any wires connected to it.

Next, visually inspect all connections between the tipper control unit and the wiring harnesses for signs of corrosion, rust or other damage that could interfere with proper operation.

REFERENCES

1. Pu, Liang, et al. “Visualization study of two-phase flow and noise control in a multiple temperature refrigerator during the defrost cycle.” Noise Control Engineering Journal 70.2 (2022): 161-168.
   https://doi.org/10.3397/1/377014
2. Zhang X. et al. Research on the Standard of Refrigerator Noise Quality Evaluation //Advances in Usability, User Experience and Assistive Technology. – 2019.
   https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-319-94947-5_52
3. Wu S., Song J., Shen G. Study on the Contribution of Compressor noise to Refrigerator Overall Noise. – 2016.
   https://docs.lib.purdue.edu/icec/2436/