Common Refrigerator Noises and How to Fix Them

Refrigerators can be quite loud appliances when operating due to the components within them like fans and the compressor that naturally make noises when they turn on. But, if the noise becomes loud and abnormal, something is probably wrong with one or more of the internal components within your appliance.

In this guide, we are going to discuss the common type of noises and give you step-by-step instructions on how to fix them. We’ll cover all major types of noises including grinding, rattling, buzzing, vibrating, and humming noises.

Refrigerator making grinding or rattling noise

One of the most common types of noise that refrigerators emit is a grinding or rattling noise. The main culprit of this type of noise is a defective fan in your fridge. Your fridge has two main fans: the condenser fan and the evaporator fan. If one or both fans become defective a loud noise might develop.

The first fan to check is the condenser fan. Here’s what to do:

1. Switch the power off and pull your refrigerator out from the wall so you can access the condenser fan unit.
2. Locate the condenser fan unit and remove the cover.
3. Move the condenser fan around to make sure nothing is obstructing it and that it isn’t bent out of shape.
4. If the fan is damaged or you’re unable to fix it, it will need to be replaced.
5. If the fan is fine, test the fan motor with a multimeter.
6. The test should show the fan motor has continuity. If not, it will need to be replaced.
7. If the fan is fine, move on to checking the evaporator fan. If you replace the condenser fan, you will need to test if the noise stops once the new fan is installed. If you can still hear a loud noise, check the evaporator fan.

The second fan to check is the evaporator fan which can be found in the freezer unit. Here’s what to do:

1. Switch the power off.
2. Locate the evaporator fan unit and remove the cover.
3. Move the evaporator fan around to make sure nothing is obstructing it and that it isn’t bent out of shape. The fan may also be covered in ice.
4. If the fan is covered in ice, leave the appliance off for an hour or so to let it defrost. If the evaporator fan is damaged and you’re unable to fix it, it will need to be replaced.
5. If the fan itself appears fine, test the fan motor with a multimeter.
6. The test should show the fan motor has continuity. If not, it will need to be replaced.
7. If both fans are working correctly, you may need to get a technician to come and inspect your appliance so they can find the source of the grinding or rattling noise.

The refrigerator makes a buzzing noise

If the noise coming from your refrigerator is a loud buzzing noise it could be coming from the ice maker. The main reason this occurs is when the ice maker is turned on but the water supply isn’t connected correctly. Thankfully, this is a very simple problem to fix.

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Locate the ice-maker unit in your refrigerator.
2. First, check if the shut-off arm is turned on. If it’s off, turn it on.
3. Next, check that the water supply hose is properly connected and that it isn’t bent out of shape. If the hose is damaged beyond repair, it will need to be replaced.
4. If you replace the hose or have turned the shut-off arm on, check if the noise has been stopped.
5. If the ice maker components are working correctly, you will need to get a technician to come and inspect your appliance to investigate other sources of the noise.

Refrigerator making a vibrating noise

If the noise coming from your refrigerator is a loud rattling sound, the culprit might be your appliance not sitting level on the floor. When this occurs, the fridge will vibrate when the compressor turns on.

Here’s how to make sure your fridge is sitting level on the floor:

1. Place a spirit level on top of your refrigerator unit.
2. If the spirit level shows your fridge is sitting level, you don’t need to make any adjustments. However, make sure your appliance isn’t sitting hard up against the kitchen bench or wall as this might make a rattling noise when the compressor turns on.
3. If the spirit level shows your fridge isn’t sitting level, adjust the legs on the bottom of your fridge until it is.
4. Once your fridge is level, check if the noise has gone. If not, you may need to get a technician to come and inspect your fridge to find the source of the noise.

The refrigerator makes a humming noise

If your refrigerator is making a humming sound, the culprit might be the compressor. When the compressor turns on, it’s normal for it to make a slight humming or buzzing noise, but if it gets loud there might be something wrong with it.

Here’s how to fix a humming noise coming from your compressor: 

1. Start by turning your refrigerator off for a couple of minutes before turning it back on. This will reset your compressor. 
2. If a reset doesn’t work, make sure that the compressor is correctly attached to your fridge. For example, make sure that none of the brackets that hold it in place have fallen off.
3. If your compressor is attached correctly, you will need to get a technician to come and inspect your appliance to try and find the source of the noise.