Quieting a Noisy Refrigerator: A Guide for Homeowners

We will discuss the common reasons for refrigerator noises, how to silence them, preventive measures to keep your refrigerator running smoothly, and when to call the professionals. By following these guidelines, you can ensure your refrigerator continues to function optimally, extending its lifespan.

Identifying the Causes of Noisy Refrigerators

When your refrigerator is making unusual noises, it may be caused by these common issues:

• Loose parts.
• Faulty fan motor or fan blade hitting ice buildup.
• Worn-out compressor.

Understanding these causes can help you pinpoint the problem and determine whether it's a DIY fix or if you need to call in the professionals.

Loose Parts

Over time, the regular use of your refrigerator can lead to the loosening of components like door handles, shelves, fan screws or motor mounts. If you suspect this is the cause, a careful inspection and tightening of any loose screws or bolts should help.

If you hear a knocking noise as the compressor turns on and/or shuts off, the compressor motor mounts could be loose. Rattling noises can indicate that fan mounting screws are loose. A loose door handle or shelves can also make rattling noises as the fridge compressor runs.

Fan Problems

A faulty fan motor could also be the culprit. This crucial component circulates air throughout your refrigerator to maintain proper temperature levels. If the motor is malfunctioning, it may make strange noises such as grinding or squeaking. In this case, it's advisable to contact a professional technician to examine and fix the issue.

When you hear a loud buzzing noise or grinding noise from inside the freezer compartment, the evaporator fan blade may be hitting ice and frost build-up on the evaporator. The excessive frost and ice could be caused by an air leak into the cabinet or a failure of the automatic defrost system in the fridge.

Refrigerator Compressor Problems

An overheated compressor can make loud noises such as loud buzzing or clicking. Dirty condenser coils can cause the compressor to run hotter than normal.

Another possible cause of refrigerator noise is a worn-out compressor. This component is the heart of the cooling system, circulating refrigerant through the refrigerator. If it's worn-out or damaged, it may make excessive noise such as loud buzzing or knocking. Unfortunately, compressor issues usually need professional repair or replacement.

If your refrigerator is making noise, it's important to address the problem promptly. Ignoring it can lead to further damage and potential food spoilage. While some issues can be easily fixed by tightening screws or bolts, other problems may require the expertise of a trained technician. Remember, it's always best to call in professional help if you're uncertain or uncomfortable about doing any repairs yourself.

Steps to Silence a Noisy Refrigerator

If your refrigerator is making unusual noise, there are a few steps you can take to quiet it down. Here are some common solutions:

1. Clean the condenser coils: Dust and debris can accumulate on these coils over time, causing your refrigerator to work harder and make more noise. To clean them, unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually found on the back or underneath), and use a vacuum cleaner or brush to gently remove the dirt. Refer to your owner’s manual for more details on cleaning the condenser coils in your refrigerator.
2. Tighten loose screws: Vibrations from the refrigerator can sometimes loosen screws, leading to rattling or buzzing noises. Check the various components like the compressor, fan motor, and condenser, and tighten any loose screws or bolts.
3. Check for excessive frost: When you hear loud buzzing noise coming from the back of the freezer, manually defrost the fridge to see if the noise goes away. To get rid of frost on the evaporator, safely store sensitive medicine and foods in an ice chest and unplug the fridge or turn it off for several hours. Open the freezer door to allow warm air to circulate through the freezer and melt frost and ice off the evaporator fins. Restart the refrigerator and see if the fan still makes noise. If the noise goes away, you’ve resolved the problem – for now. If the noise returns, you’ll likely need to have a service technician diagnose and repair the automatic defrost system.
4. Replace a worn-out fan motor: Buzzing or whining noise may be due to a worn-out fan motor. Consult your refrigerator's manual or contact a professional technician to determine if the fan motor needs replacing.

By following these steps, you can address the most common causes of a noisy refrigerator. If the noise persists or you need professional help, consider contacting Sears Home Services for expert repair and maintenance.

Maintenance Tips to Prevent Noisy Refrigerators

Keeping your refrigerator clean and well-maintained will help prevent noise problems and component failures. Here are expert tips on keeping your fridge in top shape.

Clean the Condenser Coils Regularly

Regular cleaning of your refrigerator's condenser coils is a critical preventive maintenance task. Dust and debris can build up on the coils over time, causing your refrigerator to work harder and make more noise. To clean them, unplug the refrigerator, locate the coils (usually found at the back or underneath), and use a vacuum cleaner with a brush attachment to gently remove the dust. Be careful not to damage the coils while cleaning. Regularly cleaning the coils can improve your refrigerator's efficiency and reduce noise levels.

Here’s a DIY YouTube video that shows how to clean the condenser coils in a common type of refrigerator:

Keep the Fridge Properly Leveled

Another important maintenance tip is to ensure your refrigerator is level. A refrigerator that isn't level can cause excessive vibrations and noise. To check the leveling, place a bubble level on top of the unit and adjust the front or back legs until the bubble is centered. It's also a good idea to use a wrench or pliers to tighten the legs once they are adjusted. By keeping your refrigerator properly leveled, you can minimize noise and ensure optimal performance.

Check and Maintain Door Gaskets

Worn-out door gaskets can also contribute to a noisy refrigerator. Gaskets are the rubber seals that line the edges of the refrigerator doors. Over time, these gaskets can wear out or get damaged, letting air escape and causing the refrigerator to work harder.

To check the condition of the gaskets, visually inspect them for any signs of wear or tears. If you notice any damage, it's important to replace the gaskets as soon as possible. You can purchase replacement gaskets from our Sears PartsDirect website or contact a professional technician for assistance. By replacing worn-out gaskets, you can improve the efficiency of your refrigerator and reduce noise levels.

Schedule Professional Maintenance for your Refrigerator Every Year

Annual professional maintenance of your fridge is a crucial step in keeping it in top shape and running smoothly. Yearly professional maintenance will help prevent problems that cause refrigerator noises and will help your refrigerator last longer. Schedule annual maintenance for your refrigerator to help avoid unexpected breakdowns and keep your fridge running quietly and efficiently.

When to Call Professionals for Refrigerator Repairs

When your refrigerator starts making unusual noises, it can be a cause for concern. Not only can a noisy refrigerator disrupt the peace and quiet in your home, but it may also indicate a deeper issue that needs to be addressed promptly. While some minor noises can be fixed with simple troubleshooting, more serious problems require the expertise of a professional refrigerator repair service.

There are several benefits to hiring a professional to fix your noisy refrigerator. Firstly, professionals have the necessary knowledge and experience to accurately diagnose the problem and provide an effective solution. They understand the intricate workings of refrigeration systems and can quickly identify the source of the noise.

Additionally, professional refrigerator repair services offer a guarantee for their work. This means that if the noise persists or the problem reoccurs after the repair, they will come back and fix it at no extra cost. This gives you peace of mind and ensures that the issue is fully resolved.

When searching for reliable local repair services, consider a reputable company like Sears Home Services. With a long-standing reputation for excellence in appliance repair, Sears Home Services has a team of skilled technicians who specialize in refrigerator repairs. They are trained to handle various refrigerator brands and models, ensuring that your appliance is in capable hands.

Cost is another factor to consider when hiring a professional refrigerator repair service. While it may seem tempting to attempt a DIY repair to save money, it can often lead to more extensive and costly damages. Professional repair services provide transparent pricing, allowing you to understand the cost involved before proceeding with the repair. Additionally, they offer competitive rates and promotions, making their services affordable and cost-effective in the long run.

If your refrigerator is making noise, schedule a service appointment through Sears Home Services now. We’ll visit your home and quickly fix the problem.