Troubleshooting a Noisy Refrigerator

A refrigerator must make some noise, as this signals that it's producing and circulating cool air. This noise should sound similar to humming and shouldn't be intrusive or interfere with the daily activity of household members.

However, when your refrigerator starts making new, unusual noises, this could indicate that something is not quite right.

Let's explore a few reasons why a refrigerator may be making strange noises.

Drain pan problems

If the refrigerator noise resembles a rattling sound and is located around the bottom area of the unit, the drain pan might be the culprit.

The drain is usually around one inch above the floor, and if it is ill-placed, it will start making noise. It's possible that the pan has been damaged and needs to be replaced. Either way, this is a relatively easy fix.

The refrigerator might not be level

Louder than usual humming (or clunking) could signify that the unit isn't level.

Remember, your fridge comes with a set of adjustable legs. They can sometimes move, which means the refrigerator will experience some motion and cause it to sound different. You can use a bubble level to determine if your refrigerator legs need further adjustments.

Fan motor damage

When the refrigerator makes unusual noises, it's important to start listening closely. If the sound is most prominent between the fresh food section and the freezer, the fan motor might be an issue. One of the blades may be bent out of shape or too dirty.

You'll need to clear out the fridge and inspect the motor to be sure. It would help if you immediately replace any loose or damaged blades.

If the blades are in good shape, perhaps it's the fan motor itself that's malfunctioning. Such an issue causes excess noise and could lead to inefficient cooling.

Coil tubes issues

If the strange noise is coming from the back of the refrigerator, the problem might stem from condenser coil tubes. These metal tubes circulate the refrigerant and remove the heat.

While they do sit close together, they shouldn't be touching. However, this could be the case if you recently moved the refrigerator. It doesn't mean the coil tubes are damaged completely, but they may have bent out of shape.

However, if there is some damage to the coil tubes, that can be a significant problem. Leaked refrigerant is unsafe and requires professional handling. Furthermore, straightening out bent coil tubes can lead to further damage, so it's imperative to reach out to a specialist.

Keep the noise at bay!

Most people are used to their fridge making odd sounds from time to time, especially if it's not a constant problem. Older units may get noisier over time, but some noises cause concern.

Identifying the precise location of the noise is the first step in determining its cause. Some issues require DIY and straightforward solutions, such as fixing the drain pan or leveling the fridge.

On the other hand, some will require homeowners to reach out to trustworthy professionals to address the underlying issue.

Freedom Appliance of Tampa Bay has 13 years experience in professional repair and installation of all laundry and kitchen appliances and dryer duct cleaning. Call 813-302-7672 today!