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Decoding The Sounds Your Refrigerator Makes
By Appliance Chief | August 8, 2007
Refrigerators generally make a nice humming sound when they are operating at peak performance. However, there are other sounds you might hear that indicate that there may be a problem. 
Here are a few of those sounds:
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Chirping or whistling: This sound is your cue that the air-circulating fan is wearing out and needs to be repaired. If the chirping or whistling sounds louder when you open the fridge door, it may be that the fan motor needs to be replaced, since it cannot be fixed. A chirping sound can also come from the motor that operates the defrost timer. You will find the timer behind the fridge’s kick panel and the only way to stop the noise is to replace the motor with a new one.
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Crunching or buzzing: You may find that the icemaker in your freezer makes a loud crunching when operating. This may be due to using hard water or ice cubes that are too hard. On-the-door ice dispensers can make a very loud buzzing sound when there is a problem.
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Mechanical banging: You might here this as a fridge compressor shuts down, because it is moving into position. Though the sound might drive you crazy, this does not usually indicate a problem that needs fixing. However, the pads that support the compressor may have hardened and need to be replaced.
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Rattling: If you hear a rattling noise, it is likely the drain pan at the bottom of the fridge. To stop the noise, try taping the pan so it can’t move.
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Boiling or gurgling: This sound is made by the evaporator coil, also called a cooling coil when it first starts up and also when it shuts down.
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Popping: The evaporator coil may make this noise after the freezer has defrosted, because of the change in temperature.
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Hissing or sizzling: The defrost heater may make this sound as water drips on it while defrosting the freezer.
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Clicking, banging and knocking: These sounds can come from the compressor telling you there is a problem with it. Normally, it can make a whining or pulsating noise.
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Steady ticking, squealing: These sounds indicate a problem with the evaporator fan in the freezer.
Many of the new refrigerators on the market today have foam insulation that makes them move energy efficient. However, this insulation does not absorb sounds as well as fiberglass, so you may hear more noises than you are used to. To cut down on these noises, try putting a carpet with a rubber back underneath the fridge. You may also want to use acoustic tiles on the wall or walls closest to the refrigerator. If you still hear any of the noises listed above, you would be wise to call a professional before you end up with a bigger problem.
If you live in the Los Angeles County area, you will want to go to www.chiefappliance.com. West Coast Chief Appliance has service technicians who are available to make repairs even at night, and on weekends and holidays at no extra charge. Various models of top quality refrigerators are also available.
Topics: Refrigerator Repair, Refrigerator |
