Why Does a Refrigerator make Noise? - The India Saga

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Why Does a Refrigerator make Noise?

Buying a best refrigerator in India is a great thing but maintaining it can be a problem. One of the…

Why Does a Refrigerator make Noise?

Buying a best refrigerator in India is a great thing but maintaining it can be a problem. One of the major problems associated with refrigerators is noise. Refrigerator noises can be caused by several things and for starters, this can be very frustrating.  Some of the noises that may come from your fridge may not be serious, but others might indicate that there is a serious problem that needs to be addressed. In this article, we are going to discuss how you can troubleshoot noise problems when they occur.

Types of Refrigerator Noise

Cracking or Clatter Noises – This simply means that some parts of the freezer are contracting or expanding. It normally happens due to temperature changes. When this happens, the metallic parts of your fridge and the ice that is already formed starts to expand which may cause some noise. Overall, there is nothing to worry about these sounds because it is an indication that the fridge in working properly.

Clicking sounds – If you hear some clicking sounds in your refrigerator, it means that there is a problem that needs to be addressed. In most cases, these sounds are caused by a dirty condenser which causes the compressor to get overloaded. You should clean the condenser at least once per year.

Rattling noise/ Banging sounds – If there are any items you have placed on top of the refrigerator; you need to remove them first to determine whether they are responsible for the sounds.  It can also happen when the compressor is dirty or when it needs to be replaced. The best thing to do is to consult a technician to check it for you.

The sound may also result due to clogging of the condenser fan located at the bottom of the fridge. You should use a soft brush when cleaning it and remember to unplug the fridge when cleaning.

The actual fridge condenser is also susceptible to dirt and lint which means that you should also clean it. You may also need to check whether the condensing pan is out of its place. Also, check the tubing in the fridge to ensure that it is properly positioned.

Buzzing noise – A buzzing sound should only worry you when it occurs for a long time. In most cases, it happens when the inlet valve opens and closes to fill the icemaker or dispense water. In case the sound is coming from the outer part of your fridge, you may need to check whether there is a loose panel in the fridge.

Popping Noise – These sounds happen when the walls of the fridge expand and contract due to temperature changes. This is normal but it is good to check whether the fridge is cooling properly. This means that you will need to check the walls of the fridge for condensation. In case there is none, it means that your fridge is working properly.

Hissing and dribbling noises – This problem is normally caused by flowing oil or refrigerant in the compressor which means that it is not a serious problem. If the sound is very loud, it may be a sign that the oil in the compressor is going bad. It might also occur if there is a problem on the freezer walls maybe some punctures and the Freon is leaking. This is very dangerous, and you should call a technician immediately to fix it because Freon is very toxic.

Sizzling or Gurgling noises – These sounds usually happen when the ice is melting or when the melted ice starts to drip into the draining part.  You should not be worried about this because it is part of the normal processes that occurs in a refrigerator.

Vibration noise – This happens when the refrigerator is not levelled on the floor correctly. You can solve it by adjusting the legs of your fridge to ensure that it stands on the floor properly with all the 4 legs.  You can also solve this by placing your fridge on a rubber mat or anti-vibration pads to lessen these vibrations.

Whirling or pulsating sounds – This sound comes from the fans and the compressor of your refrigerator. It simply shows that your fridge is functioning properly.

Noise coming from the inside of the fridge: If the noise is coming from the inside of your refrigerator, you may need to check the fan that circulates air. You can confirm this by pressing the light switch located in the freezer. In case the circulation fan is the major cause, the noise will be louder.

How to prevent your fridge from making sounds

Proper maintenance of the refrigerator is the best way to ensure that your fridge does not produce unwanted sounds. For example, you need to clean your fridge frequently to ensure that all parts are functioning as required. You should also check the compressor, condenser fans, tubing and the condenser itself to ensure that they are all clean and working.

Again, you should avoid overstuffing your fridge because this might affect its performance and may also cause some damages. Once you detect some unusual sounds coming from the refrigerator, you should check it immediately. It is also important to refer to the user manual when it comes to maintenance. Make sure that you have read and understood all the instructions on the manual on the things you should do to keep it working.

You also need to schedule frequent maintenance to enhance its performance. This will also boost its durability. In case something is not clear, you should always consult a technician. Also check out the warranty terms to find out if the company can assist you in case there is a problem.

Conclusion

Those are the major sounds that are likely to come from your fridge at home. Even though most of them are not serious, it is important to look for a technician to check some of the technical components such as the compressor, condenser fan and the defroster timer. However, if the issue you are dealing with can be solved by cleaning the condenser the compressor, there is no need to hire a technician because this is something you can easily do.

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