REFRIGERATOR NOISES

NORMAL SOUNDS AND NOISES PRODUCE BY REFRIGERATORS / FREEZERS

A refrigerator, freezers, ice makers,  normal operation will create some sounds or noises. 

The following list contains common sounds that are normal. If you are not convinced or still worried, please contact a professional.

  • Chirping , Barking , Woof , Howl , Clicking sound can sometimes be noticed or heard as the damper door opens or closes.
  • Fan speed of Evaporator motors as the refrigerator responds to changes in temperature due to door openings.
  • Clicking , Tic-tock noise can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off.
  • Click – relay sound can be heard when the temperature control unit turns the fridge on and off.
  • Boiling, Gurgling, or Knocking sound can be heard when the compressor is running. This is caused by the circulation of the refrigerant.
  • Gurgling sound in the door. This sound can be heard just after the door is closed because of the water in the drain tube trap area. It can last several seconds.
  • Drip can be heard when the defrosted ice melts into water and is dripping into the drain pan beneath the refrigerator.
  • Snapping sound will be heard about 4 seconds after removing a glass from a dispenser. This is the sound of the dispenser chute closing.
  • Clicking noise may be heard after a power outage. This comes from the compressor trying to restart itself. The noise could last for an estimated 3 to 5 minutes.
  • Hissing, Sizzling, Buzzing, or Arching noise may be heard on self-defrost models. This is produced when water drips on defrost heaters.
  • The icemaker will make a Loud noise when cubes are dropped after the harvest mode.
  • Hum or Click sound can be noticed when the icemaker fills with water. This sound may be heard once or multiple times.
  • Cracking or Popping sound can be heard when the evaporator coils on a Top Freezer, No Frost refrigerator model are cooling after a defrost cycle.
  • Buzzing noises can be heard during and after getting water from the door dispenser. This noise estimate should not last longer than 7 seconds after you stop using the dispenser.
  • Buzzing The icemaker will make a buzzing sound when it is trying to fill with water. If the buzzing noise can be heard approximately every 15 minutes, check and make sure the water is turned on to the icemaker.
  • Sometimes on new refrigerators it is not unusual for the door to whistle or squeak. This occurs because the gasket (rubber material around the inner perimeter of the door) is sealing very tightly. This noise will stop in a few days once the gasket becomes more pliable.
  • Water lines supplying water to the refrigerator may make a loud bang due to a condition called “water hammer“. Water hammer is a knocking or banging noise in a water line that occurs when the water valve opens and closes on the refrigerator. This is caused by high water pressure in the house water supply line connected into the refrigerator.
  • A Rattling or Vibrating noise will be heard if the ice maker is turned on but water is not supplied to it. If the unit is not hooked up to water, it is recommended that the icemaker be turned off.
  • Refrigerators with the Keurig® K-Cup Brewing System can make various noises and sounds related to the Keurig and Hot Water system. Refrigerator – Keurig K-Cup Brewing System Sounds.
  • Beeping – some fridge are equipped with door alarm and temperature alarm that alerts the user the refrigerator needs attention. The alarm can continue until the concern has been corrected.

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