Why Refrigerator Is Making Noise? Other Common Refrigerator Problems

Almost every household around the world has a refrigerator. It is one of the most common and essential kitchen appliances due to its helpful features and functions. As they are electronic appliances, sometimes you might face some problems with it. 

There are several refrigerator and freeze problems that you may face which are quite common. Most of the common issues have more or less similar processes of repair. So before calling a technician to repair your refrigerator, first check if you can fix it. 

One of the most common issues reported by refrigerator owners is the irritating noise. It is a sign that your fridge needs urgent maintenance service.

 In the post, we are going to discuss why refrigerators make noise and other common refrigerator problems you could face regardless of the fridge brand or model.

Of course, every refrigerator makes some noise while operating. Therefore, some sounds are normal, but there are others that you should treat as alerts for maintenance. So, why does your refrigerator make noise? 

Faulty Condenser Fan Motor

One of the most common causes of refrigerator noise is the condenser fan having a hard time circulating. It can be due to debris deposited in the fan, making it tough to rotate. The motor itself could also be at fault and needs immediate replacement.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

Talking of motors, the one driving the evaporator fan could also make noise if there is any fault. If the sound seems to be originating from the freezer region, then that is a clear hint. This is the region where the evaporator fan circulates air to cool the system.

Apart from the motor, the fan itself could be worn out. In addition, ice deposits on the motor shaft during frosting hinder its free movement. All these factors could lead to the production of irritating noise by your refrigerator.

Clogging in The Water Valve

If the first two are not culprits, then have a look at the water valve. The best way to distinguish these noises is their timing. For a water valve, the refrigerator could be noisy when feeling the ice maker.

If you are sure that this is the cause, then it might time to commence the maintenance process. Unfortunately, a water valve cannot be repaired; it can only be replaced with a new one. 

Old Compressor

Another reason why you should call a technician is the fact that the compressor might be wearing out. Under normal circumstances, there is always some noise coming from this part of the fridge. If it becomes a lot noisy than usual, then maintenance is due. 

Consuming more energy

It might seem like a good thing, but this is a problem that needs urgent addressing. Ideally, refrigerators should stop running once certain conditions have been achieved. However, if it runs continuously, then it could increase your electricity bills. 

Debris in the condenser fans or setting the temperature too low could be the cause. The solution is to clean the relevant areas using a brush or a wipe cloth. Also, always set the temperature between 2.8 and 4.4 degrees Celsius. 

Water Leakage

Another prevalent problem is water leaking out of the freezer. It could be due to a blocked defrost or clogged water supply line. One way of solving this is to defrost the fridge by flashing warm water in the freezer. 

The leakage could also be as a result of a faulty water supply. As such, you’ll need to unplug the fridge from the mains and check if there are any leaks along its water pipe. Usually, it is the water valve, and this can be replaced with a new one.

Frost Growth in The Freezer

If there is a build-up of ice in your freezer, then that’s a bad sign. One cause for this is leaving the fridge door open too long. The air from outside is condensed to form water droplets, which in turn form ice. This is a common problem in single door refrigerators. 

Obviously, the solution is always to keep the door closed. However, if it still happens, then it could be a faulty seal. If that’s the case, then cleaning the seal thoroughly could be the answer. 

Another leading cause could be the congestion of items in the fridge. This can block the airflow. As such, whenever air finds its way into the refrigerator, it will not escape. Clear away any food items blocking the freezer vents and monitor the changes. Check out how to organize your refrigerator for avoiding the congestion of items in the fridge. 

Of course, there are many refrigerator problems, but the ones mentioned above are the most common. Fortunately, almost all of them can easily be solved at home without the need for any technical skills. 

Make sure to follow the necessary procedures when replacing any faulty part. However, if you are not sure of what to do, then you could use the services of a qualified technician.