Why Is My Fridge Making Whining Noises? (2023)

A broken or worn-out evaporator, condenser or compressor fan can cause your fridge to make a high-pitched squealing sound. Often, an obstructed motor shaft is to blame for the noise. Another clue that your evaporator fan could be to blame is a fridge that doesn’t cool properly or a compressor that runs constantly.

Why is my fridge making a loud whining noise?

A fridge making noise from the back of the unit is probably the condenser fan or the compressor. “If you determine the noise is caused by the condenser fan, try cleaning away dust and debris that may have accumulated between the fan blades, using a soft brush,” says Rogers.

When should I worry about my fridge noises?

If you hear a loud humming, take note. Compressors make low humming or buzzing sounds as part of their normal operation. But if the refrigerator noise gets louder and louder to the point where you can hear it from the next room, contact a licensed technician.

Why is my freezer making whining noises?

Your freezer’s evaporator fan helps keep your appliance cool by circulating air and ventilating the evaporator coils. If the evaporator fan is damaged or worn-out, however, unusually loud clicking, buzzing, or humming sounds may arise.

Why is my fridge making weird sounds?

If your refrigerator is making an extremely loud buzzing sound—as opposed to a soft hum— the compressor is usually the cause, and it might be time to repair or replace it. Before making that decision, clean the fridge’s condenser coils and fan to ensure built-up dirt and dust is not the source of the issue.

How do I stop my fridge from whining?

Check the fans for obstructing debris and gently clean the blades with a damp cloth. It’s also worth checking that the ice dispenser is connected correctly. If your fridge isn’t level, adjust the feet or prop up the corners with folded cardboard to see if it solves the problem.

How do I stop my fridge from whistling?

On new refrigerators, it is not unusual for the door to whistle or squeak. This occurs because the gasket (rubber material around inner perimeter of the door) is sealing very tightly. If the noise becomes bothersome, try rubbing paraffin wax or petroleum jelly on the gasket.

Is it OK that the fridge is making a sound?

Humming. This sound is perfectly normal and is actually a good sign. It indicates that your fridge is running as it should, so it’s actually more of a problem if you don’t hear this noise. What you’re hearing is the compressor running, which is switched on between 60 to 80 per cent of the time.

What fridge noises are normal?

A click can be heard when the temperature control unit turns the fridge on and off. A boiling, gurgling, or knocking sound can be heard when the unit is running. This is caused by the circulation of refrigerant. A Gurgling sound in the door.

What does a bad refrigerator compressor sound like?

Compressor noise: A failing compressor may also make a knocking sound whenever the compressor turns on or off. The loud humming or buzzing sound usually means the compressor motor is failing, while a knocking sound indicates the compressor motor is not secure within the compressor, which causes the knocking sound.

Is it normal for a freezer to make hissing noise?

A gurgling or hissing noise from a Sub-Zero can be attributed to a number of things, such as a partially plugged drain tube, water drainage during the defrost cycle, or evaporator operation. Such noises are usually considered normal operation.

How do I know if my refrigerator compressor is not working?

Your refrigerator compressor is responsible for that humming sound. So, if the sound stops for good, or if the sound goes from faint to a constant or very loud humming noise that does not shut off, it may be a sign the compressor is broken or malfunctioning.

What does a bad evaporator fan sound like?

Listen for a squeal or chirp sound. If you hear a high pitched sound, you will need to remove the rear panel to gain access to the fan motor. The condenser is usually not located at the back of the freezer, so the evaporator fan motor should be the only thing making noise behind the rear panel.

What does a dying compressor sound like?

You Hear a Ticking or Chattering Noise: Your HVAC unit will usually make a humming noise while it’s running, and you can hear it when it kicks on and off, but if the noise changes to a ticking sound, this is a sign that the compressor is struggling to turn on and off.

Is it expensive to replace a refrigerator compressor?

Installing a new refrigerator compressor costs about $375 on average, ranging between $250 and $650. The cost for the compressor itself can run from $100 to $500, not including installation. When your refrigerator is running perfectly, you probably don’t give its inner workings much thought.

Why is the back of my fridge making a hissing sound?

You may hear a hissing noise when refrigerant is flowing through the cooling system — this is normal and nothing to worry about.

What does a freon leak in a freezer smell like?

Freon has a distinct smell with a sweet note to it that many people describe as smelling like chloroform. The specific smell of freon gas makes it easy to smell a freon leak. If you notice an unfamiliar smell close to your AC unit or refrigerator, you should inspect it for a freon leak.

Is my refrigerator leaking freon?

Symptoms of a Freon Leak: Freon exposure can also cause headaches, dizziness, nausea, and shortness of breath. While Freon is odorless, a leak will typically cause a musty or freshly-cut grass smell. A Freon leak also usually causes an oily substance to accumulate on the floor by the refrigerator.

What is the average life of a refrigerator compressor?

That said, modern compressors are both durable and efficient. Although plans for a replacement should start around eight years of service, a well-maintained compressor can reach to ten years and beyond.

How much does it cost to fix a refrigerator compressor?

Between $200 and $450: For example, refrigerator compressor repair cost will run between $200 and $450. Common refrigerator problems include water or refrigerant leaking from the appliance, loud noises coming from the refrigerator, overly high energy bills, uneven cooling, and the appliance simply refusing to cool at all.

What is the most common cause of refrigerator compressor failure?

Too Little or Too Much Refrigerant: In the event that the amount of refrigerant in the system is not perfect, it could create too much pressure or strain and lead to compressor failure. Too little refrigerant is most likely caused by an insufficient charge from the last technician, or from a refrigerant leak.

Why is my LG refrigerator making a high pitched noise?

Pulsating High-pitch Sound: The high efficiency compressor may cause your new refrigerator to run longer than your old one, but it is still more energy efficient than previous models. While the refrigerator is running, it is normal to hear a pulsating or high-pitched sound.

Why is my Frigidaire fridge making a loud humming noise?

Frigidaire recommends changing water filters every six months, and if the new filter is not installed properly, it can cause the Frigidaire refrigerator to make a humming noise. If you hear this noise, it’s important to check the water filter and make sure that it is correctly installed.

How do you fix a whirring fan?

1. Clean off the Blades.
2. Tighten the Blade Screws.
3. Tighten Light-Fixture Fasteners.
4. Examine Any Warped Blades.
5. Secure the Upper Canopy.
6. Lubricate the Fan Motor.
7. Balance the Blades.
8. Check the Pull Chain.

Can low refrigerant cause compressor noise?

Hearing a Whistling Noise: Sometimes your unit may be low on Freon because of a leak in your unit. If this is the case you may hear a whistling or bubbling noise from the Freon escaping. If this is the case, don’t hesitate and call us immediately for a diagnostic check!

Can a bad refrigerator compressor cause a fire?

Refrigerators. One might never think of a refrigerator being a fire risk; however, an overheated compressor or an electrical short can cause fires.

Is it worth fixing a refrigerator?

But, as a good rule of thumb, if you have multiple faulty parts or if your refrigerator is over ten years old, it is probably time to replace it. Consumer Reports recommends replacing your refrigerator if the cost to repair it is more than half the price of buying a new one.

Is it worth it to fix compressor?

If this is the case, then yes, a compressor replacement is absolutely worth considering. But the likelihood of a compressor breaking down entire while still under warranty is fairly slim.