Strange Noises from Your Fridge? What They Mean & How to Stop Them

Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home, running 24/7 to keep your food fresh. But when it starts making odd noises—buzzing, clicking, humming, or even knocking—it can be both annoying and concerning.

Before you panic and call a repair technician, many of these sounds have simple explanations (and fixes!). In this guide, we’ll break down the most common strange fridge noises, what they mean, and how you can silence them.

1. Loud Humming or Buzzing

Possible Causes:

• Dirty or faulty condenser coils (dust buildup makes the compressor work harder).
• A failing evaporator fan motor (worn-out bearings cause excessive noise).
• Refrigerator not level (vibrations amplify the sound).

How to Fix It:

✔ Clean the condenser coils (located at the back or bottom of the fridge).
✔ Check the evaporator fan (listen inside the freezer—if the noise is loud, it may need replacement).
✔ Adjust the leveling legs so the fridge sits evenly.

---

2. Clicking or Ticking Sounds

Possible Causes:

• Defrost timer cycling (normal operation).
• Faulty relay or start capacitor (if the clicking is rapid and the fridge isn’t cooling).
• Ice maker filling with water (normal for some models).

How to Fix It:

✔ If the fridge is cooling fine, the clicking is likely harmless.
✔ If the compressor clicks repeatedly without starting, replace the start relay.

3. Gurgling or Bubbling Noises

Possible Causes:

• Refrigerant flowing through the coils (normal operation).
• Water draining in the defrost system (common after automatic defrost cycles).

How to Fix It:

✔ No action needed—this is usually normal.
✔ If the sound is excessive, check for clogged drain tubes (common in Samsung/LG fridges).

---

4. Knocking or Rattling

Possible Causes:

• Loose drain pan or fan cover (vibrations cause rattling).
• Ice buildup hitting the fan blades (common in frost-free models).
• Compressor mounting bolts are loose.

How to Fix It:

✔ Tighten any loose panels or screws inside the fridge.
✔ Defrost the freezer if ice is hitting the fan.
✔ Check the compressor mounts (if the knocking comes from the back).

---

5. High-Pitched Squealing or Screeching

Possible Causes:

• Worn-out evaporator or condenser fan motor (needs lubrication or replacement).
• Failing compressor (if the sound is coming from the back).

How to Fix It:

✔ Lubricate the fan motor (if accessible).
✔ If the noise persists, replace the fan motor or call a technician for compressor issues.

---

When to Call a Professional

While many fridge noises have simple fixes, some indicate serious problems, such as:
Loud grinding or metallic screeching → Compressor failure (needs immediate attention).
Constant running with no cooling → Refrigerant leak or electrical issue.
Water leaking inside or under the fridge → Clogged defrost drain or broken water line.

If DIY fixes don’t work, contact Pagosa Energy Massage Appliance Repair for expert service!