Do you have a noisy refrigerator? It's important to take a little time to investigate the source of the noise, as there could be a serious problem. From Mr. Appliance® experts, here’s how to troubleshoot your loud refrigerator.
How to Quiet a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor, Drain Pan, Fan, and More
1. Listen for the Source
Is the noise coming from the back, bottom, or inside the refrigerator?
If your noisy refrigerator is rattling from the bottom, the drain pan is likely loose. Loud noises coming from the back of the unit could indicate an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or compressor. If the loud refrigerator noise is coming from the inside of your appliance, the failing part is probably the evaporator fan, which circulates air through the freezer and fridge.
Keep reading to learn how to identify and address each of these potential fridge problems. Be sure to unplug your refrigerator before any cleaning or repair! To get trustworthy, professional assistance, look up your local Mr. Appliance.
2. Secure the Drain Pan
If a loose drain pan is causing the refrigerator to make loud noises from the bottom, this is an easy fix. Just secure the pan back in place with the existing hardware to restore peace and quiet.
3. Listen and Look for a Faulty Defrost Timer
If the noise you are hearing involves a ticking or scraping sound, the defrost timer may be faulty. Check for frost buildup in the refrigerator and freezer compartments, which is a sign of a failing timer (if the thermostat is set correctly). Next, listen carefully. Is the refrigerator making loud noise only once or twice per day, for about an hour? This is another sign that the defrost timer should be replaced. Ask a refrigerator repair professional to investigate further.
4. Clean and Inspect the Condenser Fan
Not all refrigerators have condenser fans. If yours does, it’s located behind an access panel on the back (exterior) of the fridge. With the fridge unplugged, inspect the condenser fan—including the rubber grommets—for any wear and tear. Use a soft brush to clean dirt and debris that could be obstructing the condenser motor fan. If this doesn’t solve your noisy refrigerator problem, try the other tips below.
While you’re cleaning the fan, bookmark these instructions for how to clean your refrigerator completely, when you find time.
5. Check the Evaporator Fan
To see if the evaporator fan is causing the loud refrigerator racket, simply push in the light switch in the freezer. If this fan is the culprit, the noise will get louder. Inspect the fan to see the extent of the damage.
Located at the back of the freezer section inside the refrigerator, the evaporator fan can be accessed behind a panel with screws or clips holding it in place. With the fridge unplugged, spin the fan blade with your hand to see if it’s operating smoothly. Check wires, grommets, and other components for signs of wear and tear. If the fan blade doesn't move freely or there are other signs of damage or corrosion, it may be necessary to replace the fan and surrounding parts.
6. See If It’s Refrigerator Compressor Noise
Refrigerator compressor noise is a common complaint, but make sure this is really the source of the loud refrigerator. Start by unplugging the motor of the condenser fan, plugging your refrigerator back in, and seeing if the noise continues. If it does, the compressor may be the problem. Next comes the question of how to quiet a noisy refrigerator compressor: Because the compressor is so essential to refrigerator performance, we recommend having the issue confirmed and repaired by a professional.
Get Excellent, Local Refrigerator Repair
If you can't determine what's making all the racket, call your local Mr. Appliance or schedule an appointment online today. We’ll give you peace of mind by sending an experienced professional to check out your refrigerator.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and may not be applicable to every situation. You are responsible for determining the proper course of action for your home and property. Mr. Appliance is not responsible for any damages that occur as a result of this blog content or your actions. For the most accurate guidance, contact the Mr. Appliance location nearest you for a comprehensive, on-site assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions About a Refrigerator Making Loud Noises
Decades of experience, highly skilled service professionals, and a commitment to exceptional customer service have made Mr. Appliance a trusted leader in appliance maintenance and repairs. Our commitment to keeping your appliances up and running includes using our many years of experience and expertise to answer your questions. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about refrigerator repair.
Why is my fridge making a loud noise?
A fridge making a loud noise could be caused by several factors. Common reasons include a noisy condenser fan, an overworked evaporator fan, a water or ice maker issue, or even something simple like a misplaced item inside the fridge causing vibrations. If you’ve checked the easy fixes and the noise continues, it could be a sign of an issue that might require professional attention from your trusted appliance service professional.
How do I fix a refrigerator making loud noises from the condenser fan?
If the noise is coming from the condenser fan, it’s likely due to dust or debris buildup on the fan blades, loose screws or mounts, or damage. Cleaning the fan is usually a quick fix. However, if the noise persists after cleaning, the condenser motor may need to be replaced.
To address the loud noises coming from your refrigerator condenser fan, follow these 6 steps:
Step 1: Unplug the refrigerator
Step 2: Access the condenser fan
Step 3: Clean the fan
Step 4: Inspect for damage and clear obstructions
Step 5: Tighten loose screws and mounts
Step 6: Replace the condenser fan motor (if needed)
If you’re not comfortable with assessing or performing repairs, reach out to your local appliance service professional for help.
What should I do if my fridge is making a loud noise caused by the evaporator fan?
An evaporator fan making noise could be the result of ice buildup. Try defrosting the fan and cleaning any debris. Should the problem persist after it’s been cleaned, the fan may need to be replaced. Call your trusted appliance service professional for an assessment of your evaporator fan. The trained service professionals will check for a faulty defrost system and assess any humming and grinding noises.
Can a faulty ice maker cause a refrigerator making loud noises?
Yes, a malfunctioning ice maker can cause a refrigerator to make loud noises.
If defrosting and cleaning the ice maker doesn’t solve the issue, the motor or another part might need to be replaced. To minimize the risk of additional damage, call an experienced appliance service professional for an assessment.
Could a clogged drain pan be the cause of my fridge making a loud noise?
A clogged drain pan can sometimes cause vibrations and rattling noises in your fridge. Cleaning the drain pan should resolve the issue. If the noise continues, there could be another problem inside. If you need help diagnosing the cause, your local appliance technician offers expert refrigerator repairs.
When should I call a professional about my refrigerator making loud noises?
If you've already tried cleaning and checking common causes like ice buildup, fan obstructions, or a clogged drain pan, and the noise still persists, it might be time to call an appliance professional. Your trained service professional has the expertise to diagnose and fix complex refrigerator problems.
