Why is my fridge making noise?

1. Condenser coils or motor.

Condenser coils help your refrigerator maintain an optimal temperature. Over time, the coils (which are located either at the back or bottom of the fridge) collect dust and debris. When this happens, the coils have to work harder, which can cause a rattling noise.

If this is the case with your fridge, use a vacuum cleaner (on a low setting) or a brush to remove the dirt. Once clean, your fridge should be quiet once more.

However, there might also be something wrong with the condenser fan motor. Turn off your fridge's power by unplugging it. Examine the motor for signs of wear and tear or obstructions.

Related: How to clean your refrigerator's coils.

2. Tired components.

If you hear a loud noise coming from your fridge, check some of its components for signs of wear and tear. A worn door seal, faulty hinges, or other moving parts might be the culprits.

If you can't find the culprit, it's worth asking a refrigerator repair professional for help. They know what to look for and can order and replace the faulty component. 

3. Overly eager evaporator fans.

Evaporator fans circulate cool air throughout the refrigerator. If you hear an unusual sound coming from your refrigerator, it could be that the fan motor is in overdrive. Or, there could be an obstruction causing the fan blades to rattle.

Disconnect your fridge from the power supply, and clean the fan blades. If the noise continues after turning the fridge on again, you may need to hire a repair technician to diagnose the issue. They may suggest replacing the blades.

Pro tip: A compromised condenser fan might also be causing the strange rattling noise. If this is the case, follow the same steps above to clean its fan blades.

4. Your fridge is off balance.

Is your fridge working properly, but you still hear rattling noises? Use a bubble level to see whether the fridge is at an uneven angle. If it is, it may be causing the contents of your fridge to move, resulting in an unwanted racket.

This problem has an easy fix. By simply adjusting the leveling legs to even out the fridge, you should be able to eliminate the noise.

5. Water supply connection concerns.

Do you have a fridge that is connected to the water supply? If so, check whether the water line valve is loose or not connected. This might be causing a humming or buzzing sound. Simply tighten or connect the valve, and you should be good to go.

6. Drain pan dilemma.

The drain pan at the bottom of the refrigerator collects excess water. It could be causing your fridge to make a noise for one of two reasons: 1) the drain pan is misaligned, or 2) it has collected dust and debris over time, causing a ruckus.

If the drain pan is the issue, simply clean it. Make sure it's properly aligned when putting it back.

7. Compressor concerns.

If your refrigerator isn't cooling properly or is making loud humming noises, the problem might lie with the compressor. It might be dirty or defective.

Try cleaning your compressor coils. If that doesn't do the trick, you may need to replace this part of your fridge. But unless you know what you're doing, it's best to hire a professional to remove and replace the compressor for you. Or, a professional may recommend that you buy a new refrigerator instead.

Is a noisy fridge dangerous?

A fridge that's making a racket isn’t necessarily dangerous. However, attempting to get rid of the noise can be dangerous if you don't take precautionary steps. For example, before you start any repair on an appliance, turn off the power. Unplug your fridge to avoid electrical shocks or accidents.

A noisy fridge may also be dangerous depending on the problem. For example, if the noise is a sign that your fridge isn't cooling, your food can go bad. As a result, you and your household could be exposed to health hazards.

Did you know? Fridges can also cause home fires. One of the best ways to help prevent your fridge from exploding and causing a kitchen fire is to clean its coils.

Hire a pro to repair your refrigerator.

Hopefully, the path to sweet silence lies in an easy-to-fix issue. But if the solution is not DIY-friendly, hire a pro to get the job done. Download the Thumbtack app and get in touch with a fridge repair technician or highly skilled handyman near you.