It is no secret that when the compressor motor is running, the refrigerator makes a sound: a slight humming or buzzing sound. This sound is not loud. According to State standards the level of noise should not exceed 53 dB, but in fact, the manufacturers are trying to make the equipment not louder than 40 dB.

But sometimes fridge owners notice that the appliances started making strange noises: crackling, clicking, grinding, water gurgling, popping, banging, humming, hissing, ultrasonic sounds, crunching, squeaking, squeaking, whistling, and also sounds of cricket, blizzard, or water dripping.

When the refrigerator makes strange noises, but they are not related to a breakdown
To the happiness of concerned owners, we should say at once: more often there are situations when strange sounds are not associated with the malfunction of the refrigerator. Here are the peculiarities of the equipment operation that lead to the appearance of sounds.

Temperature deformations of the plastic
During the compressor work-rest cycle, the plastic parts of the refrigerator are deformed due to the effects of temperature. As a consequence, the user may hear a crackling, crunching, or popping sound. There is no need to worry about this. This is a normal situation. The plastic used in the refrigerator is designed for such deformations, and nothing can burst or crack.

Circulation of Freon
The refrigerator is cooled by circulating freon through a closed circuit. Because of changes in pressure, it alternates between liquid and gaseous forms. Circulation of freon in the circuit can cause hissing and gurgling noises. There is nothing wrong with the refrigerator! It just works. There is no reason to call a repair shop.

Installing your refrigerator up against the wall
According to the regulations, the refrigerator should stand 5-10 cm away from the walls and surrounding furniture, including the backside. Otherwise, the compressor motor or refrigerator tubes (including the condenser) may come into contact with the wall. Vibrations occur when starting, running, and turning on the motor. And if the appliance is standing against the wall, the user can hear the tubes banging against the surrounding objects. To solve the issue of unusual sounds, move the refrigerator away from the wall.

Note! If the refrigerator is installed without the necessary clearance, in addition to the knocking, the heat exchange of the condenser with the environment deteriorates. For this reason, the refrigerator does not freeze well. The lack of cold is compensated by the technique by longer intervals of motor operation, which lead to strong heating, premature wear, and, as a consequence, failure of the compressor.

Operation of the thermostat in electromechanically controlled models
When switching the compressor motor on and off, you may hear a distinct click: this is the thermostat operating. The sound is normal. You don’t have to worry.

Compressor motor operation
Different motors work with different sounds. For example, inverter ones hum softly, and regular ones work louder and make a sound like a cricket singing or ultrasound. All this is a variant of the norm. It is required to address to the master only in that case if before similar sounds you didn’t hear from the technician

Operation of the fan in the No Frost refrigerator
In No Frost models, cold air enters the refrigerator compartment from the freezer through special channels. It is forced by the fan. When the fan works, it may make a blizzard sound or a buzzing sound. This is normal.

Condenser fan operation
Some refrigerators have a special fan near the condenser, which improves the heat exchange of the appliances with the environment. Such models may emit an unusual whistling or buzzing sound. For refrigerators equipped with a condenser fan, this is the norm.

Evaporator defrost operation in the No Frost refrigerator
No Frost models do not have a “snow coat” in the freezer thanks to the defrost system. During cooling, the evaporator located in the freezer draws ice. When the evaporator temperature drops to a certain level, the defrost sensor activates the heating element. It melts the ice formed on the evaporator. The moisture flows out through a special channel into a tub located near the condenser motor. There the water evaporates quickly.

Unadjusted Legs.
Like other large appliances, the refrigerator requires leveling. This can be done by adjusting the legs. Otherwise, your refrigerator may wobble and bang, hitting nearby furniture or the wall.

Knocking utensils inside your refrigerator
If your refrigerator is making clattering, rattling, buzzing, or clanking noises coming from the refrigerator compartment, make sure the food inside the compartment is properly arranged. Often they come into contact so that the vibrations from the compressor motor make all of the above strange noises.

Evaporation of Freon in Evaporator
Cooling in the refrigerator is because freon by the pressure difference at the inlet to the capillary tube and the outlet from it boils in the evaporator and takes away heat from the chamber. This process may be accompanied by a hiss.

Compressor fasteners to the refrigerator have loosened
The compressor motor vibrates quite significantly during operation. If the fasteners are loose, the motor may bang against the housing when it is turned on, running, or off. As a result, knocking and rattling can be heard. To eliminate them, it is necessary to tighten the mounts.

Drain tube sucking water out of water pan on compressor
Water that is taken out of the refrigerator during defrosting (in the No Frost refrigerators or normal models with “drop” defrosting) collects in a special tub located near the compressor and then slowly evaporates from there due to the heat of the motor. If the drain tube is too long, then during the process of moisture accumulation in the tub the end of this tube gets submerged into the water. Immediately after closing the refrigerator door, the pressure inside the refrigerator drops, and water is sucked out of the tub through the drain tube. At this point, a loud bubbling sound is heard.

Foreign objects in the condenser grid
Often, due to the small size of kitchens, the top surface of the refrigerator is used as a shelf. Often coins, bolts, buttons, and other small objects fall from there behind the refrigerator and get stuck in the condenser grill. Vibrations when the compressor motor is running cause the condenser to shake, so they can make a buzzing or ringing sound.

If your cause doesn’t match any of the above items, then you need to call the pros. Chula Vista Appliance Repair Company can get your refrigerator repaired as soon as possible

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(619) 880-5508