Should my fridge be making noise?

Yes. A fridge that hums softly is completely normal. The appliance is always switched on, so some noise is to be expected. However, it should be quiet. But what if your fridge suddenly makes loud noises? In this blog, you’ll discover what’s going on, how to fix it, and how to make your fridge quieter in general.

Jump to:

• New fridge making strange noises

• Fridge suddenly making loud noise

• Fridge making noise after closing the door

• Fridge compressor making noise

• Fridge humming, beeping, clicking, or creaking

• What to do if your fridge is making noise?

How much noise does a fridge make?

Not much. A quiet fridge has a noise level of up to 38 decibels. A normal fridge ranges between 39 and 40 decibels. This is barely noticeable, especially if your fridge is in a closed kitchen or if you’re listening to music. To give you an idea, whispering is between 20 and 30 decibels.

A fridge that hums loudly, creaks, or rattles is not only annoying but could also indicate a problem.

Why is my fridge making noise?

1. New fridge making strange noises

A new fridge may produce unusual noises at first. This happens because the appliance is still "settling in." The startup of the compressor and temperature regulation can cause a humming or rattling noise. These sounds should decrease after a few days.

2. Fridge suddenly making loud noise

If your fridge suddenly becomes noisy, the fan may be clogged, ice may have built up, or a part may be loose.

3. Fridge making noise after closing the door

When you open the fridge door, warm air enters. Once you close it, the fan and compressor have to work harder to cool the interior back down. The noise should disappear once the internal temperature stabilises.

4. Fridge compressor making noise

Is your fridge humming loudly? The compressor is likely the cause. The compressor is the motor of the fridge, responsible for keeping it cool by circulating the refrigerant. A compressor always produces a low humming sound—this is normal.

However, if the noise gets louder, something may be wrong.

Do you frequently open the fridge door? This makes the compressor work harder to maintain a stable temperature, increasing the noise.

Is your fridge in a warm environment? The warmer the surroundings, the harder the compressor has to work, which can make it louder.

Do you have an old fridge? The older the fridge, the louder it tends to hum.

The compressor may also be overworked, or the refrigerant may not be circulating properly.

5. Fridge humming, beeping, clicking, or creaking

A humming noise may indicate an overworked compressor, which can happen if the fridge is too full or if there isn’t enough space around it for ventilation.

Beeping, clicking, and creaking sounds are part of a fridge’s normal operation. These noises are caused by components expanding and contracting due to temperature changes.

Does your fridge have an automatic defrost function? This often produces extra creaking sounds.

What to do if your fridge is making noise?

1. Check the placement

Make sure the fridge is level and standing on a flat surface. A wobbly fridge produces more noise. It’s also important that the fridge is not placed near a heat source, such as a radiator. Additionally, ensure there’s at least 5 to 10 cm of space between the fridge and the wall for proper ventilation.

2. Clean the ventilation openings

Dust and dirt can accumulate in the ventilation openings, obstructing airflow and causing overheating and extra noise. Regular cleaning prevents this.

3. Check for loose parts

Bottle racks, egg holders, and other loose parts can create extra noise when the compressor turns on if they aren’t securely in place. Regularly check that everything is firmly positioned.

4. Remove ice build-up

A thick layer of ice can block the fan, making the fridge noisy. Defrost your fridge regularly to prevent ice build-up.

How to make a fridge more quiet?

If your fridge isn’t making any strange noises but you’d like to reduce the normal sound level, here are some effective and affordable solutions:

Dampen fridge noise

Place rubber mats under the fridge to reduce vibrations and noise. Make sure the fridge remains level on the mats.

Reduce fridge noise

Use soundproofing panels or foam around the fridge, but ensure there’s still enough space for ventilation.

Avoid overloading the fridge

Make sure the fridge isn’t too full so that air can circulate properly. Allow hot food to cool completely before placing it inside, and avoid leaving the fridge door open for too long.

Clean the fridge regularly

A clean fridge operates optimally. Regularly clean the fridge, remove expired food, wipe down trays and shelves with soapy water, and defrost when ice build-up becomes too thick.

No more worries about strange fridge noises?

If you’d rather not deal with strange fridge noises and the hassle of repairs or replacements, you can rent a fridge from us. That way, you won’t have to worry about a thing—we’ll send a technician or replace the fridge when needed.

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