What to do if your refrigerator is making noise?

How to find the cause?

It is almost impossible to give a clear answer to the question of why a refrigerator makes noise and rattles. The corresponding household appliances belong to the category of rather complex systems in terms of design. Inside it there are many parts that periodically fail. Among the most popular causes of an unpleasant hum are:

• a repeated cycle of activation and deactivation of the compressor, which can be very difficult to eliminate;
• characteristic clicks, sounds and noises in the refrigerator emanating from the elements of the No Frost system;
• the starting relay responsible for monitoring the engine hums and rattles loudly;
• the functioning of the fan, the movement of the refrigerant or cooling gas, etc.

The cause of the increased level of sounds and noise can only be investigated by using specialized devices. So people who want to fix a breakdown at home have to act at random, going through possible sources of problems in a step-by-step format.

The most popular reasons

Restoring the normal operation of a refrigerator that suddenly started making noise is a difficult task, which only a master can handle at a decent level. A person who doubts his own abilities should not take on this work – it is much easier, faster and more profitable to turn to hired experts.

Any mistakes made in the process of restoring individual units will lead to even greater malfunctions. Then the owner of the equipment will have to pay a significant amount for the restoration or send the expensive device to the yard trash container.

Incorrect installation, placement of the compressor and fan close to the wall

The first, most common and least painful problem. Incorrect fixation of the legs leads to the fact that a fairly heavy module ends up in a suspended state. The structure, moved too close to the shelves and radiators, also produces loud creaking sounds. The noises are heard everywhere, even in other rooms adjacent to the kitchen.

If necessary, it is moved away from the walls, to the most level surface. For such work, you will not have to involve assistants, at least if the device has an acceptable weight. The best place to install a refrigerator and troubleshoot all humming problems in advance is described here.

Loose compressor or shock absorber mounts that make the refrigerator operate normally

If the problem lies in the parts that secure the shock absorber, the unpleasant level of noise and sounds appears only when the engine starts. Such a breakdown should be eliminated as soon as possible, because loose shock absorbers will sooner or later start making sounds and suffer from increased wear.

In addition, you can handle all repair and restoration operations yourself, without hiring professionals. The only thing the owner of the refrigeration equipment will need to do is tighten the bolts in the designated places. The regulations for carrying out such an operation are given here.

The refrigerator makes loud noise, hums and vibrates due to high refrigerant pressure

If noise and vibration are heard from the compressor itself, taking on the characteristic sound image of a loud crack, click or knock, then the problem lies in the pipe responsible for supplying the refrigerant. The working substance of the refrigeration machine is supplied under too much pressure and pressure, simply breaking against the internal sections of the pipe, on the approach to the body.

It is extremely difficult to get rid of the indicated malfunction on your own – you will need the help of a specialist. It is possible that the unit simply does not have enough freon – then it is filled in steps according to a fairly quick instruction. However, if any doubts arise in your own abilities, the owner of the device should contact professionals.

The reason lies in the transport bolts

As in the case of dishwashers or washing machines, refrigerators often have transport bolts that remain in place even after installation in a private house or apartment. They interfere with the normal functioning of the equipment, fixing those places that should remain movable.

Fortunately, removing the presented elements does not require significant effort. However, first you will have to find them, guided by the operating instructions supplied in the kit. If necessary, you can watch a specialized video – its author talks about the operation, allowing you to remove temporary fasteners (and lubricate the places of their installation) in the most detailed format.

Compressor wear, tear or failure

Even the highest-class and highest-quality equipment breaks down, and refrigeration compressors are not an exception. Unfortunately, independent repair and restoration of such a complex module is out of the question – it is impossible to do without specialized skills, expert knowledge and special tools.

A person approaching such work without proper training risks losing the camera altogether. In order to understand how difficult the process of compressor unit restoration can be, you should watch the video.

Failure of the rubber seal (ventilation protection)

The rubber strip located along the entire perimeter of the refrigerator door solves a huge number of operational problems. It provides the proper degree of tightness, preventing air from entering and the release of coolness pumped by the equipment (if the refrigerator is installed correctly). Any breaks in the tape lead to the device starting to operate in an irregular mode, for example, with more frequent switching on of the motor and starting of the compressor.

Fortunately, it is extremely easy to put on a damaged rubber band, even if it jams. You can buy it both in any specialized store and on the websites of popular marketplaces. However, you need to select a seal for a specific refrigerator model. How to properly fix the corresponding structure after preliminary diagnostics, getting rid of noise, is described here.

Faulty thermostat, relay, thermostatic pipeline circuit or board unit

All of the listed parts are key elements of the refrigeration unit design. When broken, they begin to emit characteristic crackles, sounds, noises, hums and crackles. The appearance of sounds during operation is due to the fact that the voltage drops on the input channels of the engine unit connections, and too little refrigerant is pumped through the pipes. The devices presented are extremely important – the performance of the entire unit depends on their functionality.

Unfortunately, repair at home is almost impossible – you will need special equipment and a wealth of expert knowledge. It is possible that the owner of the equipment will be able to replace, for example, the relay himself. This operation is carried out step by step in clear instructions.

A clogged filter tube or impeller through which the working substance circulates

A clogged filtration system of pipeline channels is not scary in itself. However, such a breakdown has an incredible ability to progress – it causes other, much more significant malfunctions. It is very easy to detect – the temperature inside the refrigeration chamber will rise, and the compressor will begin to function with significant noise and sound.

You can clean the filter to remove noise yourself, using simple household tools. You need to follow the regulations described by the author of the profile video. In the same instructions, the master discusses how to check the compressor.

Power surges in the electrical network

If problems associated with knocking, sound and noise from the refrigerator are not constant, but periodic, you can conclude that the relay or general apartment wiring is faulty. Relay protection provides the necessary protection against short circuits and power surges, extending the service life of expensive refrigeration equipment. Sometimes it fails to cope with its tasks – unfortunately, in our country there are a huge number of power lines operating with regular surges.

It is very easy to check the relay for faults – for this you need to seek help from the information provided in the video. However, before starting the repair, you should make sure of your own skills – any mistake will lead to a permanent breakdown of the device.

Violations and malfunctions in the operation of the cooling fan

A problem that occurs only in refrigerators operating on the No Frost system. The corresponding equipment can be equipped with dual fan units, each of which will make noise when the slightest malfunction occurs. With constant temperature fluctuations, the grease on the bearings gradually dries out, ceasing to protect the elements from friction. In addition, ice and frost systematically form inside the chamber, which the blades cling to when moving. As a rule, working parts do not need to be replaced, but they should be cleaned.

Repairing refrigerators equipped with the No Frost system is an extremely difficult task that requires certain skills and high-quality training. More information on how to replace fans is provided below. However, for each model, the regulations for restoration and elimination of crackling will be different – the relevant manuals can be found on the official website of the manufacturer.

Preventive measures

Preventing premature wear of refrigeration equipment is actually very easy. To do this, you need to follow a few simple rules:

1. Choose the right place for installation and further operation of the refrigerator. Make sure that the floor covering is as flat as possible. Do not mount the structure with doors too close to the back wall – the compressor needs to pump air from a relatively free space. Do not forget to remove the transport bolts and fasteners that interfere with the normal circulation of the refrigerant in the evaporator.
2. We provide normal electrical power. Classic equipment supplied to the Russian market is “sharpened” for the standard 220 V and 50 Hz electrical network. It should be connected directly, without doubles, tees and extension cords. It is advisable to allocate a separate point – a high-quality socket installed by a specialist. You can use a capacitor and a voltage stabilizer.
3. We organize preventive shutdowns of the refrigerator at least once every 6-7 months. We remove all products, perform a thorough cleaning, remove blockages using gentle cleaning agents, wash off ice from the capillary system, radiators, and so on. We regularly inspect the condition of the doors, evaporator, drainage system, relay protection and filtration complex. The operating instructions allow you to check the compressor.

A person who follows all the advice presented will be able to qualitatively extend the life of the refrigerator.

A selection of the quietest refrigerator models

The modern market of refrigeration equipment is extremely wide – the assortment of large physical and digital stores presents a wide variety of equipment, differing in certain operational characteristics. Quietness is often the main argument in favor of a particular refrigerator model. The louder the device cooling products works, the more unpleasant it is to be in the room near the walls of which it is installed.

Sharp SJ-XE55PMBE – 23 dB

A two-chamber refrigerator with single doors, equipped with a JTECH inverter compressor at 36 speeds. Hybrid equipment of chambers and radiators allows to distribute temperature evenly, over all internal surfaces.

Additional, but extremely important features include express freezing, beverage cooling, air purification and fast ionization. The equipment has an amazing electronic control system with a touch screen. The classic No Frost technology is also supplied, preventing the formation of ice. The hum of the device is minimal.

Panasonic NR-C535YG-T8 — 28 dB

Three-chamber refrigerator, equipped with a separate compartment for storing all kinds of fresh fruits and vegetables. At the bottom there is a zero zone, designed for placing meat and fish. The key operational advantage of the model is not only silence, but also a unique energy-saving system.

The device independently maintains the optimal internal temperature, using a grid of five independent capillary sensors and capacitors. The inverter compressor does not work too noisily, functioning under heavy load without extraneous sounds, clicks, rattles and hums.

Hansa FM050.4 — 35 dB

A miniature two-chamber unit, which is regularly found in many rooms and apartments belonging to famous hotels. It is distinguished by the presence of only one door that can open in different directions (after a little finishing by the master).

Inside the unit there is a high-quality freezer, equipped with a drip freezing function. The incredibly powerful yet quiet compressor, controlled in an electromechanical format (if necessary, it can be easily replaced, thanks to a revolutionary fastening system), is responsible for the device’s performance. The module practically doesn’t hum, even under load.

Samsung RB-34 K6220SS — 36 dB

A full-size refrigeration unit equipped with a classic high-class inverter compressor unit. Provides the most productive freezing, despite the economical mode of power consumption. In the event of a sudden power outage, the device will maintain the optimal internal temperature for 18 hours.

This function was implemented due to specialized, cold-preserving thermal insulation walls. Among other features are a fan for air flow circulation, a zero chamber and LED lighting. The system practically does not hum, even after improper installation of the equipment. Any malfunctions are eliminated step by step in the operating instructions.

LG Door Cooling — 36 dB

An inexpensive, but at the same time high-quality model equipped with a smart inverter compressor. The unit makes virtually no extraneous sounds, but operates as correctly as possible, in accordance with the specified energy consumption parameters. The key advantage of the design is the unique doors, allowing the unit to be mounted close to the wall.

Cold air is supplied through revolutionary channels that evenly distribute the temperature to each shelf. The Total No Frost system is supplied in the kit.

Bosch KGV39XW22R — 38 dB

A full-size two-chamber refrigeration unit, developed by engineers from a popular German company. Painted white, supplied in a set with a pleasant, extremely laconic design. The main chamber defrosts automatically, and the freezer unit — manually.

The module can operate in super freezing and super cooling modes. It can be controlled using a classic electronic display with temperature values displayed on the screen. Some software problems can also be fixed via the screen.

ATLANT XM 4708-100 — 39 dB

A representative of the Belarusian industry, listed, among other things, on the international markets of household and professional kitchen appliances. It has numerous advantages: from quiet operation and convenient layout to a pleasant appearance and reasonable configuration.

The budget model has virtually no worthy competitors in its category. The electromechanical control system comes complete with adjustable shelves, internal lighting and heat-insulating body gaskets.