Under normal circumstances, your fridge should run pretty silently. In fact, all you should hear is a soft hum when you are standing near it while it is on. However, hearing a loud humming, rattling, grinding, or any other noise coming from your fridge is definitely not normal.
Not only is the sound extremely annoying, especially when the noise is flooding your home, but it can also be a sign that your fridge is not functioning properly.
So, that begs the question — why is my fridge making a loud humming noise, and how can I fix it?
Why Is My Fridge Making a Loud Humming Noise? 3 Possible Causes
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Fridges are complex appliances, which is why there are a myriad of reasons that could cause a loud humming noise. However, there are a couple of common issues that are known to induce or amplify any loud noise.
1. Dirty Condenser Coils
Every fridge, no matter how old or new, has a condenser, the purpose of which is to take the pressurized gas from the compressor and transform it into a liquid. Whenever the coils of the condenser get covered in dust, the condenser has to work harder to cool down the inside of your fridge, creating a loud humming noise in the process.
If that happens, you should dust and vacuum the coils on the back of your fridge, if you are able to reach them. However, if the coils are inaccessible, you should hire a professional to give them a good cleaning.
2. Faulty Compressor
Compressors are a vital part of any refrigeration system, as they are responsible for cooling down the inside of the fridge. When it’s active, the compressor makes a subtle buzzing or humming noise, which is completely normal.
However, if the sound reaches levels where it becomes a nuisance, then you might be dealing with a faulty compressor. Unfortunately, the only way to get rid of the sound is to contact a technician who will be able to fix or replace the faulty part.
3. Ice Maker Problems
Lastly, built-in ice makers tend to cause a faint hum when they are making ice. If the noise is louder than expected or happens when the appliance is idle, then there might be a problem with your ice maker. Problems such as loose, frozen, or faulty connection wires could be causing the noise, so it would be better to get in touch with a technician to have it fixed.
How to Stop Your Fridge From Humming
It’s important to note that there are a variety of methods you can use to stop your fridge from humming. However, the preferred one will depend on what’s causing the sound in the first place. For instance, if a faulty compressor is generating noise, the only thing you can do is call a technician. In contrast, you can clean dirty condenser coils by yourself if they are the reason behind the issue.
Generally speaking, whenever you start hearing a loud noise, you should first contact a professional and make an inquiry. Not only can a technician get rid of the noise, but they can also solve any other underlying problems that your fridge might have.
Featured image source: Pinterest.com
