How to Fix a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor in 4 Simple Steps
Dealing with a noisy fridge is one of the most frustrating things in a household. You may even find that it is harder to resolve than finding the correct answer to the question, “How often should a refrigerator cycle turn on and off?” Fortunately, you can follow the steps in this guide to ensure you have a quiet fridge and some much-needed peace of mind in your home kitchen. Just do the following four steps and seek further technical support when necessary:
Look for the source of the noise in your refrigerator
Your fridge may have the compressor either at the top or bottom of your unit. Only a few models have them inside, but it’s also worth checking to make sure. If the noise comes from the back, it can mean there is a problem with the defrost time, compressor, and condenser fan. Meanwhile, if the noise comes from inside the fridge, the noise may come from the evaporator fan. Whatever the source, you will never know for sure unless you keep it on and remove the components when needed.
Thus, ensure that the noise is from your compressor and not because of anything else. You can refer to your fridge’s product manual to see where you can locate each part. If the noise is not because of your compressor, it would be wise to bring it to a home appliance technician for further maintenance.
Protect the drain pan and clean the condenser fan
Before going any further with fixing, you should unplug your fridge, check your drain pan for noises, and clean it thoroughly to see if that was the issue. You can also secure it back into place when it is loose, allowing you to address the possible noise. If the sound is still there, try to wash the condenser fan and its rubber grommets. Just use a soft brush for this, turn on the unit again, and see if the noise disappears. Move on to the next step if it doesn’t.
Inspect the evaporator fan
The evaporator fan can also contribute to your fridge’s noise production, but you can easily check by simply turning on the light switch. For a close look, turn off the unit and access the fan behind the panel. Spin the fan blade and check if the rotation is seamless. You should also inspect the wires, grommets, and other parts for possible damage. When you find the fan moves awkwardly when spun, it means you may either have to replace the component itself or the entire unit because of corrosion issues.
Seek professional assistance when the noise problem persists
At this point, you cannot do anything about your fridge’s noise issue unless you have the technical knowledge necessary to fix it. As such, you should contact your local repair specialist to work on the compressor. If you have only had your unit for a few weeks after you purchased it, you can also call your appliance provider to claim your product warranty, especially if it still falls under the period of recommended use. On the other hand, if you find that the repairs are more costly than normal, better just buy a new, more reliable refrigerator.
Conclusion
Refrigerator noises, primarily loud ones, don’t have to affect your household. After all, it’s your main storage for fresh perishables. Thus, simply follow all the steps mentioned above and address the situation. Meanwhile, if you need extra buying guides, maintenance resources, and other articles to ensure you make good use of your refrigerator, consider browsing our website.
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