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learn What Are Normal Refrigerator Noises and which are not.
Refrigerators naturally make humming, buzzing, clicking, and popping sounds as they work to keep food cold. Most of these noises are normal. However, new rattling, grinding, or scraping sounds may mean something is wrong. Knowing what to listen for can help you decide whether your refrigerator needs service.
real customer story
a tenant freezer was rattling
The customer even measured the sound at 42–44 decibels.
They wanted to know: Was this normal, or was something wrong?
Many modern refrigerators produce sounds in the range of about 30–50 decibels, depending on the model and cooling cycle.
But measuring the sound doesn’t always tell you if something is wrong.
A sound measurement alone can’t tell you whether a refrigerator needs repair.
The type, source, and timing of the noise matter more.
A refrigerator making a steady humming sound at 44 decibels may be working normally. A refrigerator making a grinding or scraping sound at the same level may need attention.
When our technicians check a noisy refrigerator, they try to find the source of the noise by checking:
Where the sound is coming from
What the sound is like
How often it happens
How long it lasts
Whether the refrigerator is cooling properly
common refrigerator noises & what they mean
Your refrigerator has several parts that make noise during normal use. Some sounds come and go as the refrigerator cools or makes ice.
Here are some you might hear:
Humming
Often comes from the compressor or fans while the refrigerator is cooling.
Clicking
Can happen when parts turn on or off.
Buzzing
May come from fans, the compressor, or the ice maker.
Gurgling
Can happen as refrigerant moves through the cooling system.
four things to do when your refrigerator makes a strange noise
Listen for changes.
Does the sound happen all the time? Does it change when you open the door? Take note of the when the noise happens and when it doesn't.
Check that your refrigerator is cooling.
Make sure your refrigerator and freezer are keeping food at the right temperatures. Your refrigerator should be at or below 40°F, and your freezer should be at 0°F.
Record a short video.
Use your phone to record the sound. This is especially helpful if the noise comes and goes.
Call a Professional
If you hear loud rattling, grinding, or scraping, or notice that your refrigerator isn't cooling properly, it's time to get help.
When Should You Call for Refrigerator Repair?
If your refrigerator:
Makes a new or unusual rattling sound
Has a loud grinding or scraping noise
Makes noises that keep getting worse
Has frost or ice building up where it shouldn’t
Isn’t keeping your food cold
talk to a real person when you need help
Let’s get things working again.
Since 1950, our team has been here to listen to your concerns and help you find a solution.
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