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    7 Refrigerator Noises and What They Mean

    by Appliance Center

    Unexpected noises coming from an appliance can be cause for concern. But in the case of your refrigerator, many of these sounds are perfectly normal. For example, the compressors on modern refrigerators generally run between 4 and 8 hours a day, which is more frequent than on models from a decade ago. Let’s check some other common sounds to see if they’re cause for concern:

    Popping

    When your refrigerator defrosts, you may hear a popping sound caused by the expanding and contracting. This also happens the first time you cool a refrigerator down.

    Vibrating

    Vibrations are a sign that your appliance is not level. You’ll want to remove the kick plate at the bottom and adjust the leveling screws to make sure your fridge is as level as possible.

    Hissing

    That hissing sound is just refrigerant working its way through the coils of the cooling system. It’s a good thing!

    Gurgling

    Gurgling and dripping noises normally occur while your refrigerator is defrosting or water is draining into the drip pan. It’s nothing to worry about unless you notice water dripping onto the floor.

    Humming

    If your refrigerator comes with an ice maker that you haven’t yet hooked up to a water line, you may hear a humming sound. Make sure that your ice maker is turned off if it isn’t connected to a water line.

    Buzzing

    A buzzing sound is annoying, but it probably isn’t cause for alarm. The sound happens when the energy-efficient compressor and fans are adjusting to maximize their performance. It’s nothing to worry about unless it becomes very loud and persistent. Then you’ll want to call a repair tech.

    Cracking

    If you have an ice maker for the first time, you might be surprised to hear cracking noises coming from your appliance. That’s just the sound of ice leaving the ice maker and dropping into the ice bin.

    Call Us

    If you have concerns about noises coming from your appliances, the certified technicians at Appliance Center Service are here to help.

    If your appliance is still under the manufacturer’s warranty or you have an extended warranty, you’ll need to contact the warranty holder first to get a service call approved.

    If you have questions or need a repair, call us at 419-893-3374 or click here to contact us online.