6 Ways to Quiet Your Noisy Refrigerator Compressor

Figure 1: Refrigerator compressor production line.

A noisy refrigerator compressor can be a source of irritation for homeowners, especially if the appliance is located in a common area of the home. The constant humming, buzzing, or rattling noise can disrupt peaceful surroundings and make it difficult to relax.

However, there are several ways to quiet a noisy refrigerator compressor and restore peace to your home. In this article, we will explore the reasons behind refrigerator compressor noise and how to reduce it.

1. Understanding Refrigerator Compressor Noise

As mentioned, the compressor is the heart of a refrigerator's cooling system and works by compressing refrigerant gas and circulating it through the system. When the compressor starts, it produces a low humming or buzzing sound that is normal and to be expected.
However, if the noise is louder than usual or accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a problem with the compressor or other components of the refrigerator.

Before learning the causes of refrigerator compressor noise and solutions to reduce it, it is necessary to know what’s making a noise in your refrigerator.

1.1 Which Part Will Make Noise in the Refrigerator?

There are several parts in a refrigerator that can cause noise when they work, malfunction or wear out. Some of the most common noisy parts in a refrigerator include:

Compressor: The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator's cooling system. When the compressor starts, it can produce a humming or buzzing sound that is normal. However, if the compressor is making louder than usual noises, it may indicate a problem.

Figure 2: Embraco compressor.

Condenser Fan Motor: The condenser fan motor is responsible for circulating air over the condenser coils to release heat. If the motor is worn out or damaged, it can produce a loud humming or buzzing noise.

Evaporator Fan Motor: The evaporator fan motor is responsible for circulating air over the evaporator coils to cool the air inside the refrigerator. If the motor is worn out or damaged, it can produce a loud humming or buzzing noise.

Defrost Timer: The defrost timer controls the defrost cycle in the refrigerator and can produce a loud clicking or buzzing noise when it is malfunctioning.

Ice Maker: If the ice maker is making loud noises, it may indicate a problem with the motor or gears that drive the ice-making process.

Water Valve: The water valve is responsible for regulating the flow of water into the refrigerator's ice maker or water dispenser. If the valve is worn out or damaged, it can produce a loud buzzing or humming noise.

Door Hinges: Over time, the door hinges on a refrigerator can become worn out or loose, causing the doors to rattle or produce a loud noise when opened or closed.

If you notice any unusual noises coming from your refrigerator, it's essential to identify the source of the noise and address it promptly to prevent further damage to the appliance. By checking the components that make noise from the refrigerator, we can confirm whether the noise is from the compressor.

Figure 3: Refrigeration system diagram of a single door domestic refrigerator.

2. What Causes Refrigerator Compressor to Make Noise

The following 5 reasons will cause a refrigerator to make noise:
● Age
● Overloading
● Faulty Components
● Refrigerant issues
● Poor Maintenance

2.1 Age

As a refrigerator compressor ages, it can become louder due to wear and tear on the internal components. Over time, the compressor motor bearings can wear out, causing the compressor to produce more noise.

2.2 Overloading

Overloading the refrigerator with too much food or items can cause the compressor to work harder than usual, producing more noise. An overloaded refrigerator can also impede airflow and cause the compressor to overheat, which can lead to additional noise and damage.

2.3 Faulty Components

Faulty components such as the start relay, overload protector, fan motor, or compressor motor bearings can cause the compressor to produce more noise.

Figure 4: Start relay.

2.4 Refrigerant issues

If there is a leak in the refrigerant lines or low refrigerant levels, it can cause the compressor to work harder and produce more noise.

2.5 Poor Maintenance

Lack of proper maintenance, such as cleaning the condenser coils or replacing worn-out parts, can cause the compressor to work harder than usual and produce more noise.

3. Solutions to Reduce Refrigerator Compressor Noise

The following are 6 ways to reduce refrigerator compressor noise:
● Clean the Condenser Coils
● Level the Refrigerator
● Check the Door Seals
● Replace Worn-Out Parts
● Upgrade to a Quieter Compressor
● Soundproof the Area

3.1 Clean the Condenser Coils

One of the most common causes of refrigerator compressor noise is dirty or clogged condenser coils. To clean the coils, use a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any dust or debris that has accumulated on the coils. This will improve airflow and reduce the workload on the compressor.

Figure 5: Condenser coils.

3.2 Level the Refrigerator

A refrigerator that is not level can cause the compressor to produce more noise. Use a level to ensure that the refrigerator is sitting evenly on the floor. If it is not level, adjust the legs or use shims to level it out.

3.3 Check the Door Seals

Damaged or dirty door seals can cause the compressor to work harder than usual and produce more noise. Check the door seals for any damage or wear and clean them with a damp cloth.

3.4 Replace Worn-Out Parts

If the compressor noise is caused by faulty components such as the start relay or overload protector, these parts may need to be replaced. Consult the refrigerator's manual or a professional technician to identify the faulty component and replace it.

3.5 Upgrade to a Quieter Compressor

If the refrigerator compressor noise is caused by age, upgrading to a quieter compressor may be the best solution. Consult with a professional technician to identify the best compressor replacement option for your refrigerator.

Figure 6: Copeland compressor.

3.6 Soundproof the Area

If all else fails, soundproofing the area around the refrigerator can help reduce the noise. Use sound-absorbing materials such as acoustic panels or foam insulation to reduce the noise level.

4. Conclusion

Refrigerator compressor noise (A noisy refrigerator compressor) can be a source of annoyance and disruption, but it doesn't have to be a permanent problem. By following the tips outlined above, you can reduce refrigerator compressor noise and restore peace to your home.

Proper maintenance and care can also help prevent compressor noise from occurring in the first place, so be sure to stay on top of regular maintenance tasks and address any issues promptly.
If the noise persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's best to consult with a professional technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

5. FAQs

5.1 Is It normal for Fridge Compressor to Make Noise?

Yes, it is normal for a fridge compressor to make some noise. When the compressor starts, it may produce a low humming or buzzing sound, and when it stops, it may produce a clicking or tapping sound. Some refrigerators may also produce a gurgling or hissing sound as the refrigerant flows through the system.

However, if the noise is louder than usual or accompanied by other symptoms, it may indicate a problem with the compressor or other components of the refrigerator.

For example, if the compressor is making a loud rattling noise, it may indicate that the motor bearings are worn out and need to be replaced.
If the noise is accompanied by poor cooling performance, it may indicate a refrigerant leak or other serious issue.

Figure 7: Test refrigerator noise level.

5.2 What Does a Bad Refrigerator Compressor Sound Like?

A bad refrigerator compressor can produce several different sounds, depending on the nature and severity of the problem. Some common sounds that a bad compressor can produce include:

Loud humming or buzzing: If the compressor is making a loud humming or buzzing sound, it may indicate that the motor bearings are worn out and need to be replaced.

Rattling or knocking: If the compressor is making a rattling or knocking noise, it may indicate that the internal components are loose or damaged.

Clicking or tapping: If the compressor is making a clicking or tapping sound, it may indicate a problem with the start relay or overload protector.

Hissing or bubbling: If the compressor is making a hissing or bubbling sound, it may indicate a refrigerant leak or other serious issue.

Related Info