Refrigerator Making Noise? Here's What Each Sound Means

Not every sound your refrigerator makes is a problem. Here's what each specific type of noise usually means.

Repeated Clicking

A single click when the compressor cycles on or off is normal. Repeated clicking, especially every few seconds without the compressor actually starting, usually points to a failing start relay trying and failing to get the compressor going. This one is worth having looked at before the compressor is damaged from repeated failed starts.

Loud Buzzing or Humming

Some low-level hum is normal background noise. A noticeably louder buzz, especially one that's new, often traces back to the compressor itself or the condenser fan motor working harder than it should.

Rattling

Rattling is usually something loose rather than something failing. Common causes include a loose drain pan underneath the unit, items on top of the fridge vibrating, or components inside the ice maker. It's worth checking the easy stuff first before assuming a bigger problem.

Clunking or Banging

A single clunk is often just ice dropping from the ice maker into the bin, which is completely normal. Repeated banging, especially timed with the water line filling, can point to a water hammer effect from the fill valve, which is a real, fixable issue.

Gurgling or Hissing

This one usually surprises people, but gurgling and hissing sounds are typically normal. They're refrigerant moving through the lines, especially noticeable right after the compressor cycles on. This is one of the few "sounds" on this list that generally isn't a sign of a problem.

Squealing or High-Pitched Whining

A high-pitched sound, especially one connected to the fan running, usually means a fan motor bearing is wearing out, either on the evaporator fan inside the freezer or the condenser fan underneath or behind the unit. This tends to get worse over time rather than resolve on its own.

When to Call for a Repair

If a sound is new, getting louder over time, or paired with the fridge not cooling properly, it's worth a diagnosis rather than waiting to see if it goes away. Some of these, like water hammer or a failing fan motor, only get more expensive to fix the longer they run.

Not Sure What You're Hearing?

Describe the sound when you call, and we'll give you a sense of what it likely is before the visit, then confirm and fix it once we're there.