Refrigerator Noises

Normal Sounds And Noises Produced By Refrigerators / Freezers

A refrigerator, freezer, or ice maker in normal operation will create some sounds or noises. The following list contains common sounds that are normal. If you are not convinced or still worried, please contact a professional.

Chirping, Barking, Woof, Howl, Clicking: These sounds can sometimes be noticed as the damper door opens or closes.

Fan speed changes: Evaporator motors respond to temperature changes due to door openings.

Clicking, Tic-tock noise: This can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off.

Click – relay sound: Occurs when the temperature control unit turns the fridge on and off.

Boiling, Gurgling, or Knocking sound: Heard when the compressor is running, caused by refrigerant circulation.

Gurgling sound in the door: This sound is heard after the door is closed due to water in the drain tube trap. It can last several seconds.

Drip sound: Heard when defrosted ice melts into water and drips into the drain pan beneath the refrigerator.

Snapping sound: Heard about 4 seconds after removing a glass from a dispenser as the chute closes.

Clicking noise after a power outage: This comes from the compressor trying to restart itself, lasting 3 to 5 minutes.

Hissing, Sizzling, Buzzing, or Arching noise: Common in self-defrost models as water drips on defrost heaters.

Loud noise from the icemaker: Heard when ice cubes are dropped after the harvest mode.

Hum or Click sound: Noticed when the icemaker fills with water, occurring once or multiple times.

Cracking or Popping sound: Occurs when evaporator coils on Top Freezer, No Frost refrigerators cool after a defrost cycle.

Buzzing noise during water dispensing: Heard during and after using the door dispenser, lasting no longer than 7 seconds.

Buzzing sound from the icemaker: Occurs when the icemaker is trying to fill with water. If heard every 15 minutes, check if the water is turned on.

Whistle or squeak from the door: Common on new refrigerators due to the gasket sealing tightly. This noise stops after a few days.

Water hammer noise: Loud banging from water lines supplying the refrigerator, caused by high water pressure when the valve opens or closes.

Rattling or Vibrating noise: Heard if the icemaker is on but not hooked up to a water supply. It’s recommended to turn off the icemaker if water is not supplied.

Keurig® K-Cup Brewing System noises: Various sounds can be produced by the Keurig and Hot Water system.

Beeping: Some fridges have a door alarm or temperature alarm, alerting users to attention-needed issues. The alarm continues until the concern is addressed.