Refrigerators can be noisy (clicking, buzzing, humming, high pitched squeaks) and some sounds are just a normal process of refrigeration. Sometimes a refrigerator will develop a problem and a high pitched noise can be heard. To fix this issue you must determine the source of the sound. By doing so you can locate the problem and hopefully avoid calling an appliance repair company.
TO FIX THE NOISE COMING FROM YOUR REFRIGERATOR:
You first have to do a little easy investigating. What type of noise it is that makes the refrigerator sound as if something is wrong? Is it a squeaking noise, a clicking noise, a buzzing noise, a humming noise, a loud high pitch vibration noise, or an occasional rattling noise? How loud is it and how long does the sound happen? If it is not a continuous sound, how often does it occur? Is this affecting the proper operation of your refrigerator or is it just an occasional annoyance? These factors can help you identify the source of the problem to help you to determine what you need to do to fix it.
Open the fridge freezer and determine if the noise is coming from one or the other. If the noise is inside the refrigerator… it is the circulating fan. This fan’s purpose is to move the cool air from the freezer to your refrigerator. This fan can start to make different types of noises over time. Usually the circulating fan will need to be replaced. In some situations you can take the fan out clean it off and bend or straighten the blades to make the noise stop. Usually the noise is from the motor of the fan which is not fixable. Order a new circulating fan online will be inexpensive for you to repair the problem with your fridge.
If the noise is coming from the rear or back of the refrigerator, 2 things can cause the noise:
1. Compressor (see below for troubleshooting)
2. Condenser fan (see below for troubleshooting)
Common Fridge Compressor
Common Refrigerator Condenser Fan And Motor
Compressor: The compressor contains a motor that sits in a sealed case. If it becomes faulty it can make high pitch noises. If your compressor is causing the noise, the compressor needs to be replaced and this can be expensive. It may make more sense to just buy a new refrigerator if your compressor is shot.
Condenser Fan: If you find that the condenser fan is making the noise you can clean it off from dirt and lint. A dirty condenser fan can cause the noise you are constantly hearing. It is located near the compressor and can’t be missed if you are behind your refrigerator looking for it. You can also give the fan a few drops of oil as it may just need oil to lubricate it to stop the noise.
Another area that could be making a noise on your fridge is the very bottom. A drain pan is the only thing underneath the fridge but it may need to be repositioned as it could be vibrating and causing a noise.
Refrigerator Making an Odd Noise – Kenmore, Sears, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, GE
Noisy Whirlpool Fridge Fan Motor Refrigerator Fix
If you have experience in fixing or repairing a refrigerator making a high-pitched noise, please leave a comment below to assist others.
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Written by Keith Schneerer
Certified Appliance Tech · Founder, RemoveAndReplace.com
Keith has spent 28 years repairing machines, starting as a military mechanic and later maintaining food processing equipment before moving into appliance repair. He founded RemoveAndReplace.com to share field-tested repair advice.
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My older KitchenAid top freezer has a high pitched buzzing sound. I have narrowed it down to the fan because when it makes the sound, I give it a little tap on the center of the fan and it quits. My first inclination is to change the fan blade. When I grab the fan blade it will slide back and forth on the shaft about an 1/8 of an inch. Is it supposed to do this or does that confirm I need a new fan?
I have a 1976 Whirlpool Mark I refrigerator, Model number EAT171PTER3, in Coppertone, which goes well with my 1976 Caloric Stove and Dishwasher in harvest gold. I have become quite attached to the fridge in the last 45 years and it continues to work just fine. But I came home to a loud chirp/scream that I tracked down to the evaporator fan. Probably time to say goodby and get a new fridge but I am told the wait time is two months or more. But the fan will work perfectly for up to 12 hours after the fridge has been off and warmed up. But just when I think it has fixed itself, the chirp/scream starts again. The fan changes speed when it screams. But let it rest and it is back to normal. Is there some kind of motor control in this fridge that could be kicking in? Or is it time to cut up a beer can and get out the JB Weld to make a modern part fit?
I have Frigidaire side by side refrigerator freezer about 10yrs old. It just recently started this high pitched shrill sound. Tech came out and replaced compressor because fridge had gradually stopped cooling. It was leaking freon. A month later problem was back. So he said evaporator coil was leaking freon. Thinking of replacing that vs new fridge but this high pitched shrill sound is driving me nuts. At night when its quiet the sound is ridiculous. And in these small homes with “great” rooms (family-living-kitchen rooms combined) I’m literally in the same room as the fridge. Thinking of getting new fridge until I saw all the comments about problems with new refrigerators.
The same problem as others have identified earlier. We have a high pitched sound 3K hz, about 95db. Not a door alarm or fan noise.It only lasts a second, then maybe one more cherp, then nothing for 12 hours. Fridge works fine, no sign of not keeping the cold stable. We thought at first it was a smoke alarm but it’s definitely the fridge . And it’s LOUD !!! Is it the compressor? How can we test? Thanks for your help