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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Roger,
Does the high pitched sound only happen when the compressor is running? Are the fans aligned correctly and not hitting the area surrounding them? Make sure all parts are secure and TIGHT as something that may be loose could be causing your issue.
-RR
I have the same problem as Leah, GE French door fridge that was only purchased two months ago. We haven’t hooked up the water line for the ice maker, but the ice maker is turned off. It’s a high pitched whine – it sounds consistent sometimes, but others it can go higher pitched. I can’t track it down, but it seems to be originating from the fridge, not the freezer. Any suggestions?
I have the same issue with my LG French door freezer drawers beneath. Was the problem ever fixed? LG repair just replaced the control board. Not sure if it is fixed because the noise stopped before they came to diagnose the problem. I have a feeling it will still make the noise. Refrigerator was bought about 8 months ago and has been repaired twice, the first time they replaced a fan and motor.
Leah,
What make and model fridge do you have?
Where does the sound originate from, back, front, inside, bottom..etc?
How long is the “chirp” in duration?
Is the fridge working properly besides the noise?
-RR
Our fridge makes a high pitched noise, but only every so often. I jokingly refer to it as “our pet bird” because it kind of sounds like a chirp. Other people visiting have thought it was a smoke alarm that needed a new battery. It isn’t a consistent sound, just chirps every once in a while, and not even at regular intervals. Any ideas would be appreciated!
Jennifer,
Can you tell us the brand and model number your fridge is? Is the compressor running? Does the compressor hum? Can you hear a relay near the compressor click? Are the fans in the fridge/freezer running?
-RR
The fridge was making a loud humming sound for about 2 weeks. When you opened the fridge door it would stop. Then the fridge stopped cooling all together. We took it apart and found it was completely frozen. We thawed it out, and plugged it in this morning and then it seemed to be cooling but now it has stopped again. It no longer makes any noise. We have completely cleaned all the coils in the back. Freezer is working excellently. Please help us. Thank you