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
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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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Ellie,
It is most likely the fan near the compressor in back. If it makes a high pitched sound it can be replaced quite easily and inexpensive. It may also be a compressor issue also but you will have to slide the fridge out to see what is causing the noise first.
-RR
I have just moved into a flat with a fully built in kitchen containing a snug fridge-freezer. There is an intermittent high pitched sound which lasts for about 3-4minutes at a time and then “clicks” off for a period of time before coming back on again. Probably happens every 10-15 minutes and it is driving me mad! I cannot move the fridge/freezer as it is built in. What do you think likely cause is? Is there anything simple I can do. Thanks.
Jamie,
You most likely have a fan that is making the high pitch noise. Check the fan in the freezer section and the fan down near the compressor to be sure the fan blades are not hitting or making contact with anything and therefore causing the noise. You may also have a compressor that is making high pitched noises when it runs. Is the noise constant or intermittent?
-RR
Frigidaire refrigerator 6 months old has been making a high pitch noise constantly since the first week we purchased it. It’s working fine otherwise but sounds like I have crickets loose in my house! What could be causing this?
Very informative. Thank-you
Ross Kosowicz,
Before anything, replace the refrigerator water filter as it may be clogged and causing the weird noise. If that does not fix your issue, write back and let us know.
-RR
We have a high pitch noise on a 2 year old KitchenAid refrigerator. Most times when we push the paddle for drinking water on the outside freezer door. This is the only time we hear this noise thinking it might be from the water pump. Any ideas how to fix this problem?