Most refrigerators will make some kind of noise, from the gentle humming of the fan to the click of a compressor turning on. You’re undoubtedly already quite used to these sounds and don’t pay them any attention.
However, it can be quite alarming when your fridge suddenly starts making new loud and weird noises. Not only is it annoying to listen to, but it can also indicate a problem with the fridge that needs addressing.
If this is happening to you, don’t worry, we’re here to help!
In this article, we’re going to share all the main reasons why your fridge may start making a loud humming or popping noise and explain how to fix it so you can get your fridge back in working order as soon as possible.
Why is your Frigidaire Refridgerator Making Loud Noise?
Almost every component within a fridge makes some noise, but when something goes wrong, it will produce a very specific kind of humming or popping noise.
We can use this noise to hone in on exactly where the problem lies and address it.
So let’s start by going through all the main causes of the loud humming noise so you can first diagnose the issue.
1. The Fridge isn’t Level
A fridge relies a lot on gravity to function, the compressor pushes the coolant through the condenser coils which requires the fridge to be level, likewise if you use an ice maker the water needs to sit in the molds correctly.
So when your fridge isn’t level, it can cause some issues with the machine.
This could be due to the compressor needing to work extra hard to pump the coolant, or the vibrations are causing it to rattle because not all of the feet are touching the ground.
Whatever the cause may be, by leveling the fridge out by adjusting each of the feet we can create a much more stable base for the ice maker which will help alleviate a lot of common vibration problems.
2. There’s No Room around the Fridge
Of course, we want to save room in our kitchens, so we often jam the fridge into a tight corner up against the wall.
However, a fridge requires cool air to circulate it to dissipate heat. So when it’s jammed into a tight spot, it will run less efficiently, and can even overheat reducing its total lifespan.
Additionally, you will hear the compressor turn on and off more frequently, and it will be much louder as it struggles to keep the fridge cool.
So giving your fridge some breathing room is an excellent way to get it to run quieter and more efficiently.
3. Dirty Condenser Coil or Evaporator Fan Blade
As the condenser coils are located outside the fridge, they are prone to becoming clogged up with dust and debris. When this happens the compressor will struggle to dissipate the heat through the evaporator coil.
This can result in a few different unwanted weird noises. It may also overload the compressor causing it to run much harder and louder.
However, if this heating becomes too extreme it may even force the compressor to keep shutting down and starting back up which gives you a constant clicking sound.
Fortunately, we can just give these components a good clean to solve the problem.
4. There’s a Power Overload
Similarly, if there is an overload in power due to a faulty compressor, it will constantly keep shutting down and powering up.
We will need to test the compressor for continuity, and if it’s deemed faulty, it will just need to be replaced.
5. The Start Relay is Failing
The start relay is a small electronic device that helps start the compressor up, so when this component fails it will repeatedly try to start the compressor up, causing a click or popping sound each time.
So once again, we should test the start relay for continuity and replace it if necessary.
6. Evaporator Fan Blade Failure
The evaporator fan will create a grinding or squeaking sound as it starts to fail due to the motor not running smoothly.
As this fan is located inside the machine if you notice that when you open the door the sound gets much louder then this is probably the source of the problem.
7. The Water Inlet Valve is Faulty
The water inlet valve is a small device that opens to get water into the ice maker/water dispenser.
When these components fail, they can produce a rather loud knocking noise, so once again, as this is an electronic component, it will need to be tested for continuity and replaced as needed.
8. Condenser Fan Motor Failure
Aside from getting clogged up with dust, the motor fan can sometimes fail, making some loud humming sounds.
Sometimes it can be simply cleaned out, but if you notice it still makes the popping sound after doing this, it may need to be replaced.
9. The compressor is failing
A failing compressor will produce a loud popping sound, sometimes these can be serviced by a technician, but if it is already too worn down this too will need to be replaced.
How to Fix a Frigidaire Refridgerator Making Loud Noise
Sometimes these issues can be caused by something as simple as a dust buildup or the fridge not having enough airflow, which is very easy to solve.
Other times it may be a component-level failure requiring a technician to come out and replace the failed device.
Let’s go through how to get these problems fixed.
1. Level the Fridge
In order for the fridge to run optimally, it needs to be level; here’s how to go about adjusting it:
- Take a spirit level and lay it on the top of the fridge to ascertain which corners are too low and need to be raised.
- Each of the legs on a fridge can be individually adjusted to get the fridge completely level. Start by adjusting the low legs to get them level.
- Recheck the overall fridge level and continue adjusting until it’s completely flat.
2. Pull the Fridge out a bit
The fridge requires a certain amount of space around it for the cool air to circulate properly.
You don’t need to be too scientific about this. Just check if your fridge is butted up against the wall and if it is pulled out by a few inches, which will help ease the compressor’s load.
3. Clean out the Condenser Coils
When too much heat is built up around the condenser coils, it will insulate them, causing the compressor to work extra hard to keep things cool, which is very noisy.
To clean out the condenser coils, take a brush and, ideally, a vacuum and brush out all the clogged-up dust, dirt, and hair that likes to accumulate in the evaporator coil.
Use your vacuum to suck up all the dislodged dust, so your kitchen doesn’t get too messy.
4. Check the Power Supply
A power overload may trigger a component to continually restart, which causes a clicking sound.
Test the power supply with a multimeter. If it’s not functioning correctly, you may need to replace the power cable, but you can also try moving it to another power outlet to see if that’s the issue.
You should also avoid using the fridge on a multiplug or power strip and give it its own dedicated wall slot.
5. Fix the Start Relay
When the starter relay fails, it will make a continuous clicking sound as it keeps trying to start the compressor.
The start relay should be tested with a multimeter for continuity; if it’s not working correctly, it will need to be replaced.
6. Replace the Fan Blades
When the evaporator fan inside the machine starts to have issues, it will create a loud squeaking sound.
This is often due to the fan blades becoming stiff or damaged, but in some rarer cases, it may be the motor itself that is dying.
In either case, both should be inspected carefully, and if it’s deemed broken, it’s often easier just to replace the entire evaporator fan.
7. Replace the Water Inlet Valve
If the water inlet valve is making a loud knocking noise you should first check it with a multimeter for resistance, if it’s not working correctly then the only option is to replace it as these are hard to repair by yourself.
8. Oil the Condenser Fan
Assuming it’s not the motor itself that’s failing and it’s just making a strange refrigerator noise. Oftentimes just cleaning out any debris and giving it a drop of oil can be enough to make the condenser fan run smoothly again.
9. Replace the Compressor
The compressor is an important component in the fridge’s operation. These can sometimes be repaired by tightening the springs.
But if you are not confident in servicing it yourself we recommend contacting Frigidaire customer support who will help you source a new compressor and arrange for a technician to come out and fix it for you.
Adrian is an ISCET licensed professional that has completed the National Appliance Service Technician Certification Exam and has the expertise to diagnose and repair any appliance. He is well-versed in the latest technologies and techniques and is always up-to-date on the latest industry standards.
