Refrigerator making noise
A refrigerator making noise isn't always a problem. Fridges hum, click, gurgle and crackle as part of normal operation. New buzzing, rattling, squealing or grinding is different, and it usually comes from a fan, a loose drain pan, or a fridge that isn't level. Most of those are easy to check yourself, as long as you unplug the fridge first. Loud knocking from the compressor or a fridge that clicks on and off every few minutes needs a technician. Fridges make lots of normal noises. It's the new ones that are worth checking.
Where fridge noises come from
The compressor at the bottom back of the fridge hums while it runs. A condenser fan next to it cools the compressor and coils, and an evaporator fan behind the freezer's back panel moves cold air into both compartments. Refrigerant moving through the tubing makes gurgling and trickling sounds, and plastic parts pop and crack as they warm and cool.
On frost-free models, a heater melts frost off the evaporator coil a few times a day, and water hitting the warm heater can sizzle. An ice maker adds its own clicks, buzzing as it fills, and clatter as it drops ice. Knowing which sound comes from where helps narrow down whether something is actually wrong.
Common causes of fridge noise
Vibration rattles against walls, cabinets or the floor.
The pan rattles against the frame.
The condenser or evaporator fan squeals, grinds or hits debris or ice.
Loud knocking or rapid clicking from the bottom back.
| You notice | Likely cause | Start at |
|---|---|---|
| Humming, gurgling, popping | Normal operation | Step 1 |
| Buzzing near the ice maker | Ice maker on with no water | Step 1 |
| Rattling or vibrating | Fridge not level or touching something | Step 2 |
| Rattle from under the front | Loose drain pan | Step 3 |
| Louder, longer running | Dirty condenser coils | Step 4 |
| Squeal or grinding at the bottom back | Condenser fan | Step 5 |
| Noise stops when freezer door opens | Evaporator fan | Step 6 |
| Scraping or ticking in the freezer | Fan blade hitting ice | Step 7 |
| Loud knocking or rapid clicking | Compressor or start relay | Step 8 |
Let's fix it
- Identify normal soundsA steady hum, clicks when the compressor starts or stops, gurgling or trickling, and occasional pops or cracks are normal. So is a sizzle during defrost and the clatter of the ice maker dumping ice. If the ice maker is on but there's no water line hooked up, it can buzz as it tries to fill, so turn it off. Listen for where a new or unusual noise is coming from: the bottom back, inside the freezer, or under the front.
- Level the fridge and give it spaceA fridge that isn't level or is touching a wall or cabinet can rattle and vibrate. Put a level on top or on a shelf and adjust the front leveling legs or rollers until it's level side to side and tilted slightly back. Make sure it's not touching the wall, cabinets or the water line, and leave a little space around it for airflow. Move anything stored on top that rattles.
- Check the drain panUnplug the fridge, then remove the toe grille at the bottom front. On many fridges the drain pan sits under there, and on some it's reached from the back. If it's loose or knocked out of place, it can rattle against the frame when the fridge runs. Reseat it, and clean it if it's full of debris.
- Unplug the fridge and clean the coilsUnplug the fridge before reaching under or behind it. Dust-packed condenser coils make the compressor and condenser fan run harder and longer, which can make the fridge louder. Vacuum and brush the coils, either through the front grille or from the back, depending on your model. We have a guide for cleaning refrigerator coils.
- Check the condenser fanWith the fridge still unplugged, pull it out and remove the thin back access panel at the bottom. The condenser fan sits next to the compressor. Look for debris, dust balls or a loose blade hitting something, and clear them. Spin the blade by hand; if it's stiff or wobbles, or the noise was a squeal or grinding from this area, the fan motor is likely failing and needs replacement.
- Check the evaporator fanA squeal, chirp or grinding from inside the freezer that stops or changes when you open the door often comes from the evaporator fan, since on many models it shuts off when the door switch is pressed. Unplug the fridge, move the freezer food to a cooler, and remove the back panel inside the freezer. Check the blade for damage or ice, and spin it by hand. A worn fan motor usually needs to be replaced with the exact part for your model.
- Melt ice around the evaporator fanIf you hear scraping or ticking from the freezer and see ice built up around the fan or back panel, the blade may be hitting ice. Keep the fridge unplugged with the door open and let the ice melt completely, without chipping at it, which can take several hours. Move the fresh food to a cooler too and lay towels to catch the water. If ice keeps building up, the defrost system may have failed. See the guide for frost buildup in a freezer.
- Know when it's the compressorLoud knocking or banging when the compressor starts or stops, a very loud buzz from the bottom back, or clicking on and off every few minutes while the fridge doesn't cool can point to the compressor or its start relay. These involve electrical and refrigerant components, so call an appliance technician.
Watch it done
- Only normal hums and clicks
- No rattling or squealing
- The fridge stays cold
Knocking or loud buzz from the compressor? Call a technician.
If it's still noisy
If the noise has stopped but the fridge isn't keeping food cold, check our guide for a fridge not cooling.
If the ice maker is making grinding or buzzing noises, there's a separate guide for an ice maker not working.
What a pro typically charges (a rough estimate; prices vary by area): An appliance repair visit usually costs $100–$200. Replacing a condenser fan motor typically runs $150–$350, an evaporator fan motor $200–$400, a start relay $150–$300, and a compressor $600–$1,500 or more installed.
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Refrigerator noise questions
Is it normal for a refrigerator to make noise?
Yes. Humming, clicking, gurgling and popping are normal. New squealing, grinding or rattling is not.
Why does my fridge noise stop when I open the freezer?
That's likely the evaporator fan, which shuts off on many models when the door opens.
Why is my refrigerator rattling?
It's often not level, is touching something, or the drain pan is loose.
Is a buzzing refrigerator dangerous?
Usually not, but a loud buzz from the compressor area or rapid clicking needs a technician.
Why is my refrigerator so loud?
Some humming, clicking and gurgling is normal. New buzzing, rattling or grinding usually comes from a fan, a loose drain pan, or a fridge that isn't level.