A freezer is not a noiseless appliance; it may be one of the noisiest ones. But knowing everyday noises will help you determine if your freezer noise is unusual.
Table of Contents
Freezer Noise Troubleshooting
Here are a few causes of a noisy freezer and how to fix them:
1. Dusty Condenser Coils
Be aware that freezers are not typically quiet. When your freezer has to work harder to maintain a cool temperature due to dirty condenser coils, it tends to produce more noise than usual. Therefore, it is crucial to check the coils at the bottom back of the freezer. If they are dirty, use a condenser coil cleaning brush to wipe off the debris. But you can use a vacuum cleaner if you do not have this brush.
2. Defective Evaporator Fan
Any noise from the back of the freezer or the freezer section is usually from the evaporator fan when it is a fridge freezer. Ice buildup, debris, or a defective motor can make the evaporator fan noisy. Therefore, find the fan and ensure there is no ice around it. The blades must be straight and spin freely.
If you find ice around the fan, use a dryer to thaw the fan or manually defrost the freezer for a few hours. Afterward, ensure the fan’s motor works and the blades spin well. Otherwise, you may have to replace the blades, motor, or the entire fan assembly.
3. Faulty Condenser Fan
Another cause of loud noises from a freezer is the condenser fan. When debris is trapped in the blades or the motor, it tends to generate loud noises. If you are sure the condenser coils are clean and the evaporator fan is working well, the next component to check is the condenser fan.
Typically, it is next to the condenser coils. Clean the blades and make sure nothing is wrapped around the motor. Test the motor if the noise continues; you probably have to replace it because a loud noise indicates a malfunctioning part that needs a replacement.
4. Improper Leveling
A loud buzzing or vibrating noise from the freezer may be due to improper leveling. Over time and with constant use, the leveling screws on the feet may become loose. Use a bubble to check the freezer; place it on top of the appliance. The bubble must rest in the middle before you know the appliance is level. Otherwise, adjust the screws clockwise or counterclockwise until you achieve the right balance. The freezer’s user manual usually has leveling instructions to follow.
5. Failing Compressor
A few factors can cause the compressor to make a loud noise. But the noise usually indicates that the compressor is no longer in good working condition. So, check for dirt on the coils and clean them if they are dirty. Ensure the condenser fan runs smoothly when the compressor runs. Also, check the level of the refrigerant in the compressor if you have the expertise to do so.
If all the above are in order, yet the compressor generates noise, it may be time to replace it. But before doing that, have a qualified technician look at the compressor to determine if the problem can be fixed or you need a new compressor. Remember that it may be more cost-effective to replace the freezer than the compressor, but only if the freezer is an old one. Otherwise, replace the compressor.
Note: The noise may also come from the drain pan if you have a fridge freezer. Before checking complex parts, check to see if the pan is properly inserted. Remove and reinsert it, making sure to secure it tightly this time.
Freezer Noise – Loud Humming
Check the evaporator fan behind the freezer’s interior rear panel. You have to empty the freezer and remove the shelves to reach the fan. You will find it attached to the panel; some call it the evaporator fan cover. Slowly and carefully lift the panel down and inspect the fan. Frost and debris can cause the blades to make a loud humming noise as they try to spin. The same applies to the fan’s motor.
Set a hair dryer on low heat and thaw the fan if it is frozen. But if you have the time, disconnect the freezer from electric power and leave the door open to manually defrost it. It may take a longer time, but it is the safer method.
Check the fan’s motor if the blades are not the source of the loud noise. Detach the blades from the motor and check if any debris is trapped in it. Also, see if there is a burnt odor coming from it. Finally, test the motor from continuity. Typically, the noise tells you that you need a new fan motor. But make sure by testing for continuity using a multimeter, and replace the motor if there is none.
Deep Freezer Making Noise – How to Fix
Check the following and apply repair measures where necessary if you hear your deep freezer making noise:
1. Defrost Cycle
Your deep freezer may be the type that defrosts automatically and is set to defrost at specific times during the day. You may hear occasional crackling, popping, or whooshing as it defrosts. The noise is normal and does not mean the freezer has a problem.
You should be concerned only when the noise does not stop and becomes increasingly louder. In such a situation, troubleshoot the defrost system, particularly the defrost timer, and replace any defective parts. You can opt to employ the services of an appliance technician for the job.
2. Constant Door Opening
Opening the freezer’s lid too many times a day will lead to the loss of cold air. Warm air takes its place, and you may hear a loud whoosh that lasts for about a minute as you close the door. The same happens when you hold the lid open for an extended period. The noise comes when a vacuum is created as the internal pressure equalizes with the ambient temperature, and the temperature normalizes.
3. Refrigerant
When it is circulating, the refrigerant can produce a gurgling noise that is audible. It can also make a popping noise when boiling after circulating and absorbing heat. Again, this noise is a normal part of the freezer’s operation, and it is not a cause for concern.
4. Expansion and Contraction
During the defrost cycle, the freezer’s temperature rises. This causes the plastic parts to expand. When the cooling cycle comes on after the defrost, the parts contract. As the temperature inside the freezer changes, the plastic parts expand and contract, causing loud popping noises. You will hear them occasionally, timed with the cooling and defrost cycles. But they stop once the temperatures stabilize. The noises are expected, and you should not worry about them.
5. Condenser Fan
Obstructions in the blades or motor of the fan will cause it to generate noise. Check the fan under the freezer to see if it is clean and debris-free. You may have to clean it with a rag, ensuring the motor has no dirt wrapped around it. If the noise continues after cleaning it, it may be due to worn-out bearing. Replace the fan’s motor because it is failing.
6. Condenser Coils
The freezer will hum or buzz loudly if the condenser coils are significantly dirty. The coils release the heat from the refrigerant into the atmosphere so that it does not remain in the freezer. Otherwise, the freezer will overheat and stop cooling. But dirt acts as a blanket and keeps the heat trapped. As a result, you will hear the freezer making loud noises as it tries to run and maintain a cool temperature. Therefore, thoroughly clean the coils using a vacuum cleaner or a condenser coil brush. Ensure you clean them again within a few months.
7. Compressor
One of the noisiest components in a freezer is the compressor. It makes loud noises when it is overheating or failing. Also, it makes a noise when its holding screws are loose. Find out if the screws need tightening; you will hear the compressor vibrate any time the freezer cycles on and off.
If it is a loud buzz or hum, the compressor may be overheating, so check the condenser coils and fan. Hire a professional technician to check the compressor if you are unsure why it is noisy.
Check out these other articles…
Refrigerator Noise [Problems Solved]
Refrigerator Sticking Out too Far [Solutions]
Freezer Not Making Ice [Proven Solutions]
Ice Maker Noise [Problems & Solutions]
Dispenser Noise [Problems & Proven Solutions]
Freezer Making Noise and Thawing – Quick Fix
It is probably part of the defrost cycle if you hear noise from your freezer while thawing. First, determine whether or not the freezer is the automatic defrost type. If it is, you will hear the popping, sizzling, or crackling of the defrost heater as water drops on it and plastic parts as they expand.
Typically, the noises are not loud during the day because of overlaying noises. So, you may hear them loudly at night or when the day is quiet. These are normal sounds during the defrost cycle. When you should worry is if the noises become too loud or continuous. It means the freezer is stuck in the defrost cycle, and the noise may be from the defrost timer’s motor as well as the defrost heater. Employ the services of a technician to test and replace faulty parts.
Freezer Making Noise After Defrosting – What to Do
You may hear your freezer making loud crackling or popping noises after defrosting. The noises come from the freezer’s internal parts contracting under the cooling temperature. The freezer gets warm internally when defrosting, and the parts expand. But when it starts cooling again, these parts begin to contract, generating noise. The noises stop when the temperature reaches a certain degree, and the parts stabilize.
Unless the noises are unusually loud and continuous, it is nothing to worry about. Otherwise, check the defrost timer; it may be malfunctioning. Ensure the heater and thermostat are in good working condition.
Freezer Making Noise and Not Cooling – How to Fix
The following are components to check if your freezer is making noise and not cooling:
1. Start Relay
Find the relay attached to the compressor. Pull it out and give it a little shake. If it rattles, the relay is bad and needs a replacement. The same applies if it smells burnt. But to be sure, run a continuity test on the relay using a multimeter. Replace the relay if there is no continuity.
The start relay is a tiny device that powers the compressor to start and run. It keeps providing power until the compressor stabilizes. But if it is faulty, the compressor will have a hard time starting. You will hear clicking noises from the compressor every few seconds or minutes. If the compressor fails to run, the freezer will not cool.
2. Evaporator Fan
Most chest freezers do not have evaporator fans. So, if your freezer is a standalone chest freezer, you may not have to check the fan. But if it is a fridge-freezer or an upright freezer, consult the user manual for the fan’s location. Typically, it is behind the inside freezer panel; you have to remove the contents and shelves in the freezer to access it.
Check for ice buildups around the fan. It will explain the noise as the blades try to spin and hit the ice, creating the noise you hear. Run a manual defrost on the freezer by disconnecting it from electric power and leaving the door open. Or use a hairdryer to melt the ice, which is a faster method.
But if there is no ice around the fan, ensure the blades are not bent and spin well. Turn them with your hand to ensure functionality. If they do not spin well, it may indicate a problem with the motor. The shaft may also need lubrication. Add a little penetrating oil like gear oil to the shaft and see if the blades spin well. If they are stiff, check the motor’s windings for continuity. Replace the motor or the entire fan assembly if there is no continuity.
The evaporator fan has to circulate cold air inside the freezer for the unit to cool. If the blades bend, the fan cannot work. And if the motor becomes defective, it will make a noise, and the freezer will not have cold air.
3. Condenser Coils
Inspect the coils at the bottom back of the freezer. They should be relatively clean, but if they are noticeably dirty, take a condenser cleaning brush or any other small brush to them. You can also use a vacuum cleaner if none of the brushes is available. Give the coils a thorough cleaning to remove every trace of dirt. Afterward, sweep and clean the floor around them.
The condenser coils cannot optimally function if they are dirty. The dust and other debris prevent them from dissipating heat from the freezer into the atmosphere. As a result, the compressor and freezer overheat. The freezer will become unusually loud due to the extra effort to perform with the heat overload.
4. Condenser Fan
Debris may obstruct the blades and keep them from spinning freely. Two things may happen when the fan does not work as it should. One is that the condenser coils overheat, along with the compressor. Two is that the fan generates a loud noise as it tries unsuccessfully to run.
Therefore, inspect the fan to see if it needs cleaning. Use a small rag to wipe the blades and clean the motor. Ensure no debris is around the fan before testing the blades. Turn them with your hand to check their functionality. If they are stiff, it may point to a defective fan motor. Test the motor to check for continuity, and replace it if there is none.
5. Defrost Timer
A faulty defrost timer can keep the freezer in a defrost cycle while generating a ticking noise. So, troubleshoot the defrost system if your freezer automatically defrosts. The noise is most likely from the defrost timer. Replace the timer if it does not automatically advance the system out of a defrost cycle or have continuity when you test it with a multimeter.
6. Compressor
The compressor can become noisy due to internal failure, heat, or power overload. If the compressor is failing internally, the freezer needs a new compressor. But if it is heat or power overload, check and replace the overload protector or clean the condenser coils. Then, ensure the condenser fan is in good working condition. Employ the services of an appliance technician if the repair seems difficult.
Note: Frozen evaporator coils keep the freezer from cooling. But they do not create noise, so they may not cause the noise and no cooling. However, it may help to ensure they are frost-free by checking them.
Freezer Makes Noise After Closing Door – Quick Fix
Check the evaporator fan if your freezer makes noise after you close the door. The fan stops running when you open the door but resumes operation when the door shuts. You can open the door and activate the door switch by pressing it. Doing that gets the fan running even if the door is still open.
If the noise resumes, you know the fan is the source. It may be covered with ice or have debris trapped around it. The problem may also be that the motor is failing. Thaw the ice with a hairdryer if the fan is covered in ice. Use a small brush to clean the fan if there is debris. But a noisy motor needs a replacement.
Freezer Making Noise and Frosting – Solved
The evaporator coils may have too much frost on them, restricting the fan’s movement. The noise comes from the fan blades hitting the ice as they try to spin. Manually defrost the freezer to remove the excess ice or use an external heat source. Afterward, reconnect the freezer to electric power. If the noise continues, the evaporator fan may need new blades.
Then, find out the cause of the frost buildup on the evaporator coils. Most likely, the door seal is weak, letting in the warm moisture-laden air. The moisture settles on the coils and other surfaces, freezes, and forms heavy frost. In such a case, the defrost system cannot keep up with defrosting because of the amount of moisture. Therefore, replace the door seal if you suspect it is leaky.
Another possible cause is a malfunctioning defrost system. You may want to troubleshoot and fix the defrost timer, which is the most likely cause, defrost heater, and defrost thermostat. Find and replace the faulty ones.
Freezer Making Clicking Noise and Not Cooling – Quick Fix
The start relay is faulty and unable to power the compressor. The clicking is the compressor trying to start and failing. Consequently, the freezer will stop cooling; it needs the compressor to run smoothly for some time before it can cool.
Unplug the appliance from electric power and move it. Remove the bottom access panel at the back to gain access to the compressor. Detach the relay from the compressor and shake it a little. If it rattles, replace the relay. And if it smells burnt, replace it. You can go a step further to test it using a multimeter to check for continuity. Replace the relay if you do not find continuity.
Freezer Making Buzzing Noise – Quick Fix
Typically, a freezer makes a buzzing or humming noise during normal operations. The compressor quietly hums or buzzes as it works, which lets you know it is in good working condition. If the freezer has an automatic defrost system, you will hear the compressor occasionally turn off for defrost and turn on again.
But if the buzzing becomes increasingly louder and continuous, it may indicate that the compressor has a problem. Hire a qualified technician to test the compressor and determine the cause of the loud noise.
Dirty coils also contribute to a buzzing noise from the freezer. They reduce the freezer’s capacity to cool, which means the freezer has to run for longer. So, you may hear it buzzing or humming while doing so. It does not necessarily mean the freezer is malfunctioning, but it indicates the coils need a thorough cleaning. Clean and test the condenser fan while cleaning the coils.
If the freezer has an ice maker, the buzzing noise may be coming from it. It is usually not a loud noise and stops once the icemaking cycle ends. But inspect the connection of the water line to the water inlet valve at the back of the unit if the noise becomes excessively loud and runs longer than usual. Loose or improper connections lead to noise, so tighten the connection.
Freezer Making Banging Noise – Solved
Banging noise from your freezer may come from the condenser fan or evaporator fan. It may also come from the compressor. Check the evaporator fan behind the inside rear access panel of the freezer to ensure there is nothing blocking it. Clear any ice or debris and check the motor’s functionality. If the blades are bent, replace them.
Next, check the condenser fan. It is usually found next to the condenser coils. Ensure the blades are attached to the motor shaft and have no obstructions. Clean the fan and turn the blades by hand. Any stiffness may indicate that the motor needs a replacement. But a noisy must be replaced as quickly as possible.
In addition, keep the compressor clean. Dirt can cause it to stop running. If you notice a lack of cooling in the freezer, the compressor may not be in good working condition. It does not mean it is damaged; it may just need dusting.
It is important to note that a banging noise does not always mean something is wrong with the freezer. It may just be the sound of circulating refrigerant or an item hitting the freezer walls. Get professional help if you eliminate possible sources of noise, yet it does not disappear.
Freezer Making Bubbling Noise – Quick Fix
The noise may stem from the refrigerant flowing in the cooling lines after a defrost cycle. It tends to make a bubbling or gurgling noise as it flows. You may feel some vibration on the body of the freezer if you feel it while the refrigerant flows. Another cause of the refrigerant flow is a frequent door opening. Opening and shutting the door too frequently cause the loss of cold air, which means the refrigerant has to flow to cool the freezer each time. Limiting the frequency of door openings may reduce the frequency of the noise if it is a bother.
Freezer Making Beeping Noise – Quick Fix
A beeping noise from a freezer means that there is too much ice in it. The evaporator coils may have a heavy accumulation of ice, and the freezer compartment may also be heavy with ice. Disconnect the freezer from electric power and open the door. Allow it to sit without electric power and with the door open until all the ice melts.
Ensure you close the door tightly afterward. Leaving it even slightly open will cause more frost buildup. The same applies if the door gasket is damaged. Test the gasket with a dollar bill; close the door on the bill, and try pulling it out. Replace the gasket if the dollar bill comes out.
Storing too many items in the freezer can also keep the door open. One or more items can stick or push the shelves out of alignment. Reduce the freezer contents and rearrange what is left. Ensure the shelves and racks are in their correct positions.
Creating enough space around the freezer is crucial to ensure air circulates. The heat from the condenser coils needs room to dissipate, and pushing the freezer flush against the walls will prevent this. Otherwise, the heat will cause the freezer’s internal temperature to rise and trigger the alarm. Therefore, move the freezer to create at least two inches of space between the unit and the walls at the back and sides.
Finally, check to see if the unit is correctly leveled if it is a fridge freezer. Follow the leveling instructions in the user manual for the appliance.
Freezer Compressor Noise – What to Do
Bear in mind that most noises freezer and refrigerator users attribute to the compressor come from other sources. Sometimes, the drain pan rattles when it is loose. The condenser fan also makes a lot of noise when the dirt is trapped in its blades or the motor is failing. Therefore, it is crucial to check these components before settling for the compressor.
When you have eliminated other sources, clean the condenser coils before checking the compressor. Dirt on the coils can cause the compressor to become noisy due to heat overload. If the noise continues long after the coils are cleaned, the compressor has a problem.
Ensure the holding screws of the compressor are not loose. The compressor will thump against the freezer if they are, generating noise. Tighten or replace the screws if you have the expertise or hire a professional to check the compressor and determine the problem.
Freezer Making Crackling Noise – Quick Fix
Crackling noise from a freezer should not cause alarm. The noise usually comes during or after a defrost cycle. The freezer’s internal plastic parts will expand and contract as the temperature changes from cold to warm and back to cold. But if the noise becomes continuous, even when the compressor should be running, get professional assistance to find the fault and fix it.
Freezer Making Chirping Noise – Quick Fix
Inspect the evaporator fan in the freezer if you hear chirping coming from it. The fan’s motor is no longer working as it should, so remove the fan and test the motor with a multimeter to check for continuity. More likely than not, you will not find continuity because the noise indicates a failed motor. Therefore, replace the fan’s motor.
Freezer Making Creaking Noise – Quick Fix
The noise may come from the ice maker during ice production. When ice sticks and the ejector blades have a hard time ejecting it into the ice bucket, the motor creaks with the effort to push the ice out. Therefore, loosen the ice from the blades to stop the noise. This process may not damage the freezer, but it may damage the ice maker in the long run if it continues.
Another possible cause of the noise is the defrost cycle. As the freezer adjusts to the change in internal temperature before, during, and after the cycle, it may creak. Different people will interpret the noise in different ways. Some hear it as crackling and popping, and others hear it as creaking. Whichever it is, the freezer usually is working if you hear the noise.
Any part of the freezer that moves can cause creaking noise. So, you may hear it from different parts of the freezer. However, it does not usually mean something is wrong with the appliance unless the noise is non-stop.
Freezer Making Dripping Noise – Quick fix
Most times, dripping noise from your freezer is normal. It may be the sound of water running into the drain pan under the unit if it is a fridge freezer or the sound of refrigerant flowing backward in the condenser coils during the cooling cycle. When it is not normal is if it is dripping inside the freezer. The ice maker may leak, as well as the water dispenser, if there is one. It is crucial to find the cause of dripping inside the freezer and fix it as quickly as possible.
Freezer Door Noise – What to Do
The noise may stem from weak door hinges. If you overload the door bins, it will affect the hinges and cause them to creak. Reduce the load in the door, placing heavy jars on the shelves to reduce the weight. The hinges may need oiling, so find penetrating oil and apply it on the hinges to reduce squeaky noises.
Also, if the door cam is broken, it makes a loud popping noise whenever you open and shut the door. Checking and replacing the door cam is not easy, so you may need professional services if you do not have the skills.
Freezer Making Grinding Noise – Quick Fix
The evaporator fan is the most probable culprit of a grinding noise coming from a freezer. If there is ice around it, it will make a noise when the blades scrape against the ice as they try to spin. Locate the fan and thaw it using a hairdryer or another heat source. Carefully do it so that the heat does not warp the freezer’s plastic parts. Afterward, inspect the fan blades for damages. The effort to spin with all the ice may bend them out of shape. Replace them if that is the case; do not attempt to repair them.
Also, check the ice maker as you may hear it grind and clatter when dumping ice into the ice bucket. The grinding noise is from the movement of the gears as they turn during the process. While it may sound unusual, the noise is part of the icemaking process and stops when the process is over. So, you should not worry unless the noise becomes continuous and increasingly loud. Hire a professional to check the ice maker and recommend a permanent fix.
Freezer Making Groaning Noise – Quick Fix
Groaning noise from your freezer is typical. It may come from the compressor as it shuts off for the defrost cycle, or it may just be the freezer’s usual operation. Unless it is unusually loud and never stops, there is no need to spend money hiring n appliance technician.
Defrosting Freezer Making Hissing Noise – Quick Fix
The defrost heater turns on several times a day in a frost-free freezer to melt the frost off the evaporator coils and keep them from freezing. During the defrost process, the water that forms from the ice drips onto the red-hot defrost heater and creates a hissing noise. That is what you hear as the freezer is defrosting. It is nothing to worry about as it is part of the freezer’s usual operations.
Freezer Making High-pitched Noise – Solved
Check the compressor, evaporator fan, and condenser fan for faults. You can soundproof a noisy compressor if it is still in good working condition. But you may have to replace a noisy evaporator or condenser fan, as this article explains.
Freezer Making Rattling Noise – How to Fix
Check the following if your freezer makes a rattling noise during normal operations:
1. Drain Pan
If the freezer has a drain pan, check to see that it is secure. It may come loose and rattle when the freezer runs with constant use. The loose pan is the most probable cause of the rattling noise you hear. Pull the pan out and put it back into place, this time making sure it is secure.
2. Condenser Fan
Loose condenser fan blades can rattle when the freezer runs. So, remove the bottom access panel at the back and check the fan. Ensure the blades are secure on the motor and are clean. Wipe them with a clean rag to remove dust and other debris. And clean the condenser coils while you are at it so that they do not transfer any dirt to the fan or reduce its efficiency.
3. Compressor
Check the springs that hold the compressor to the compartment. The springs keep the compressor from moving when the freezer runs. Weak springs mean the compressor may rattle or vibrate, thumping against the compartment walls. If they are weak, replace them with the help of a professional.
But the compressor may have internal damage if the springs are not weak or loose. You may need the services of an appliance technician to determine why it is rattling and find a permanent solution.
However, ensure all other possible causes of the rattling noise are eliminated before checking the compressor. It is rare for a compressor to fail, and replacing it is cost-intensive.
Note: Objects inside the freezer or on it may rattle, creating noise. Also, the defrost timer may rattle or make ticking noises, especially when the motor is malfunctioning. In this case, replace the defrost timer if a multimeter test registers no continuity.
Noise from Freezer Ice Maker – Solved
A loud hissing noise from the ice maker’s location inside the freezer may be water filling the ice mold. When the water supply valve is fully open, the force of the water tends to be high, creating the hissing noise. It is completely normal.
Another noise a freezer ice maker can make is clicking or snapping as it requests freshwater supply from the line. It is usually not loud, but you may distinctly hear it at night or if you are not used to it. Again, it is part of the ice maker’s regular operation unless it becomes continuous and loud.
As the ice maker dumps fresh ice into the ice bucket, you will hear it make tumbling or crashing noises. It is simply the ice hitting the bucket and not a fault with the ice maker. It may take some time to get used to it, but it will eventually become part of everyday noises.
Additionally, you may hear the ice maker ticking, buzzing, or humming if the water supply line is not connected. Reconnect water to the machine to eliminate the noise. The ice maker needs a constant water flow to maintain a steady supply of ice. If you will not use the ice maker for some time, turn it off and disconnect the water supply. Otherwise, you risk damaging the machine.
Recap
Freezer noise is usually nothing to worry about if you know the usual sounds. But when the noise becomes excessive, it is time to find a professional service agent to check the freezer and fix it.
It is important to know that regular maintenance eliminates most freezer noise causes before they arise. Request service from the manufacturer or hire an independent service agent. But you can save maintenance costs if you have DIY skills.
Get Instant Help — Ask An Experienced Verified Appliance Technician
Need expert help? Click here to use the chat box on this page to speak with a verified appliance technician right away. No need for expensive in-home service calls. No appointments. No waiting.
