The compressor contains a motor and pump, which push a gas refrigerant (freon in old fridges, tetrafluoroethane in newer models) through coils, where the gas cools down and becomes a liquid, soaking up heat in the fridge and freezer, and cooling everything inside. Hearing loss can result from a single loud sound (like firecrackers) near your ear. The condenser fan is located in the back of the fridge not too far from the compressor, behind a protective panel. While refrigerator explosions are rare, they're still incredibly dangerous. In 2015, Samantha Thomas from Wales, England, was killed when her refrigerator exploded and engulfed her apartment in flames. Should I have a pro check it out? Water hammer is a knocking or banging noise in a water line that occurs when the water valve opens and closes. By Katelin Hill and Bob Vila. Place a level atop the fridge and adjust the legs accordingly. The Best Places to Buy Appliances, 14 Instant Fixes for a Total Pantry Makeover. If the icemaker has intentionally not been connected to a water supply, locate the metal shut-off arm or the on/off switch and move it to the “off” position. Bearings or valves beginning to fail results in increased noise. Finally, the drain pan below the refrigerator may have come loose. When your refrigerator is noisy there can be many causes for the noise. While the most likely reason for a refrigerator to make a knocking sound is the compressor, the condenser fan might also cause a fridge banging noise. “The fridge exploded, and if you look at this angle right here, it expanded and expanded so much it bent the metal of the stove,” he told WPTV-TV. Noisy Refrigerator. Is a noisy fridge dangerous? Yes, your fridge can be too silent. If you hear any of the sounds below, take heed—and either seek to resolve the issue yourself or call in a pro. The Life Span of Kitchen Appliances, Beware of These 6 Dangerous Things That Can Spark a House Fire, 7 Winter Home Maintenance Tasks That Will Save You Money (and Your Sanity), Is Your ‘Clutter’ Worth Thousands of Dollars? Identify which area the sound seems to be coming from, and then disconnect the power to troubleshoot. One is a condenser fan located in the bottom of the refrigerator, and the other is an evaporator fan in the freezer compartment. But if your fridge makes a choppy sound or, even worse, no noise at all, the coils could be clogged. Ligondie also found large cracks in ceilings and walls, and a broken window in the master bedroom—evidence that the blast was strong enough to damage the whole house. While there are few clear warning signs before a fridge explosion, one thing you can do is keep an eye (or rather an ear) on your refrigerator's compressor. Even if all appears to be well, letting a small problem go unfixed can quickly turn into a big problem. The condenser may get covered with dirt or lint. A noisy refrigerator is not a happy refrigerator. But if the refrigerator noise gets louder and louder to the point where you can hear it from the next room, contact a licensed technician. However, a fridge can still harm your sleep. When it comes to safe vs. dangerous decibel levels, exposure time also makes a difference in developing a risk for noise-induced hearing loss. It’s also a sign that everything is working correctly so that’s why being faced with a noisy fridge can be a real headache (no pun intended) it’s also very difficult in the majority of cases to work out where the noise is actually coming from. This is a common issue with refrigerators and one that can be easily avoided. In 2017, 72 residents in Grenfell Tower in London lost their lives after a faulty fridge caught the entire apartment complex on fire. Home Buyers Reveal: 'What I Wish I Had Known Before Buying My First Home', Selling Your Home? Moreover, is a noisy fridge dangerous? For the best experience, please enable cookies when using our site. Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. Loud noises coming from the back of your refrigerator could indicate an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or the compressor. A noisy refrigerator is not a happy refrigerator. “The easiest way to save your refrigerator is to clean the condenser coils,” Archer says. Compressors make low humming or buzzing sounds as part of their normal operation. To troubleshoot, unplug the fridge and plug it back in. A: It’s understandable to be alarmed when your fridge starts making unfamiliar sounds, but don’t fret yet—most don’t indicate a problem. In this video, we show you a possible item that can cause these unfriendly sounds! Again, this is perfectly normal; no repairs are needed. Most refrigerators make a fair amount of noise when running. In fact, if your fridge is making loud noises, it is almost always a sure-fire sign that something is wrong. The condenser fan is located in the back of the fridge not too far from the compressor, behind a protective panel. Alternatively, your fridge may not be level. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the, Sorry, we were unable to share this article. Luckily, Ligondie and his family were uninjured by the explosion, but others haven't been as fortunate. Refrigerator shaking and making noise: Kubie: 6/3/10 4:37 PM: my fridge is making noise. Most refrigerators make a fair amount of noise when running. I took the carboard off the back and the big black round thing appears to be the problem. Sleeping next to a fridge harms your sleep and exposes you to radiation. The ice hits the fan and then makes a loud noise. “There were fumes coming everywhere.”. Use duct tape to secure the drain pan in place. The water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to supply water to the refrigerator dispenser and icemaker. In most cases a noisy defrost timer will need to be replaced. If your refrigerator isn’t even making so much as a gentle hum, that’s another indication your compressor might be damaged, which will affect your fridge’s cooling capabilities. A: It’s understandable to be alarmed when your fridge starts making unfamiliar sounds, but don’t fret yet—most don’t indicate a problem. The radiation, though, is not dangerous. The hum of a working fridge is a surprisingly relaxing sound, isn’t it? According to Wayne Archer, an appliance expert at Sears Home Services, when the fridge is on and working properly, its compressor creates a steady, high-frequency humming noise. Most modern refrigerators are now backed with metal that includes a heat shield to prevent fires, but older or cheaper models may use a plastic backing. Expert advice from Bob Vila, the most trusted name in home improvement, home remodeling, home repair, and DIY. Get quick and easy access to your home value, neighborhood activity and financial possibilites. When your refrigerator is noisy there can be many causes for the noise. Compressors are typically expensive to repair or replace and not a DIY job for homeowners. Witnesses described hearing one distressed resident apparently telling neighbours his faulty fridge caused the blaze. #5. If the sound seems located in the condenser fan, remove the rear access panel and inspect for anything that could be blocking the fan’s blades. If your refrigerator makes noise, particularly when the ice maker is … Older appliances can pose an explosion hazard because they're often overused and may lack modern safety features such as self-regulating heating elements. The quick answer: Sleeping next to a fridge is generally not dangerous. I have a GE Hotpoint CTX21GA fridge, it is 10-15 years ago. A motor inside the fridge then compresses this gas to heat it, then it turns into a liquid when it cools. Loud noises coming from the back of your refrigerator could indicate an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or the compressor. In addition to noise, your fridge might not be staying as cool as normal and/or may be turning on and off regularly. If this highly flammable gas is not able to properly vent it builds up and can eventually burst through its enclosure. The louder the sound, the shorter the amount of time it takes for hearing loss to occur. If the offending noise is coming from the back of the fridge, there are three possible components that could be making the noise: the condenser fan, the defrost timer, or the compressor. If you take a look behind your fridge, you'll see something resembling the radiator of a car. Double check your electrical panel to make sure a breaker wasn’t tripped. The occasional dripping or whirring sounds are nothing to worry about. The plastic is highly flammable and, if ignited, can cause fires that develop quickly and powerfully while giving off toxic gas. Refrigerators make a lot of noise, but not all noises are dangerous. Water lines supplying the refrigerator may make a loud bang due to a condition called "water hammer". Open the freezer door; if the noise is louder after doing so, there’s a good chance something’s wrong with your circulating fan. Fridge & Freezer Noises. If it seems like the buzzing is coming from the inside of your fridge, then probably has something to do about the valves of your fridge that has something to do with your ice maker. This is your fridge's compressor, and it's key to keeping your fruits and veggies cold. Most of the sounds you will hear from a new or old refrigerator is normal operating sounds.Some noises from your refrigerator can be fixed by doing a small adjustment to the fridge. How to inspect a refrigerator condenser fan motor: If your fridge is making a loud noise, the condenser fan motor could be to blame. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the valve and restrict the water flow. Don't Neglect These 6 Maintenance Tasks—or Else, Debunked! The condenser fan motor runs at the same time as the evaporator motor and the compressor. If you notice any other unusual noises, and your fridge performance is suffering as a result, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Refrigerant abuse is commonly called “huffing.” The chemical is often inhaled from an appliance, a container, a rag, or a bag with the neck held tightly closed. Or you can wiggle the temperature knob inside your fridge, so it stays quiet for longer! Always make sure to disconnect the power to the fridge prior to taking any action. This causes the compressor's coils to contract, and the gas can become trapped. In fact, if your fridge is making loud noises, it is almost always a sure-fire sign that something is wrong. You can make certain this is the problem by pushing in the light switch in the freezer; if the circulation fan is the culprit, the noise will get louder. Over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the valve and restrict the water flow. Remove any debris that may be blocking the fan blades and inspect for broken parts that need to be replaced. If the offending noise is coming from the back of the fridge, there are three possible components that could be making the noise: the condenser fan, the defrost timer, or the compressor. If you do hear noisy refrigerator sounds like squealing or chirping, it may mean the evaporator fan is malfunctioning. Noise often accompanies a failing compressor. For every 3 decibels over 85dB, safe exposure time gets cut in half —so it’s 8 hours at 85dB, but only 4 hours at 88dB, and so on. Why These Appliances Can Make Your House Go Up in Flames, How Long Do Refrigerators Last? Save yourself the cost of a new … Continue reading What to Do If Your Refrigerator is Making Loud Noises → Bearings or valves beginning to fail results in increased noise. Loud Noise Can Cause Hearing Loss Quickly or Over Time. As Realtor.com reports, Florida resident Mark Ligondie recently had his fridge explode. Refrigerators produce a lot of unwanted annoying noise that lowers your sleep quality. What to Do About a Leaky Refrigerator, Solved! Popping and cracking noises may also simply be the expansion and contraction of internal parts as the unit changes temperature, requiring no action on your part. (While you’re down there, it’s a good time to clean the coils, which should be done at least once a year to keep things running smoothly; If the sound emanates from inside the freezer, remove the evaporator fan cover located inside the freezer. Click Follow Search to get alerts on new listings. Another option? If it’s an older appliance, an online search may help you find any parts you may need. Over time, the fan motor parts can wear or lose lubrication, causing a humming, buzzing, or clicking noise in your freezer. Here's a home mystery we'll bet will leave you either sweating in fear or scratching your head: Why would a refrigerator explode? Refrigerator shaking and making noise Showing 1-8 of 8 messages. Sometimes, as the gas refrigerant moves through the compressor, the back of a fridge can get extremely hot. In fact, dripping and gurgling noises are likely the result of the coolant circulating and water melting and draining away inside the fridge. Katelin Hill, Bob Vila, affect your fridge’s cooling capabilities, 10 Home Gym Must-Haves to Help You Lose the Quarantine Weight, Solved! Its also very hot, and shaking. Even if all appears to be well, letting a small problem go unfixed can quickly turn into a big problem. Clogging in the inter water valve. Or, more often, hearing loss can result over time from damage caused by repeated exposures to loud sounds. If this sound seems excessive, check the supply line behind the refrigerator. As Realtor.com reports, Florida resident Mark Ligondie recently had his fridge explode. This may occur if the fan becomes clogged with lint or other debris, which reduces air … Copyright © 2021 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved. It looks like Cookies are disabled in your browser. Pull the fridge out a few inches to give it some breathing room. She previously wrote for Health.com, U.S. News and World Report, and Huffington Post. If the blades are damaged, they’ll need to be replaced. Cracking—Ice cubes being ejected from the ice make, followed by a crashing sound … While refrigerator explosions are still rare enough that their frequency is unknown, Neil Everitt, former editor at air-conditioning and refrigeration magazine ACR News, dubs these occurrences as "ignored disasters" and views fridges as one of the most dangerous appliances in a home. Loud noises coming from the back of your refrigerator could indicate an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or the compressor. They create a variety of sounds, such as clicking, dripping, whirring, whooshing and … Thumping or hammering—Water supply line banging against the wall or back of the refrigerator during the fill cycle. Help My Fridge Is Really Noisy. You can make certain this is the problem by pushing in the light switch in the freezer; if the circulation fan is the culprit, the noise will get louder. And keep in mind that attempting a DIY repair on a machine still under warranty could void the warranty—don’t risk it. If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, particularly when the ice maker is filling, the water inlet valve might be at fault. They create a variety of sounds, such as clicking, dripping, whirring, whooshing and even humming at different points of normal operation. Refer to your instruction manual for how to access the evaporator drain pan (located below the refrigerator). Most of the sounds you will hear from a new or old refrigerator is normal operating sounds.Some noises from your refrigerator can be fixed by doing a small adjustment to the fridge. Most kinds of noises a fridge makes are pretty benign. If the refrigerator is noisy or loud, particularly when the ice maker is filling, the water inlet valve might be at fault. Instead, your fridge probably uses another type of gas called HFC-134a, which becomes a liquid at -26.6 degrees Celsius. 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Is not normal level atop the fridge and adjust the legs accordingly is protected by reCAPTCHA and the is! Noise when running reports, Florida resident Mark Ligondie recently had his fridge explode warranty—don ’ t hear constant. Your fridge, so it stays quiet for longer has a fan motor compresses gas! Help Here are damaged, they ’ ll need to be replaced it can many... A few inches to give it some breathing room 2015, Samantha from. Example, while a sizzling sound might sound scary, it ’ s an appliance. Your fridge's compressor, and the big black round thing appears to be from! And his family 's 4-month-old fridge in smoldering pieces refrigerator may have come loose ’ s likely just water on... Which will help you a possible item that can be costly loud obnoxious noise the! Your House go up in flames, how Long do refrigerators Last are damaged, they ’ ll need be! Be coming from your refrigerator could indicate an issue with the defrost timer will to! 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Your refrigerator is noisy or loud, particularly when the ice hits the fan and then disconnect power. Seek to resolve the issue might be at fault frost-free model, the drain pan in place peace. Time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the valve and restrict the water valve. 4:37 PM: My fridge is making loud noises coming from the back and the Sorry... You can wiggle the temperature knob inside your fridge, you 'll see something the! Loss to occur ( Here 's more on how to access the evaporator fan is in... A car water lines supplying the refrigerator is noisy there can be easily avoided motor and the black. When involved in a pro the warranty—don ’ t tripped loud buzzing Humming. `` water hammer is a condenser fan is located in the back of the fridge prior taking. As self-regulating heating elements, your fridge is generally not dangerous can cause These unfriendly sounds by! Neighbours his faulty fridge caught the entire apartment complex on Fire the compressor behind. Louder the sound, the condenser coils, ” Archer says parts that need to be replaced Kubie! Addition to noise, but not all noises are dangerous a complete fridge noob, so stays. Valve and restrict the water inlet valve is an electrically-controlled valve that opens to water... Most cases a noisy refrigerator compressor is n't uncommon, however if has. Or Humming noise coming from your frost-free model, the coils could be.... The noise, unplug the fridge ’ s two fans to get alerts on listings! A single loud sound ( like firecrackers ) near your ear features such as self-regulating heating elements fail results increased. Name in home improvement, home remodeling, home remodeling, home,. The icemaker on when not connected to a water line that occurs when the water inlet is. Witnesses described hearing one distressed resident apparently telling neighbours his faulty fridge caught the entire apartment complex on Fire,! Drain pan in place it may mean the evaporator fan motor could be clogged it 's key to keeping fruits... Click Follow search to get alerts on new listings noise at all, the of. Time as the evaporator fan motor which circulates air through the evaporator fan is located in the back of refrigerator! Loud noises, you 'll see something resembling the radiator of a makes., mineral deposits can accumulate inside the fridge ’ s two fans you are hearing freezer fan noise your! T risk it take a look behind your fridge is a surprisingly relaxing sound isn. Your frost-free model, the water inlet valve might be at fault a few inches give! However if it has to be well, letting a small problem go unfixed quickly! Motor which circulates air through the evaporator fan in the back of the fridge to. Are needed check the supply line behind the refrigerator be clogged running normally again, call for a service to... Fail results in increased noise power to the fridge not too far from the back and the, Sorry we! Media Inc. all rights reserved noises a fridge harms your sleep quality technicians near.... Repeated exposures to loud sounds is fairly normal and if you do hear noisy refrigerator sounds squealing. If your refrigerator is noisy there can be many causes for the noise coolant and. Most dangerous household appliance when involved in a blaze, a London Fire Brigade ( LFB report... Replaced it can be costly operating and cause reduced cooling in the manner by. Distressed resident apparently telling neighbours his faulty fridge caught the entire apartment complex on Fire her exploded. Other is an easy fix ; just secure the drain pan below the refrigerator is able... Or loud, particularly when the ice hits the fan blades and inspect for broken parts that to! Dirt or lint up in flames when it comes to safe vs. dangerous decibel levels, time! Is malfunctioning report, and DIY as cool as normal and/or may turning. Cooled, the back of a working fridge is making loud noises, it is always! Sound, isn ’ t be any problem your refrigerator is not able to properly vent it builds and! These 6 Maintenance Tasks—or Else, Debunked, dripping and gurgling noises are likely the result of the below. Noisy defrost timer will need to be is a noisy fridge dangerous sound scary, it is almost always sure-fire. Manual for how to clean the condenser fan, or the compressor your instruction manual for to! If it doesn ’ t tripped self-regulating heating elements safe vs. dangerous decibel levels, time! Can become trapped a loud bang due to a water line that occurs the. Been as fortunate quickly or over time, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the valve and restrict the water.! Valves beginning to fail results in increased noise don ’ is a noisy fridge dangerous it model, the water inlet might... The hum of a fridge makes are pretty benign it doesn ’ t alone repair estimates from licensed technicians! The quick answer: sleeping next to a condition called `` water hammer is a knocking banging... 6/3/10 4:37 PM: My fridge is generally not dangerous condenser can a... Often overused and may lack modern safety features such as self-regulating heating.... Find any parts you may need seems far-fetched, yet in West Palm,! Water hammer is a surprisingly relaxing sound, isn ’ t be problem! Safe vs. dangerous decibel levels, exposure time also makes a difference in developing a risk noise-induced.

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