Why is my freezer making a loud humming noise? Well, here is what to try

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Why is my freezer making a loud humming noise? Well, here is a comprehensive troubleshooting guide with tricks you can try

As we proceed with our series of diagnosing refrigerator noises, today we shall be focusing on how to fix a refrigerator that is producing a loud humming noise.

Besides, we shall also see how you can fix your freezer thereby eliminating the noise.

Table of Contents

Why is my freezer making a loud humming noise?

A humming noise is typically normal so it should not concern you.

However, when it gets loud, it should be a cause for concern.

Question: How loud should a humming noise be to signal that something is up with your refrigerator?

Well, according to GE, if the humming noise becomes louder than conversational level, something is definitely up with your refrigerator.

Freezer/refrigerator humming loudly from the back – inspect the freezer fan motor

Just like other moving parts, your refrigerator’s freezer fan motor will wear out with age.

And when this occurs, it tends to result in the fridge producing that loud humming noise.

Now, some of the signs that you might experience when the freezer fan motor is the culprit include:

Your refrigerator hums loudly but stops when you open the door. This is because the circuit to the fan is cut when the door is opened to save on energy.
The refrigerator hums for around one to two hours and stops only to start again after some time. That is because this motor only runs when the fridge is running. In other words, it will not run during the defrost cycle.
The humming noise seems to originate from the back of your freezer compartment.

So if you note the humming is accompanied by the above, chances are you are looking at a faulty freezer fan motor.

But, it wouldn’t hurt just to be sure.

Right?

With that, you will need to first access your fan motor.

It is located behind the panels at the back of your freezer.

Quick Tip: Be sure to first disconnect your unit from the power outlet.

Once you access it, remove the fan cover and disconnect the fan motor.

Follow this by plugging the unit back in.

Does the humming stop?

If yes, bravo! You just found your culprit.

Freezer/refrigerator humming loudly from the bottom? Inspect the compressor

Typically, compressors produce low humming/buzzing sounds as they run.

Nonetheless, when this noise becomes loud enough to an extent that you can hear it from the other room, you will need to take a closer inspection of the compressor.

However, in a couple of cases, the loud humming noise in your compressor might be normal under a few circumstances.

So before we crucify the compressor, let us see when the loud humming is normal.

But before that, note that there are two main types of refrigerator compressors:

Inverter compressors.
Standard/conventional compressors.

Quick Tip: You can confirm what kind of compressor your model uses by checking the owner’s manual of your unit.

If your model uses an inverter compressor, it will change speed according to the needs of the refrigerator.

Now, in some scenarios such as when you have put warm/hot food inside your refrigerator or you had left the door open for long, these compressors will run at higher than usual speeds.

This will result in your compressor producing a loud humming sound and this is normal.

With that being said, this humming should not last for more than one hour.

Moving on…

You can also open the back lower panel of your refrigerator and feel the compressor.

If it feels hot to the touch, it is overheating and will need to be serviced.

But before that, disconnect the unit and let is sit for a couple of hours.

After that, you can run it again to see if the compressor stops overheating.

Now, unlike other refrigerator parts that can be fixed as a DIY project, the compressor is different.

But remember the EPA dictates that only licensed technicians are allowed to service or replace refrigerator compressors.

That is because the refrigerant inside the refrigerator is highly toxic both to you and the environment.

Why is my freezer making a loud humming noise – more fixes

Below are other less common fixes that are worth trying…

Does your model have an ice maker?

This is typically the issue if it is a new refrigerator.

You see, models that have an ice maker will produce loud humming noises if they are not connected to a water line.

Now, one way to eliminate the loud humming noise is by connecting your unit to a water line.

And while at it, be sure to confirm that the water line is turned on.

Alternatively, you can turn the ice maker off using the Ice Off icon/button in your refrigerator.

Readers question:

I have connected my refrigerator to a water line but it still hums loudly several times during the day. What could be wrong?

Now, when the ice maker is filling with water, you will hear a loud humming/buzzing noise. That is pretty normal.

Nonetheless, you will want to test the water pressure in your water line.

That is because if the pressure is too high, it might result in a louder humming.

Usually, manufacturers recommend a water pressure between 40 and 125 psi- This pressure is enough to fill the ice maker and the water tank even when there is a water filter.

Typically, a psi of 20 is enough if you are not using the water dispenser and your model does not have a water filter.

That said, be sure to confirm that your water pressure is between 40 and 125 psi.

The evaporator fan motor grommet is worn out

The grommet provides a cushion between the motor-mounting bracket and the fan motor.

And with age, this part will get worn out and lead to the loud humming noise you are experiencing.

Consequently, you will need to get a replacement fan motor grommet.

Quick Tip: When replacing the grommet, it is advisable to also replace the fan motor as it might ‘eat’ into the new grommet.

Typically, grommets come cheap as they cost around ten bucks.

To point you in the right direction, we have compiled a list of evaporator fan motor grommets for various brands.

Refrigerator brand	Evaporator fan motor grommet replacement
GE	Get it on Amazon
LG	Get it on Amazon
Hotpoint	Get it on Amazon
Kenmore	Get it on Amazon

Why is my freezer making a loud humming noise – frequently asked questions (FAQs)

Why is my new fridge making a loud humming noise?

To begin with, it is likely that it wasn’t kept upright during delivery- The oil from the compressor might have flown to the tubing and this is what is causing the loud humming.

As such, let the refrigerator sit for a few hours before you turn it on.

Additionally, if your model has an ice maker, it could be that you have not connected it to a water line.

As such, be sure to connect it to a water outlet.

Alternatively, you can turn off the ice maker function using the Ice Off icon/button.

It is also possible that your model is just noisier compared to others. This is especially so with some GE refrigerators.

Why is my Samsung fridge making a loud humming noise? / why is my Samsung refrigerator making a humming noise?

This will be caused by several factors.

They are:

For ice maker models, the refrigerator is not connected to a water line.
The water pressure in the water line is above 125 psi.
Evaporator fan motor is faulty.
The compressor is overworking/it is faulty.
Evaporator fan motor grommet is worn-out.

Consequently, the steps above should guide you on how to go about eliminating the humming noise.

Why is my freezer making a loud humming noise – final words

When purchasing replacement parts, be sure to confirm that the part you are about to get is compatible with your model.

As regards the installation of the new part, you can always get good instructional videos on YouTube.

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