My Fridge Has a Loud Noise from the Freezer

Frost Buildup

• Your freezer should be cold enough to make ice, but not produce snow-like accumulations. Yet a buildup of frost can obstruct the smooth and continuous flow of cold air that is generated by the fan. The noise that results is usually a rattle, since the fan may be attempting to overcompensate for the lack of free air flow. Avoid holding your freezer door open for prolonged periods of time, because moisture and steam in your kitchen can rush in and literally freeze up and settle like fallen snow. Also, take a wet paper towel and wipe around the seal of the freezer door to remove food particles that are letting warm air slowly seep in. Check for cracks and damage as well.

Automatic Defrosting

• Many manufacturers design their refrigerators so that they automatically and periodically defrost the freezer. This is helpful if you are unable to stay ahead of frost buildup no matter what you do. However, this defrosting feature also creates a clicking noise in the freezer. Most defrosting timers are hidden and built-in. They turn off the compressor for 20 to 30 minutes, and turn on the heating coils in the freezer. The coils power down and the compressor comes back on to cool the compartment. This clicking noise is a positive indicator that your freezer is defrosting properly.

Ice Maker

• You might turn off the ice maker to conserve electricity and reduce expenses. However, disconnecting the fridge's water supply won't completely disable the ice-making mechanism in the freezer. The ice maker uses a water valve to bring water into the fridge through the water supply line. Even without this flow of water, the valve may still make a clicking or buzzing sound as it attempts to fill the ice maker. To turn off the ice maker that is on the freezer side of the fridge, you may have to raise the wire shutoff arm. Consult your user's manual for instructions.

Doors

• Some refrigerators have removable, adjustable doors. After your fridge is installed in your home, the technician tests the doors to make sure that they have been put on properly, and resolves any issues with loud noises. You can change this type of door as needed, such as when you want the doors to open differently based on the layout of your kitchen. If you don't tighten the hinge bolts on the doors when you reverse them, you may experience a rattling sound when opening and closing the freezer door. Consult your user's manual on how to properly put the door back on.