Is it Dangerous if My Refrigerator Is Humming?

Condenser Coils

• Often a humming sound comes from the condenser coils in the rear of the refrigerator, which can occur when the coils get dirty or dusty, causing noisy airflow. Unplug the refrigerator and move the refrigerator back from the wall then use a soft brush to clean the condenser coils thoroughly. Sometimes there is a cover over the condenser coils that needs to be removed in order to access the coils. Once the condenser coils are clean, move around to the front of the refrigerator and take off the toe grille then finish cleaning the coils from the front of the appliance.

Condenser Fan

• Located above the condenser coils in the back of the refrigerator is a small fan. Like the condenser coils, the condenser fan accumulates dirt and debris, which restricts airflow and causes a humming sound. Use the brush to clean the fan, as well, when you clean the condenser coils.

Fan Motor

• The freezer fan may get noisy over time, causing a loud humming sound, which is different from the condenser fan. Check the freezer fan by opening the freezer door and pressing the fan or light switch. If the humming sound gets louder, the evaporator fan motor likely needs to be replaced. Contact the refrigerator manufacturer or other authorized service professional for assistance.

Leveling

• The refrigerator may operate more loudly if the legs on the refrigerator are not level, causing the refrigerator to vibrate and hum. Locate the adjusting screws on the bottom front of the refrigerator, which are sometimes located behind the toe grille. Use an adjustable wrench to turn the screws clockwise to lift up the refrigerator or counterclockwise to lower the refrigerator. Use a level to determine when the refrigerator is positioned correctly or open the doors halfway. When the doors close easily, the refrigerator is level.