The kitchen is probably the busiest room in the house. From family gatherings in the morning to cooking the evening meal, there’s never a dull moment in the kitchen. With that in mind, it’s often difficult to hear everything going on around you while in the midst of cooking or getting the kids ready for school. Yet, when you sneak downstairs for that late-night snack, you might notice a buzzing sound coming from your refrigerator. What could it be, and why is your snack time now interrupted by a troubling noise coming from the fridge?
Well, there are several reasons your refrigerator is making a buzzing noise. Here we will discuss some of the possible causes and why your midnight snacks might be in jeopardy unless your refrigerator is repaired:
Trouble With the Ice Maker
Ice makers usually make noise during regular operation. Filling the unit with water and dispensing the ice into the holding tray are typical sounds heard during the normal functioning of the unit. Yet, if you hear noises when the ice maker is not in operation or the sounds coming from it are louder than usual, you may need to have your refrigerator looked at by a professional. Loose water line connections or a malfunctioning dispenser could be the cause and will need to be serviced by a technician in order for the issue to be resolved.
An Issue With the Condenser
Just like an air conditioner, refrigerators have condenser coils that help control the internal temperature of the unit. The coils cool the air inside, enabling you to store food and beverages at the ideal temperature. The condenser coils must remain clean in order to perform properly. During maintenance, a technician will clean the refrigerator coils, ensuring optimal performance. If, however, you have not had basic service done on the unit, dirt and dust inhibit their effectiveness and further impact the fan that pushes air over the coils. This would lead to an increase in noise — buzzing in particular — as the refrigerator needs to run longer and harder to maintain a cool internal temperature.
A Faulty Compressor
Another key area to examine when hearing a loud buzzing noise is the refrigerator’s compressor. The compressor is most often located at the back of the unit. Under normal operating conditions, a compressor will make a low-level hum while working. Still, if this sound becomes louder, it could be an indication of something wrong with the unit. Compressors are complicated mechanisms, and repairs should only be made by a licensed technician.
Protect Your Midnight Snack With a Service Call From Appliance Doctors!
If you’ve noticed an unusual noise coming from your refrigerator during a snack run, contact the professionals at Appliance Doctors. We provide comprehensive maintenance and repair services for all major and minor appliance brands. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!