Understanding Common Fridge Sounds & When to Call a Pro
Your refrigerator is one of the hardest-working appliances in your home—running 24/7 to keep your food fresh. So when it starts making a strange humming, buzzing, rattling, or knocking noise, it can be a little alarming. The good news? Not every noise is a sign of a major issue. But some definitely are.
At Dynamic Appliance Repair, we help homeowners across Cave Creek, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, Mesa, Gilbert, and nearby communities get to the bottom of noisy refrigerators every day. Here’s what those sounds might mean—and when it’s time to call in a professional.
1. Humming or Buzzing
What it could be:
- Normal operation of the compressor or ice maker
- Ice maker filling with water
- Fan motor running
When to worry:
- The humming is noticeably louder than usual
- The buzzing continues even when the fridge isn’t cooling
- The ice maker isn’t connected to water but you hear buzzing
🔧 Tip: If the fridge is still cooling properly and the sound is mild, it may be normal. But if the humming becomes disruptive, it’s best to get it checked.
2. Clicking or Tapping
What it could be:
- Start relay trying to kickstart a failing compressor
- Temperature control switching on and off
- Defrost timer cycling
When to worry:
- Repeated, rapid clicking—especially if the fridge stops cooling
- Clicking accompanied by warm temperatures inside the fridge
🚫 Don’t ignore clicking—it’s often the first sign of a compressor or relay failure that could get worse (and more expensive) fast.
3. Gurgling or Dripping
What it could be:
- Refrigerant flowing through coils (normal)
- Defrost cycle draining water to the pan
When to worry:
- You see water pooling under the fridge
- It sounds like water is constantly running
💧 If there’s leaking or standing water, it could be a clogged defrost drain or cracked drain pan.
4. Rattling or Vibrating
What it could be:
- Loose drip pan or back panel
- Fridge not level
- Something on top of or behind the fridge vibrating
When to worry:
- Rattling increases when the compressor kicks on
- You’ve already secured anything external, and it still rattles
🛠️ A quick adjustment may fix it, but if the sound comes from inside the appliance housing, it’s best left to a pro.
5. Loud Fan or Whirring Noises
What it could be:
- Evaporator or condenser fan obstruction
- Worn-out fan motor
- Ice buildup around the fan
When to worry:
- The sound is loud and constant
- Your fridge or freezer isn’t cooling properly
🧊 Ice buildup or a bad fan motor can affect airflow and lead to bigger problems if not addressed.
When to Call Dynamic Appliance Repair
If your refrigerator is making new or loud noises, it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Many minor issues can become expensive repairs if ignored.
At Dynamic Appliance Repair, we provide:
- Same-day service
- Expert diagnosis and repair on all major brands
- Clear, upfront pricing
- Trusted, five-star appliance service
We work on all major refrigerator brands, including Sub Zero, Whirlpool, LG, Samsung, Frigidaire, KitchenAid, Electrolux and GE.
Hear Something Strange? Call the Pros Today!
A noisy fridge isn’t always a cause for panic—but it’s definitely a reason to call in an expert if the sound is new, persistent, or interfering with your fridge’s performance.
Contact Dynamic Appliance Repair today for fast, local service you can trust.
📍 Serving Cave Creek, Scottsdale, Fountain Hills, Rio Verde, Mesa, Gilbert, and more!
📱 Call now: 480-590-7322
🌐 Book online: https://dynamicappliancerepairaz.com/schedule-service/