| Type of Noise | Possible Cause | Location | Severity | Quick Fix | Professional Repair Needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loud Humming/Buzzing | Failing compressor | Rear/bottom of unit | High | Check if unit is level | Yes – compressor may need replacement |
| Clicking | Defrost timer cycling | Behind kickplate or control panel | Low to Medium | Normal if occasional | Yes if continuous clicking |
| Clicking | Start relay failure | Near compressor at rear | High | None | Yes – relay replacement required |
| Rattling | Loose drain pan | Bottom of refrigerator | Low | Secure or reposition drain pan | No – DIY fix |
| Rattling | Items on top vibrating | Top of refrigerator | Low | Remove items from top | No – DIY fix |
| Rattling | Loose internal components | Inside compartment | Low to Medium | Check shelves and drawers | May need professional if internal |
| Squealing/Screeching | Evaporator fan motor bearing failure | Inside freezer compartment | Medium to High | None | Yes – fan motor replacement |
| Squealing/Screeching | Condenser fan motor bearing failure | Rear/bottom near compressor | Medium to High | Clean fan, check for obstructions | Yes – fan motor replacement |
| Grinding | Worn fan motor bearings | Freezer or rear of unit | High | None | Yes – fan motor replacement |
| Gurgling/Bubbling | Refrigerant flowing (normal) | Throughout unit | Low | None – this is normal | No – normal operation |
| Excessive Gurgling | Low refrigerant levels | Throughout unit | Medium | None | Yes – refrigerant leak repair |
| Knocking/Thumping | Worn compressor mounts | Rear/bottom near compressor | Medium to High | Check if unit is level | Yes – mount replacement |
| Knocking | Condenser coils vibrating | Rear of refrigerator | Low to Medium | Tighten or adjust coil positioning | May need professional |
| Hissing | Refrigerant flow (normal) | Throughout unit | Low | None – normal during defrost | No unless excessive |
| Loud Hissing | Refrigerant leak | Anywhere in sealed system | High | Turn off unit immediately | Yes – emergency repair needed |
| Vibrating | Refrigerator not level | Entire unit | Low | Adjust leveling legs | No – DIY fix |
| Vibrating | Touching wall or cabinet | Sides of unit | Low | Move unit away from walls (2-3 inches) | No – DIY fix |
| Whooshing | Evaporator fan hitting ice buildup | Inside freezer | Medium | Manually defrost unit | May need defrost system repair |
| Banging | Thermal expansion of parts | Throughout unit | Low | None – normal as parts heat/cool | No – normal operation |
| Continuous Running Noise | Dirty condenser coils | Rear/bottom of unit | Medium | Clean condenser coils | May need professional cleaning |
| Loud Fan Noise | Debris in fan blade | Rear or inside freezer | Medium | Clean fan area, remove debris | No unless motor damaged |
When to Call Refitec.co.ke Immediately:
- Loud hissing sound (possible refrigerant leak)
- Continuous clicking that doesn’t stop
- Grinding or metal-on-metal sounds
- Sudden increase in noise levels
- Noise accompanied by cooling failure
- Burning smell with unusual sounds
Professional Diagnosis Benefits:
Refitec.co.ke technicians can accurately identify noise sources using diagnostic tools and experience, preventing misdiagnosis that could lead to unnecessary part replacements or missed critical issues.