Why Is My Arvin Refrigerator Noisy?

Common Causes of Loud Fridge Sounds—and What to Do About Them

Loud Fridge Keeping You Up at Night?

All refrigerators make some noise. But when your fridge starts buzzing, rattling, clicking, or humming louder than usual, it could be a sign something’s wrong. At Arvin Appliance Repair, we help local homeowners figure out what’s causing those strange sounds—and get their appliances running quietly again.

arvin-appliance-repair-image_02

Buzzing or Humming Sounds

Some light humming is normal—especially when the compressor kicks on. But if it gets louder or constant, the culprit could be:

  • A dirty or failing condenser fan motor
  • A malfunctioning compressor
  • Loose components vibrating against the back panel

Fix: Vacuum the coils and fan area. If the sound persists, a technician may need to test the motor or compressor.

Clicking or Popping Noises

Occasional clicking is normal during temperature changes or defrost cycles. But rapid or repeated clicking may indicate:

  • A failing start relay (common before compressor failure)
  • A faulty thermostat cycling too often
  • Electrical arcing or control board issues

When to worry: If the fridge stops cooling shortly after clicking, call a professional.

Rattling or Vibrating Sounds

Rattling can come from inside or behind the unit. Common causes include:

  • Loose drip trays or shelves
  • Refrigerator touching cabinets or flooring
  • Water lines or cords vibrating against walls

Quick fix: Level the fridge and secure any loose items or tubing.

Gurgling or Dripping Sounds

These noises usually happen during the defrost cycle or when refrigerant is moving through the cooling lines. While usually harmless, they can become louder if the drain tube is clogged.

Tip: Clear the defrost drain with hot water if water pools inside the fridge or freezer.

Squealing or Screeching

If your fridge sounds like it’s screaming, the evaporator fan motor could be failing. This fan circulates cold air, and when it wears out, it may squeal, grind, or make intermittent high-pitched noises.

Fix: A technician can inspect and replace the fan motor if needed.

When Is Refrigerator Noise a Problem?

Noises are a warning sign when:

  • The fridge isn’t cooling properly
  • Sounds are continuous, loud, or worsening
  • There’s clicking + compressor failure
  • There are water leaks or electrical odors

If your refrigerator is making sounds and showing performance issues, it’s time to call in a pro before the problem gets worse.

Call Arvin Appliance Repair for Fast Fridge Diagnostics

We work with skilled local technicians who understand all the common (and uncommon) reasons refrigerators make noise. Whether it’s a loose fan blade or a compressor on the edge, we’ll help restore quiet—and proper cooling—fast.