How to Quiet a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor (10 simple ways)
Refrigerators

How to Quiet a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor (10 simple ways)

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Do you have a noisy refrigerator compressor? If so, you’re not alone. Many people experience this issue with their fridges. In this blog post, we will give you some tips on how to quiet down that noisy compressor. We’ll also answer some of the most common questions about why refrigerators make noise. Keep reading to learn more!

Before we proceed, should your fridge be making noise in the first place? Noise in a refrigerator is not a strange thing. In fact, almost all fridges produce some sound. What differs is the level of noise produced. If you are reading this post, you have probably noticed that your fridge is making more noise than necessary.

Why does your fridge make noise?

There can be a few different reasons why your fridge is noisy. The most common noise sources in the refrigerator are the compressor, the fans, and the water pump.

The compressor is located in the back of the fridge, and it’s responsible for pumping refrigerant through the system. If this component is noisy, it can be quietened in some inexpensive methods. The fans help to circulate air throughout the fridge and keep everything cold. And finally, the water pump circulates water through the ice maker and dispenser. If one of these components is noisy, it could mean something wrong with it, and you may need to replace it.

When should you worry about your fridge being noisy?

You should start to worry about your fridge being noisy when the noise becomes excessive or when it starts to interfere with your daily life. If the noise is so loud that it’s preventing you from hearing the TV or having a conversation, then it’s time to take action. Additionally, suppose the noise is accompanied by other symptoms like leaking water or food that isn’t staying cold. In that case, there could be an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.

Is a noisy refrigerator Compressor the Source of the Noise?

If you’re not sure whether the compressor is the source of the noise, there are a few things you can do to help identify it. One way is to unplug your fridge and listen to the sound of the compressor running. If you can’t hear it when it’s unplugged, that means the compressor is likely noisy. Another thing you can do is feel the back of your fridge for vibrations. If you feel a lot of vibrations coming from the back, that’s another sign that the compressor is noisy.

What is a compressor and what does it do?

fridge compressor

The compressor is one of the most essential components in a refrigerator. It’s responsible for pumping refrigerant through the system and keeping everything cold. If the compressor is noisy, it could mean that it’s old or damaged and needs to be replaced. However, this is not always the case. Read on to know whether you really need to change your compressor

Why is my fridge compressor noisy?

There can be a few different reasons you have a noisy refrigerator compressor. It may be because it’s old or damaged, or there could be something wrong with one of the fans or the water pump. Unfortunately, you have to open the back of the fridge to access it and see if the compressor is faulty.

Many people ask how loud a noisy refrigerator compressor be? The answer to this question is it depends. Some people find a noisy compressor perfectly acceptable, while others find it too loud. It’s really up to you to decide whether the noise is too much. Typically, the ideal measure should be anything below 50 decibel.

10 creative Ways to silence noisy fridge compressor

Luckily, noise from the compressor does not always mean it is faulty. If you’ve identified that the noisy compressor is the source of the noise, and you’ve decided that the noisy compressor is something you can’t live with, there are a few things you can try to quiet it down.

Repositioning the fridge

Some refrigerators have adjustable noise control. Unfortunately, most older models do not have this function. If your fridge does not have an adjustable noise control, the first and easiest way of quieting the fridge compressor is to reposition it. Is it’s in a spot where it’s directly next to a wall or another object? The first thing you can do is try moving it somewhere else. This can help to reduce the noise that it makes.

Leveling out the legs

Although the legs level has nothing to do with the refrigerator compressor, uneven legs are one of the most common causes of a noisy refrigerator compressor. Leveling out the legs is one of the best starting points.

You may be wondering how this affects the noise levels. Well, you place the fridge on uneven and low-density surfaces, it will typically make more noise than usual. The first step here is to identify any legs that are not level with the others and make the necessary adjustments. Fortunately, most fridges have adjustable legs. All you have to do is adjust the length until the refrigerator is leveled out.

How to find out if the fridge is leveled out

This is pretty easy. All you have to do is give it a small push. It it rattles, then you know you need to make adjustments.

Placing it under a mat

If you have tried the above two steps and your fridge compressor is still noisy, the next quick fix you can try is placing it under a mat. For this, you will need a rubber mat that’s at least ½ an inch thick. If you are thinking of going this route, why don’t you try Dynamat thick sound blocker mats?. This will help muffle the noise coming from the fridge and make it less noticeable.

You can try using anti-vibration pads under the legs. Pads such as BXI - Anti Vibration Isolation Pads are pretty affordable and rated heavy-duty making them ideal.

Filling up the fridge with items

Another way of reducing noise levels is to fill the fridge with items. By doing this, you’re not only filling up space but also blocking sound waves from bouncing off the walls and cabinets. An empty fridge tends to make more noise than a full one. The more empty the refrigerator, the more often the compressor turns.

Secondly, the cold food absorbs the cold air keeping the fridge chilled. The more items you have in your fridge, the quieter it will be. Besides, keeping your fridge empty is uneconomical. It means the appliance is working hard to cool a few items, which is costly.

However, keeping it about 3/4 full is probably the best option to ensure smooth airflow. If you were wondering whether the fridge works better when full or empty, now you have your answer.

Tighten the compressor motor

Another effective and inexpensive way to reduce disturbance from a noisy refrigerator compressor is to tighten the motor at the back. You can do this by opening the back of your fridge and finding the two screws that hold it in place. Once you’ve found them, turn them counterclockwise to lower the sound.

While at it, you can try placing some rubber on the compressor’s motor. Rubber is the most commonly used insulator. It may help dampen the insulator’s noise.

Sound proofing your fridge

If none of these methods are working for you, then another stagey may be to soundproof your refrigerator.

There are a few ways to do this, but one of the most effective techniques is using acoustic foam panels. These panels can be found at most home improvement stores and are relatively easy to install. To install these soundproofing solutions, all you need to do is cut the panels to size and then attach them to the fridge using adhesive. You can also use other materials such as egg crates or blankets, but acoustic foam panels are typically more effective.

Place the fridge in an alcove

fridge alcove

If you’re really struggling with noisy fridge compressor, one of the best things you can do is place it in an alcove. Wondering what an alcove is? It is basically a recessed area in the wall. An alcove works by absorbing sound and blocking it from bouncing off the walls. This can be a great solution if you have a noisy kitchen. This will help to muffle the noise and make it less noticeable.

Clean the condenser and fan

Is your fridge is still noisy after trying all of these methods? There may be something wrong with the condenser or fan. In many cases, the condenser and the fan are just clogged with dirt making it harder for the fan to rotate. In this case, you’ll need to clean them off and check for any damage. While this is a pretty simple task, we would not recommend you do it unless you are confident enough. A sight error in the condenser’s delicate structure can be quite damaging and may end up being quite costly. Fortunately, if your fridge is still under warranty, you should probably call your supplier to determine if this problem is covered.

Fortunately, a fridge under warranty is relatively new and may not have problems with a noisy compressor. If you feel confident enough, the first thing you need to do is read the user manual that came with your fridge. To check if the fan is dirty:

Replace the fan motor if it is faulty

Another possible reason for the noisy fridge compressor is a faulty fan motor. If the fan motor is not working correctly, it can cause the fridge to make noise. In this case, you will need to replace the fan motor with a new one. Fortunately, this is a relatively simple task. You should be able to do it yourself if you are confident enough. However, if you are not confident enough or don’t have the time, we recommend calling a technician to do it for you.

Replace the compressor

If your fridge is still noisy after trying all of these methods, then you should probably consider replacing the noisy fridge compressor with a quieter one as your last resort.

A damaged fridge compressor will be noisy and difficult to quite with the discussed methods. Your only solution maybe to replace the damaged compressor.

This is a pretty big job, and you’ll need to call in a professional to do it. You should know that compressors come in different noise measures. Older models tend to be noisier than newer ones. You can consult with your technician if you can get a less noisy compressor compatible with your fridge. In most cases, it’s not worth replacing an old fridge just because the compressor is noisy. If your fridge is more than a few years old, it may be time to upgrade anyway.

Is it worth it replacing a noisy fridge compressor?

Many fridge owners who have difficult quieting their noisy refrigerator compressor ask this question. There is no clear yes of no answer to this question. It depends of different factors.

If your fridge is old, probably more than ten years old, there is no point of replacing a faulty or noisy fridge compressor. In that case, it is easier to buy a newer more efficient model.

If your fridge is new and the compressor has developed problems, then you can consider replacing it. Not unless you are a technician, you should always consult a professional before making this decision.

Buy a newer quieter model

If your fridge is is old, best solution may be to just buy a new one. Newer models have been designed to be much quieter than older models. So, if you’re in the market for a new fridge, make sure to look for one that is specifically designed to be quiet. You can find these at most major appliance stores.

Noisy fridge compressors can be annoying, but there are a few things you can try to reduce the noise. If none of these methods work, then it’s likely that the compressor needs to be replaced. In this case, it’s best to call a professional for help. We hope this article has been helpful.