Why Is My Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed? (9 Fixes!)

Does your refrigerator make noise when the door closes, and you don’t know why? First, not every noise indicates a problem or anomaly with the refrigerator. However, if you know the cause, you can fix the abnormal noise.

A malfunctioning or ice-obstructed evaporator fan motor, ice buildup, a malfunctioning condenser fan, an unstable unit, a dirty condenser, a broken door hinge or door seal, temperature fluctuations, or inadequate airflow are the main causes of strange noises heard from most refrigerators.

However, take note that refrigerators can produce a variety of strange noises, including squealing, banging, resetting, and grinding noises. I will assist you in connecting the sounds of the refrigerator to the previously mentioned cause to silence it.

Talk about the normal sounds that shouldn’t worry you and the abnormal sounds whose causes are indicated in the table below and the above list.

Now, let’s get going!

In a hurry? Then look at this brief guide, which can be used for any model to quiet an unusually noisy refrigerator.

Quick Troubleshooter for A Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed

	Probable Reason	Noise Type	Fix
1.	Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor	Loud humming, squealing, rattling, or knocking sound	Replace the faulty evaporator fan motor
2.	Obstructed Evaporator  Fan	Rattling sound	Defrost the ice around the fan and avoid overloading the fridge
3.	Ice Build Up	Grinding noise	Defrost the ice mass in your freezer
4.	Defective Condenser Fan	Grinding, knocking, or squealing sound	Replace the faulty condenser fan
5.	Unstable Unit (Fridge Imbalance)	Rattling or loud vibration	Stabilize the fridge and the inside trays
6.	Dirty Condenser	Grinding or rattling noise	Clean the condenser and entire fridge to get rid of the dust
7.	Faulty Door Hinge or Door Seal	Squealing sound	Replace the squeaky door hinge
8.	Temperature Fluctuation	Snapping, popping, or cracking sound	Adjust the fridge temperature to normalize the conditions
9.	Poor Airflow (Lack Of Sufficient Clearance)	Knocking or rattling sound	Create more room around the fridge and interiorly

A fridge making noise when the door is closed can be attributed to several common reasons:

1. Compressor: The compressor is responsible for circulating refrigerant throughout the refrigerator’s system. When it turns on and off, it can create a humming or buzzing noise. This noise is normal and indicates that the compressor is working.
2. Evaporator Fan: Located inside the freezer compartment, the evaporator fan circulates cold air throughout the refrigerator. If the fan is obstructed or its motor is malfunctioning, it can make a rattling or squealing noise. The noise might stop when the door is open because some models have a switch that turns off the fan when the door is opened.
3. Condenser Fan: The condenser fan cools the condenser coils and compressor. If this fan is dirty, damaged, or its motor is failing, it can produce a noise. This fan is usually located at the back of the fridge near the bottom.
4. Defrost Timer: The defrost timer can make clicking or ticking sounds as it cycles on and off. This is a normal operational sound.
5. Water Inlet Valve: If your refrigerator has a water dispenser or ice maker, the water inlet valve might make a humming or buzzing noise when it opens to fill the ice maker.
6. Ice Maker: The ice maker itself can produce various noises during its cycle, such as buzzing, clicking, or even a thumping sound when ice is dropped into the ice bin.
7. Thermostat Control: The thermostat control can sometimes make clicking sounds as it cycles the cooling system on and off.
8. Vibrations: Loose parts or panels can vibrate when the fridge is running, creating noise. Ensuring that all screws and bolts are tightened can help reduce this.

To diagnose and fix the issue:

• Check for Obstructions: Ensure that no food items or other objects are blocking the evaporator or condenser fans.
• Clean the Coils: Dirty condenser coils can make the compressor work harder, producing more noise. Cleaning these coils can help reduce noise.
• Level the Fridge: Make sure the fridge is on a level surface. Uneven leveling can cause vibrations and noise.
• Inspect the Fans: Look at both the evaporator and condenser fans for any obstructions, wear, or damage.
• Professional Help: If you cannot identify or fix the noise, it might be best to call a professional technician to inspect your refrigerator.

‘Normal’ Vs. Abnormal Fridge Noise When the Door Is Closed

So, how can you distinguish between normal and abnormal sounds from the fridge? Next, let’s respond to that:

‘Normal’ Fridge Noise When the Door Is Closed

The following are the most common sounds that occur when the refrigerator door is closed and the appliance is operating:

1. Soft Humming or Low Whirring Noise

A new refrigerator will probably have a low whirring or soft humming sound. That does not, however, imply that the unit has a problem.

It might take some time and frequent use for the noise to stop because the parts are new and unlubricated, but it shouldn’t be concerning.

2. Low Hissing Sound

The refrigerator may leak water and produce a low hissing sound. Additionally, you could hear the normal sound made when the refrigerant gas flows.

3. Water Gurgling Sound

The water will probably gurgle as it goes up the drain pipe. When the ice melts or the refrigerant is operating, the same sound may be heard. Therefore, since it’s brief, you shouldn’t be alarmed by this common sound.

4. Low Snapping, Popping, or Cracking Sound

The low snapping, popping, or cracking sound that a brand-new refrigerator may make is caused by the plastic parts of the appliance contracting and expanding. It occurs when there is a certain amount of normal temperature fluctuation.

5. Low Chirping or Clicking Sound

It’s possible that your refrigerator is just getting started if it makes a low, bird-like chirping or clicking noise.

The same thing might occur when the contact points rub against one another when the door is closed.

6. Low Buzz

When the water dispenser operates or the ice maker fills with water, the refrigerator may make a low buzzing sound. It would be best if you didn’t become alarmed by those procedures because they are typical.

7. Creaking/Cracking

It is common for an audible creaking sound to occur during ice ejection. Therefore, unless it’s extremely loud, the sound made by the ice dispenser is normal.

8. Whistling or Blowing Sound

Because of the vibration of the seal, the refrigerator will probably make a whistling or blowing sound when you close the door. That frequently occurs due to a tiny vacuum the vibrating seal creates, but the sound is fleeting. The whistle that sounds when the fan runs is also audible.

9. Bubbling Sound

It’s normal to hear a bubbling sound when the refrigerant gas flows. It might also mean the refrigerator is freezing or cooling, so there’s no need to worry.

Abnormal Fridge Noise When the Door Closed

These are the kinds of refrigerator noises that need to worry you:

1. Rattling Noise (Fridge Making Rattling Noise When Door Is Closed)

Refrigerators vibrate when the evaporator fan is obstructed, usually by ice, or when the defrost system malfunctions. Also, uneven ground or the refrigerator rubbing against something nearby could cause it to happen.

2. Grinding Sound

The fridge could grind to a stop if there’s enough ice buildup to stop the fans. On occasion, though, the noise might come from a malfunctioning condenser fan.

3. Squeaking Sound

Often, a broken fridge door hinge produces a squeaking sound. Samsung strongly suggests using premium food silicone spray to solve the issue temporarily.

4. Knocking Sound

A fridge fan motor that is malfunctioning or overheating will frequently produce a knocking sound. Thus, look for problems with the evaporator and condenser fan motors.

5. Loud Bang (Water Hammering Sound)

When the water pressure in your refrigerator is extremely high, it may make a loud bang or hammering sound. Even though 20 psi is the minimum recommended water pressure, anything over 120 psi may cause a hammering sound.

6. Loud Vibration

When you close the refrigerator door, it might vibrate loudly if it rests on an unstable surface. The same thing might occur if the refrigerator has an unstable tray that might sway when the door is closed.

7. Loud Hum or Pulsating Sound

A loud hum or pulsating sound often indicates a malfunctioning condenser fan. But you could also hear the sound when the water supply to the ice maker is turned off.

8. Scraping or Loud Whirring

The refrigerator may make a loud whirring or scraping sound when the running fan collides with ice buildup surrounding the fans. To resolve the problem, you might have to defrost the refrigerator.

9. Loud Chirping or Squealing

A loud chirping sound is concerning, but a low chirping sound is not. If your refrigerator is making noise or squealing, it might be a malfunctioning motor fan that needs to be replaced.

Why Does My Fridge Make Noise When Door Is Closed?

Keeping in mind the noises mentioned above, refrigerators typically emit noises when the door is closed for the following nine reasons:

1. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

When the evaporator fan motor in the freezer malfunctions, it produces a loud noise that sounds like humming, squealing, rattling, or knocking. Aside from the noise, a warm freezer is the result of its malfunction.

Fix 

Change the motor of the evaporator fan.

2. Obstructed Evaporator Fan

The fan may become blocked by various objects, rubbing against them and producing a grinding sound. Notable causes include accumulating ice, dust, and food (from overloading).

Fix 

Avoid overfilling the refrigerator and thawing the ice block.

3. Ice Build-Up (Fridge Freezer Making Noise When Door Closed)

The refrigerator freezer will produce an odd noise if ice builds up inside. That’s essentially because the fan becomes obstructed by the ice mass, causing the fan to rattle and make a grinding noise.

Fix 

Use a hair dryer to melt the accumulated ice, or unplug the refrigerator and let it defrost naturally.

4. Defective Condenser fan

The refrigerator will make noises to indicate trouble cooling if the condenser fan is broken. It might produce a grinding or rattling noise.

Fix 

Change out the condenser fan.

5. Unstable Fridge

When your refrigerator runs, it will vibrate loudly if situated on uneven terrain. Occasionally, the refrigerator’s shaky components or tray are the noise source.

Fix

Place the items inside the refrigerator correctly and steadily.

6. Dirty Condenser

Over time, dust buildup on the refrigerator’s condenser may cause a grinding noise when the fridge is closed.

Fix 

Ensure you clean the condenser and refrigerator regularly to eliminate the dust buildup. This condenser cleaning brush will help you with it.

7. Faulty Door Hinge or Door Seal

When you close the refrigerator, a broken door hinge will probably make a squeaking sound. Additionally, the fridge may make noises if the door seal is broken, loose, or malfunctioning.

Fix

If the refrigerator door or door seal needs to be replaced, think about doing so.

8. Temperature Fluctuations

The refrigerator will make an odd noise if the temperature is unusually high or low. The noise indicates a malfunctioning compressor, which is often the cause of the refrigerator’s poor performance.

Fix 

Correctly adjust the refrigerator’s temperature.

9. Poor Airflow (Lack of Sufficient Clearance)

The refrigerator will produce noise if food particles or dust block the air vents inside the food. The same holds if there isn’t any space between you and the refrigerator when it rattles or knocks.

Fix 

Don’t overstuff food to obstruct the air vents; leave at least 5 cm of space around the refrigerator.

Samsung Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed

When the door is closed, does your Samsung fridge freezer make a noise? The typical noises produced by a Samsung refrigerator are a low buzzing sound during compressor operation and a gurgling, burbling, or low hissing sound when the refrigerant is flowing.

Some are a low buzzing sound when the compressor runs or a snapping or popping sound when the plastic parts contract and expand.

You should be concerned about the following noises: a loud beep that indicates an extremely high temperature, a squeaky sound that indicates a broken door hinge, and a loud grinding or vibrating noise that means a malfunctioning evaporator fan.

Whirlpool Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed

The typical noises made by Whirlpool refrigerators shouldn’t worry you. When the ice melts, for instance, the refrigerator might make a gurgling or dripping sound; when the refrigerant is flowing, it might make a hissing sound.

However, if the refrigerator makes a loud humming or pulsating noise, the water supply to the ice maker might be off. Additionally, the fridge might be unstable if the noise is vibrational.

Kenmore Fridge Making Noise When Door Is Closed

Maybe because they are made by the same company, Kenmore and Whirlpool refrigerators have nearly identical typical noises. This includes a faint beeping sound when the water dispenser is operating and a trickling sound as the ice melts.

The loud, pulsating sound that indicates your ice maker’s water supply is off is the most worrisome.

Bosch Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed

When the ice falls into the ice maker, Bosch refrigerators produce a rumbling noise, a low humming or bubbling sound, and a droning sound to signal a running motor.

If the refrigerator vibrates excessively, it might be unsteady, or the trays inside might be wobbly.

LG Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed

Clicking, gurgling, popping, dripping, low pulsating, sizzling, and whoosh noises are typical LG fridge noises. This is to be expected when the refrigerator is operating.

Nonetheless, a loud humming sound from the refrigerator freezer indicates a problem with the compressor, and a loud vibrating sound means an unstable unit.

FAQ’s

Closing Remarks on the Fridge Making Noise When Door Closed!

You now understand the differences between refrigerator noises and what to do if your fridge starts making strange noises. So, instead of calling a service technician or Samsung when you hear an odd noise from your fridge, you can try to fix it yourself using this guide.