Why Is My Fridge Making That Noise? Common Sounds and What They Mean

IYour fridge is one of the hardest working appliances in your home—it runs 24/7 to keep your food fresh. So when it starts making strange noises, it’s normal to worry. The good news? Not every sound means something’s broken.

At Wisdom Appliance Service, we get a lot of calls from homeowners in Edmonton and surrounding areas asking the same thing: "Why is my fridge making that sound?" Let’s break down the most common fridge noises and what they usually mean—so you’ll know when to chill and when to call in a pro.

1. Buzzing or Humming

🔧 What it might be:
This is typically the compressor running or the fan motor operating—both normal sounds. However, if the buzzing gets louder or more frequent, it could mean the compressor is struggling or the fan is dirty.

✅ What to do:
Clean the condenser coils and check the back of the fridge for dust buildup. If the buzzing persists or your fridge isn’t cooling properly, book a service call.

2. Clicking or Ticking

🔧 What it might be:
A soft click is often just the thermostat turning on or off. But repeated or rapid clicking could point to a faulty start relay or compressor.

⚠️ When to worry:
If your fridge is clicking and not cooling, it likely needs professional repair.

3. Sizzling or Hissing

🔧 What it might be:
This sound is usually caused by water dripping onto the defrost heater, which turns it into steam during the defrost cycle. Totally normal!

✅ What to do:
Nothing—just let it do its job. If it smells burnt or the sound is loud and irregular, give us a call.

4. Rattling or Vibrating

🔧 What it might be:
Your fridge might not be level, or an item (like a jar or bottle) could be vibrating against an internal panel or shelf.

✅ What to do:
Level your fridge using the adjustable feet, and check for loose items. If the rattling comes from the back, it could be a loose compressor mount or fan blade.

5. Whirring or Whooshing

🔧 What it might be:
This is often the evaporator or condenser fan moving air through the system. It’s a normal part of the cooling process.

⚠️ When to worry:
If it sounds unusually loud, or you hear the fan grinding or squeaking, the motor might be failing.

6. Knocking or Banging

🔧 What it might be:
This can be caused by the water line (if you have an ice maker) or refrigerant flowing through the coils.

⚠️ When to worry:
If the sound is loud and rhythmic, or you hear banging when the compressor shuts off, have it checked—it could be a loose component.

Final Thoughts

While your fridge isn’t supposed to be silent, knowing the difference between normal sounds and red flags can save you time and money. Regular cleaning and maintenance can prevent many issues, but if something doesn’t feel right, trust your instincts.

Need a second opinion or a professional diagnosis?
📞 Call Wisdom Appliance Service today—we’re proud to serve Edmonton and surrounding areas with fast, honest, and experienced appliance repair right at your door.