My refrigerator makes noise - is this normal?

The normal operation of your refrigerator will create some sounds or noises. The following list contains sounds that are normal.

  • A chirping/barking/woof/howl sound can sometimes be heard as the damper door opens/closes.

  • A change in fan speed as the refrigerator responds to changes in temperature due to door openings.

  • A clicking/tic-tock noise can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off.

  • A click can be heard when the temperature control unit turns the fridge on and off.

  • A boiling, gurgling, or knocking sound can be heard when the unit is running. This is caused by the circulation of refrigerant.

  • A gurgling sound in the door. This sound can be heard just after the door is closed because of the water in the drain tube trap area. It can last several seconds.

  • A drip may be heard when the defrost water is dripping into the drain pan beneath the refrigerator.

  • A cracking or popping sound can be heard when the evaporator coils on a Frost Free refrigerator model are cooling after a defrost cycle.

  • A clicking noise may be heard after a power outage. This comes from the compressor trying to re-start itself. The noise could last for 3 to 5 minutes.

  • A hissing, sizzling, buzzing, or arcing noise may be heard on auto-defrost models. This is produced when water drips on defrost heaters.

  • On new refrigerators it is not unusual for the door to whistle or squeak. This occurs because the gasket (rubber material around inner perimeter of the door) is sealing very tightly. This noise will stop in a few days once the gasket becomes more pliable.