A noisy compressor can be pretty annoying, don’t you agree? Want to know about fixing the noise and never hearing it again while the refrigerator runs smoother than ever? Well, today is your lucky day as we will talk about it in detail. So, first of all, we need to know about the compressor to further debunk the topic.
What is a Compressor?
A compressor governs the circulation of the refrigerant through the refrigeration cycle. Its pumping and motor aspect helps it in this process. When it comes to the refrigeration cycle, it consists of 4 parts in total:-
- Compressor
- Condenser Cells
- Evaporator Coils
- Expansion Valve
You may also read our tips on how to quiet a noisy air return if you own one.
Working of the Compressor
The compressor sends the refrigerant vapors in the evaporator coils along with increasing the refrigerant’s pressure. The refrigerant is in the gas form before it hits room temperature and transforms into a liquid.
The liquid cools down during the process and eventually freezes. It also absorbs the heat to keep the temperature of the fridge down and once the cycle ends the refrigerant turns into vapors and returns to the compressor.
Now, this is a continuous process and it goes on till you don’t turn off your refrigerator. If there is any issue with the compressor you’ll have to tolerate the noise for a long time. So it is better to find out the real culprit behind the issue.
There are a number of noises that can be attributed to the compressor noises. If you hear a gurgling noise it could be due to the ice melting phenomenon and you might notice a vibration in the fridge section. If there’s a dripping noise you must check the oil in the compressor or water discharge issue during the defrost cycle could be the reason behind it.
The rest of the noises don’t have a specific component behind them so you have to figure that out. Let’s have a look at how to quiet a noisy refrigerator compressor:-
Finding the Root Cause
First of all, you need to find out the origin of the problem and figure out where the noise is coming from. Start with the bottom of the refrigerator for any kind of vibrations which is one of the most common causes of such a problem. Check the placement of the machine on the floor. Make sure that the legs of the machine are evenly placed.
A good solution would be to place a wooden frame or a mat beneath the refrigerator. There are anti-vibration pads also available in the market and they can prove useful. The next step would be to test the fans and replace any faulty pieces. You have to observe very closely to find out the origin of the noise and only then you can solve the issue in the best possible way.
While reading on how to quiet a noisy refrigerator, you may also check our tips on how to soundproof a room.
Insert a Soundproof Device
The compressor’s noise could also be coming from the evaporator fans and soundproofing the inner mechanism of the machine could be beneficial. Try Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) on the inside to cover for the airborne noise. Another solution would be to treat the condenser motor through MLV and making it soundproof.
Move the Machine
At times, the placement of the refrigerator can be at fault. It could affect the performance of the compressor so try to place it in an even space by moving it.
Keep the Refrigerator Filled
Refrigerators are made for storing different items and if you don’t fill them for a long time it could also result in bad noises. An empty fridge does turn on and off continuously which could derail its long-term performance so it is better to keep it filled so it can work in its best form.
Regular Cleaning is Important
If you are not cleaning the compressor and the fans it could allow dust and first to cover them and become a hindrance in their overall performance.
The resulting malfunctions cannot only impact the life of the machine negatively but random noise would also come as a by-product. Make sure you regularly clean your refrigerator especially during summers.
Motor Replacement
If all the above-mentioned solutions fail you may have to deal with the motor replacement. The condenser motor rotates the fan to create a cooling effect for the coils. If the motor has an internal issue it could create different kinds of noises.
After checking the motor you will find out whether it is working to its full capacity or not. Once you get to know about the faulty motor you have to instantly replace it.
First of all, turn off the refrigerator and remove the switch from the socket. Now remove the water valve. Get to the rear panel and disconnect the water line along with taking out all the screws from the panels. Remove the wires of the fan and the motor.
Get the new motor and attach it to the mounting bracket. Tie up all the screws and reconnect the components you have removed earlier. Now attach the panels and fix the water line to the inlet valve.
Tighten the valve and put the switch in the socket. Make sure the placement of the machine is such that there is enough space for ventilation.
Conclusion
There could be numerous reasons behind the noise of refrigerator compressor and to tackle it you have to find out the root cause of the problem. Once you have figured out the main issue it would be easier to handle it instead of tying all the solutions. All the solutions we have explained can be performed within the house.
You don’t need any kind of technical knowledge but if you are unable to curb the noise you may have to take the refrigerator to a professional. Still, now you have much more information as compared to an average user regarding this technical issue.
You can take care of the refrigerator way better with this knowledge and you can also replace different faulty parts within a few minutes. We hope that you would find this piece of content useful and we would love to hear your opinion about it.
You may also check on How to Quiet An Air Compressor?
