Match your symptom to narrow down the likely cause before calling us.
These checks are safe for homeowners. Do not attempt to open sealed refrigerant systems, touch electrical components behind access panels, or work on gas lines — always call a licensed technician for those.
Use a level across the top of the fridge. Adjust the front leveling feet so the unit is level side-to-side and tilts very slightly back. An off-level fridge rattles and its doors may not seal properly.
Dirty coils force the compressor and fans to run harder and louder. Unplug the unit, remove the front grille or pull it from the wall, and vacuum the coils with a soft brush attachment.
Items stored on top of or leaning against the refrigerator amplify compressor vibration into rattles and buzzing. Clear the top of the unit and move items stored against the sides.
The condenser releases heat from the back of the unit. If the fridge is pushed hard against the wall, the condenser fan labors and gets louder. Pull it out a couple of inches.
A steady, low-level hum is completely normal — it's the compressor and fans doing their job. The hum becomes a concern when it's noticeably louder than it used to be, changes pitch, or is accompanied by reduced cooling performance.
A clicking sound every few minutes almost always points to the start relay — a small, inexpensive component that helps the compressor start. When the relay fails, the compressor tries and fails to start on each cycle. If you hear clicking along with the fridge getting warmer, call for service promptly.
A power surge or outage can displace the compressor's start relay or knock the control board into an error state. The unit may also make more noise as it works to re-cool its contents from scratch. If noise persists after 24 hours, have it evaluated.
A grinding sound that gets progressively louder usually means a fan motor bearing is failing. You can run it in the short term, but the fan will eventually fail completely, leading to a warm refrigerator. It's best to schedule a repair before that happens.
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