Dealing with a Whirlpool refrigerator making noise? In this guide, we are focusing on the various sounds generated by your Whirlpool refrigerator. Your appliances, including refrigerators, are designed to operate with minimal noise. The typical hums, buzzes, and whirrs you hear are pretty standard with fridges. However, if there are louder or unusual noises it could be indicative of a problem.
Troubleshooting Your Whirlpool Refrigerator Making Noise
If your Whirlpool refrigerator is making noise becomes noticeable or unusual, it may be signaling an underlying issue. Let’s delve deeper into these sounds to better understand what your refrigerator might be communicating so you know the answer to, “When should I worry about my fridge noises?”
1. The Humming Noise
Wondering, “Why is my Whirlpool fridge making a loud humming noise?” The hum you hear is your Whirlpool refrigerator’s compressor diligently doing its job. This component is responsible for circulating and condensing the refrigerant, ensuring that your refrigerator maintains a consistently cool temperature.
Under normal circumstances, the compressor hums along quietly in the background. However, if this hum starts to resemble more of a roar, it could be an indication that your compressor is overworked and potentially struggling.
To prevent these issues, there are a few things you can do.
- Firstly, make sure to clean the condenser coils regularly. Dust and debris on the coils can make the refrigerator work harder, leading to louder operation and potential long-term issues. You can clean the coils with a coil brush or a vacuum.
- Secondly, ensure the vents inside the refrigerator are not blocked. The cold air needs to circulate freely to keep the temperature even. Overfilling the refrigerator or blocking the vents with large items can prevent proper air circulation, forcing the compressor to work harder and causing fridge cooling issues.
- If the humming noise still continues to grow louder, it’s crucial to seek professional help as the compressor may be failing. This will help avoid a sudden breakdown, saving your food from spoilage and potentially saving you from costly repairs.
2. The Grinding Sound
Grinding sounds are often reported by users after changing the water filter. This noise might mean that the filter is damaged, or perhaps it wasn’t installed correctly. Refer to your user guide for correct installation instructions, and inspect the filter for damage.
If you notice a broken filter head, missing O-rings, or cracks in the filter housing, it’s time for a replacement. If the filter isn’t the culprit, a malfunctioning water inlet valve could be causing the grinding sound. This valve controls the water flow from your home supply to the refrigerator. If it’s faulty, it needs professional replacement.
3. The Buzzing Noise
Wondering “why is my Whirlpool refrigerator making a loud buzzing noise?” It could be that you’re dealing with a Whirlpool refrigerator evaporator fan noise. This fan, responsible for cooling and circulating the refrigerant, might be failing or obstructed, often by icy buildup.
Checking the fan blades for obstructions and removing any blockages can help. If ice has formed around the fan blades, defrost the fridge or melt it away with a hairdryer. However, if the blades are broken or don’t turn easily, it’s likely that the fan motor is failing and needs professional replacement.
4. Rattling or Vibrating Noises
A rattling or vibrating Whirlpool refrigerator could simply be a sign that it’s not level. To fix this, remove the lower base grille and adjust the leveling feet with a wrench until the refrigerator is evenly balanced. If the refrigerator is level and the noise continues, it might be too close to a wall or in a tight enclosure. Ensure there’s at least one inch of space on all sides of the refrigerator to prevent these noises.
5. Hissing and Gurgling Sounds
Hissing sounds in your Whirlpool refrigerator are usually the result of refrigerant flowing through the cooling system — a normal part of your refrigerator’s function. On the other hand, gurgling or dripping noises may occur during the defrost cycle when ice melts and water runs into the drain pan. While these sounds are generally normal, if you notice water spillage, it might indicate a leak, and it’s time to call a certified technician.
6. Pulsating Sounds and Ice Maker Noises
Pulsating sounds from your Whirlpool refrigerator making noise can often be traced back to the ice maker. If your refrigerator is not connected to a water supply, but the ice maker is turned on, the water valve will still attempt to open and close, leading to a pulsating noise. If your Whirlpool fridge sounds like a helicopter this may be why. To prevent this sound, it’s crucial to ensure the ice maker is turned off when the refrigerator is not connected to a water supply.
In addition, if your Whirlpool refrigerator is equipped with an ice maker, you might be familiar with the occasional creaking or cracking sounds. This noise is typically generated when ice is ejected from the ice maker mold and falls into the storage bin. It might sound alarming, but it’s a completely normal part of the ice-making process.
Whirlpool refrigerators, like all appliances, have their unique set of noises that indicate normal functioning. But, when you find your Whirlpool refrigerator making noise that’s out of the ordinary, it’s crucial to pay attention. By understanding the reasons behind these sounds, you can troubleshoot minor issues yourself and know when it’s time to call in a professional. If you’ve tried the above tips and your Whirlpool refrigerator is still making an unusual noise, it might be time to call the professional refrigerator repair team at Masterminds of Appliances! Always remember, a well-maintained refrigerator is a quiet refrigerator!
