Why Is My Refrigerator Humming

If you have a refrigerator, you might have noticed that it makes some noises from time to time. One of the most common noises is a humming sound, which can be annoying or worrying. But why is your refrigerator humming, and what does it mean? In this post, we will explain the causes and solutions of refrigerator humming.

Your refrigerator is humming because it is running its compressor, fan, or defrost cycle. This is normal and harmless, as long as the humming is not too loud, constant, or irregular. However, if your refrigerator is humming excessively or abnormally, it could indicate a problem with your refrigerator that needs to be fixed.

The Causes And Solutions Of Refrigerator Humming

Refrigerator humming can have different causes and solutions, depending on the source and severity of the noise. Here are some of the most common ones:

• Compressor: The compressor is the part of your refrigerator that pumps refrigerant through the coils to cool your refrigerator. It is normal for the compressor to make a low humming sound when it is running, as this indicates that your refrigerator is working properly. However, if the compressor is humming too loudly or constantly, it could mean that it is overworked, dirty, or faulty. You can try to fix this by cleaning the coils, adjusting the temperature settings, or replacing the compressor.
• Fan: The fan is the part of your refrigerator that circulates air inside and outside your refrigerator to maintain a consistent temperature. It is normal for the fan to make a low humming sound when it is running, as this indicates that your refrigerator is working properly. However, if the fan is humming too loudly or irregularly, it could mean that it is blocked, dirty, or faulty. You can try to fix this by cleaning the fan blades, removing any obstructions, or replacing the fan motor.
• Defrost cycle: The defrost cycle is the part of your refrigerator that melts any frost or ice that builds up on the evaporator coils. It is normal for the defrost cycle to make a low humming sound when it is running, as this indicates that your refrigerator is working properly. However, if the defrost cycle is humming too loudly or frequently, it could mean that it is malfunctioning, leaking, or faulty. You can try to fix this by checking the defrost timer, heater, or thermostat.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about refrigerator humming:

• How loud should my refrigerator be?

According to Consumer Reports, the average noise level of a refrigerator is about 40 decibels (dB), which is equivalent to a quiet library. However, this may vary depending on the model, age, and location of your refrigerator. You can use a sound meter app on your phone to measure the noise level of your refrigerator.

• How often should my refrigerator run?

According to Energy Star, the average run time of a refrigerator is about 8 hours per day. However, this may vary depending on the size, efficiency, and usage of your refrigerator. You can use an energy monitor device to measure the run time of your refrigerator.

• What should I do if my refrigerator is humming too much?

If your refrigerator is humming too much, you should first try to identify the source and cause of the noise. You can do this by listening carefully to where and when the noise occurs, and checking the parts of your refrigerator that are likely to make noise. You can then try to fix the problem yourself or call a professional for help.

Conclusion

Refrigerator humming is a normal and harmless noise that indicates that your refrigerator is running its compressor, fan, or defrost cycle. However, if your refrigerator is humming excessively or abnormally, it could indicate a problem with your refrigerator that needs to be fixed.

You can try to fix refrigerator humming by following these steps:

• Identify the source and cause of the noise
• Clean the coils, fan blades, or defrost components
• Adjust the temperature settings
• Remove any obstructions
• Replace any faulty parts

We hope this post was helpful and informative for you. If you have any questions or comments about refrigerator humming, feel free to leave them below. We would love to hear from you!