What do you do when your freezer makes noise?

Written by Marijn

Edited on

27 January 2025

·

13:10

What do you do when your freezer makes noise?

A freezer always makes some noise. For example, you might hear the compressor. Did you turn on the freezer for the first time? The appliance will make a lot of noise for a little bit, because it has to cool the interior for the first time. In this article, you can read about the most common regular sounds and how you can reduce them.

Silent freezers

Different noises

A freezer makes different types of noises.

  • Buzzing or humming
  • Gurgling or sloshing
  • Vibrating or rattling
  • Clicking or crackling
View all silent freezers
Buzzing or humming

Buzzing or humming

When the compressor is activated, you hear a buzzing or humming noise. That's normal. You'll hear the sound more often when it's warmer in the freezer than the selected temperature. The compressor works longer in energy-efficient models as well. Does it bother you quite a lot? Check if you've placed the appliance next to a heat source. This cause the freezer to work harder, which is why it makes more noise. Also make sure you only fill the fridge with products that have already cooled down.

Gurgling or sloshing

Gurgling or sloshing

Do you hear a gurgling, sloshing, or a dripping noise? You're hearing the cooling agent as it circulates through the pipes of the cooling system. You don't have to worry about this sound either.

Vibrating or rattling

Vibrating or rattling

If you hear a vibrating or rattling sound, you're hearing the pipes of the cooling system on the back of the freezer. This sound is normal. Does the noise increase? Check if the freezer is positioned level or if something is touching the pipes at the back. Don't place anything on top of the freezer either.

Clicking or creaking

Clicking or creaking

A clicking or creaking noise is caused by the cooling system. The temperature changes make the metal expand or shrink. The thermostat produces a short ticking or clicking sound when the compressor turns on and off. This is normal as well.

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Article by Marijn

Freezer Expert.

Marijn