Overall, refrigerators are quieter than they used to be. But today’s refrigerators have many additional features, such as innovative ice makers and improved compressors, which can make sounds you’re not used to.
Here are some normal refrigerator sounds you might hear, and when.
Sounds a refrigerator makes when running
| Sound | What it is |
| Rattling or vibrating | Refrigerant is flowing through the cooling system or water is flowing through the water line. |
| A pulsating or high-pitched whine | Fans are adjusting to optimize performance. New fans differ from the steady-speed fans you are used to on your old model. |
| Gurgling as the refrigerator shuts off after a cooling cycle | Refrigerant is flowing through the tubing in the cooling system. |
| Gurgling when you open or close the refrigerator or freezer door | Water is equalizing in the drain pan when air is forced through the drain tube. |
Sounds a refrigerator makes when defrosting
| Sound | What it is |
| Dripping during the defrost cycle | Water is running into the drain pan in the back of the freezer compartment. |
| Sizzling or hissing during the defrost cycle | Water is dripping on the defrost heater. |
| Popping or cracking | The inside walls of the refrigerator are contracting and expanding as the refrigerator defrosts. |
Sounds from a refrigerator with an ice maker
| Sound | What it is |
| Thumping or hammering | The ice maker’s water supply line is banging against the wall or back of the refrigerator during the fill cycle. If this noise is excessive, check the supply line behind the refrigerator. |
| Creaking and cracking | Ice cubes are being ejected from the ice maker, followed by a crashing sound as they fall into the ice bin. |
| Buzzing | The water valve is opening as the refrigerator refills the ice mold, shortly after the ice cubes drop into the ice bin. |
Other normal refrigerator sounds
- You may hear random clicking if your refrigerator uses a timer to control cooling and the defrost cycle.
- Some refrigerators randomly make a brief knocking noise when their refrigerant valve sends coolant through the evaporator to cool the refrigerator section.
- It’s normal to hear a loud snap or pop when the inside liner of your refrigerator expands or contracts when the temperature changes.
- You may hear a gurgling noise from some refrigerators when you open or close the refrigerator or freezer door. The gurgling is air moving through the defrost drain tube.
Hard surfaces, such as the floor, walls and cabinets, can amplify refrigerator sounds. Try adjusting the refrigerator’s position or putting a mat on the floor to absorb some noise.