The refrigerator is the main appliance that should be in every home. Without it, people would hardly be able to pamper themselves with a variety of foods, and the storage of perishable foods would generally be impossible. For this reason, the demand for this type of technology never decreases. The range of units is great. There are both budget models and more expensive ones on sale. The difference between them is a set of functions and quality. However, owners of refrigerators often have to deal with some problems caused by incorrect operation. Moreover, such failures occur with all devices, without exception, regardless of make and model. They continue to function, withstand optimal temperature conditions, but when turned on, they begin to make a lot of noise. What is the essence of such a problem? Is it possible to cope with it on my own or will I have to turn to specialists for help? Let's try to figure out why the refrigerator is humming loudly.
Features of modern technology
Presenting their products, refrigeration equipment manufacturers often call it silent. However, this is not entirely true. Any device that is equipped with an electric motor and compressor, when turned on, will emit a certain sound. Noise level can vary from 10 to 40 dB. Naturally, the lower this parameter, the quieter the refrigerator will work. The maximum value (40 dB) is comparable to a loud conversation.
When reproducible noise can be considered normal, it is best to find out from a specialist. But if the refrigerator worked quietly for a long time, and then a buzz suddenly appeared, then this clearly indicates some kind of problem.
Why is the new refrigerator humming?
Before buying a new refrigerator, it is advisable to familiarize yourself with the manufacturer's recommendations. Some models equipped with the No Frost system work very noisily for a week. The reason for this is not a breakdown, but simply a violation of the connection rules. After transporting and installing in a new place, such units are recommended to stand. What does this mean? Before turning on the appliance, the refrigerator should just stand at rest for about 5-8 hours.
There are also models in which the process of ice freezing is accompanied by a strong hum. This only happens when you turn it on for the first time, but it can also be repeated after a complete defrost. For others, such a problem may be accompanied by a period of adaptation to a new position.
For example, why is the LG refrigerator that you just purchased buzzing? Most often, owners immediately after installation choose the incorrect freezing mode (maximum value). Naturally, the new device, working at maximum, can make a loud sound. Also provoke a rumble capable of transport bolts or improper location.
Installation rules violated
The most common reason why the refrigerator starts to hum is because of improper installation. No matter how strange it may sound, it is precisely the violation of recommendations in this matter that can even lead to problems in work. Having installed the device in a new place, it is necessary to check the correctness of the vertical and horizontal position. If there is even a slight bias, then it is displayed on the compressor - there is an unpleasant noise. It is also important to check that the refrigerator is stable on all four legs. If the support is not enough, then a vibration and a loud hum will appear. Most manufacturers use adjustable legs, with which the device is easy to level. If there is no special construction device, then you can make a plumb bob yourself. To do this, you need a dense thread and cargo. The latter is tied at one end, and the second is held in hands. In this way, it is easy to verify the correct vertical position.
Lack of air
Why did the refrigerator start to hum after a change of furniture or rearrangement? In the instructions, the manufacturer does not recommend tightly installing the device against a wall or other objects. A certain distance must be maintained. If you violate this recommendation, then due to lack of air, the compressor starts to work at maximum and, as a result, a characteristic buzz appears. This problem can occur with both new equipment and old. Let's highlight three main reasons:
- The refrigerator is close to the wall.
- It is closely furnished.
- The radiator is in contact with the wall surface.
So why is the refrigerator humming so much? The condenser during operation requires a constant flow of air. If it starts to be missed, the cooling process is disrupted, which leads to the loud operation of the unit. Excessive load provokes not only the appearance of an uncharacteristic hum, but also other sounds - knocking, vibration, clicks.
Fan problems
Why is the refrigerator humming, although it used to work quite quietly? A similar problem can occur in devices with the No Frost system. There is a loud sound due to a fan malfunction. During switching on, a hum, crack, rattle appears. This is most felt in those models in which two fans are installed. Each of them is separately responsible for cooling the freezer and refrigerator.
What are the causes of this malfunction?
They are as follows:
- Sudden jumps in temperature.
- Damage to the heater.
- The evaporator is covered with a thick layer of ice.
- The motor bearings have dried grease.
This problem is quite serious. However, before contacting specialists, you must defrost the refrigerator. If this does not help, then you will have to return the device to a service center. Diagnostics will be carried out there, and according to its results - the necessary repairs.
Malfunction of an electric network
One of the serious reasons why the refrigerator began to buzz can be a malfunction of the electrical network. Most often, the start-up relay fails. At first, the device will buzz violently, and after that it will cease to turn on. The only way to fix the problem is to change the part, but a qualified specialist should do this.
A strong hum can also lead to problems with the winding of the fan motor. If the contacts are burnt, then turning on the refrigerator will be accompanied by a very loud sound.
Also, one of the problems can be a short circuit in the network. You can verify this only with the help of a special device - a tester. If the failure is confirmed, you will have to change the engine.
Shipping bolts and compressor mounts
Why is the refrigerator humming after transportation? The manufacturers of this equipment tried to protect the devices as much as possible from damage using special clamps for the compressor springs. They are called transportation bolts. If they are not removed, then even the new unit will buzz very much. Naturally, this is not a breakdown, so there is no need to contact specialists to solve the problem. You can get rid of an unpleasant loud sound by simply unscrewing these bolts.
But why is the refrigerator buzzing if all the latches are removed? Then it is recommended to check the compressor mountings. Sometimes in the process of work they weaken, which leads to a characteristic noise. This malfunction is simple, so every man can cope with it on his own. It is enough to take a key and tighten the nuts.
To summarize
This article answered the fairly common question: “Why is the refrigerator buzzing?” There are, of course, many reasons for this problem. Some of them are easy to fix on their own. We are talking about the correct installation, loosening of the compressor mounts, the formation of a thick layer of ice on the evaporator. However, a loud sound can also indicate serious damage. To solve these problems, it is better to contact professionals. They will not only carry out diagnostics, but also quickly perform the replacement of certain parts, if necessary. Service center employees provide the following services:
- Filter cleaning.
- Replacing the start-up relay.
- Repair of burnt parts.
- Replacing the heater.