Why is my refrigerator making a pulsing sound?

Author: Simone Will  |  Last update: Tuesday, July 22, 2025

Fridge making pulsating or whirring noise Pulsating and whirring noises may be heard as the unit's fans adjust to optimize performance while the compressor operates. This is a normal function.

Why is my fridge making a pulsating sound?

Why is my refrigerator humming or pulsating? You may hear a humming or pulsating sound if your refrigerator's ice maker isn't connected to the water supply, but the water valve is still opening and closing. Check that the ice maker is turned off if your refrigerator isn't connected to a water supply.

Why is my refrigerator making a surging noise?

Temperature-related issues

If your fridge is too cold, ice can form inside some of the mechanisms, causing the refrigerator to work harder and hum loudly. If your fridge is turned all the way up and you hear a loud noise, try turning the temperature down and see if the sound goes away.

When should I worry about my fridge noises?

If your noisy refrigerator is rattling from the bottom, the drain pan is likely loose. Loud noises coming from the back of the unit could indicate an issue with the defrost timer, condenser fan, or compressor.

What does a dying refrigerator compressor sound like?

If the capacitor is bad, the compressor may fail to start or run inconsistently. You might hear clicking or buzzing sounds as the system struggles to engage.

How to Fix A Noisy Refrigerator Freezer Yourself!

Why is my fridge compressor making a bubble sound?

A gurgling sound may be heard as the refrigerator shuts off after a cooling cycle, as the refrigerant flows through the cooling system's tubes. When the doors are open and/or closed, a gurgling sound may also be heard. This is part of the cooling cycle. Both are part of normal operation.

How do you know if your fridge compressor is gone?

You Hear Unusual Noises

A hum or a slight buzz is typical, but if your refrigerator starts making strange or loud noises, the compressor might be struggling.

Why is my fridge making a weird noise?

A faulty compressor may produce a humming, buzzing, or clicking sound. Condenser fan motor: The condenser fan motor helps dissipate heat generated by the compressor. If the motor is damaged or has worn bearings, it can produce a rattling or grinding noise when the refrigerator is running.

How much does it cost to replace a refrigerator compressor?

Installing a new refrigerator compressor costs about $450 on average, ranging between $300 and $400, in most cases. The cost for the compressor itself can run from $100 to $500, not including installation. When your refrigerator is running perfectly, you probably don't give its inner workings much thought.

Should I unplug my fridge if it's making a loud noise?

If your refrigerator is buzzing near consistently or all the time, the compressor might be the problem. A quick test you can try is to unplug the fridge and then plug it back in after about 5 minutes.

Why is my fridge making beating noises?

Check the Evaporator Fan

If it becomes damaged or blocked, it can make a knocking or banging noise. Also a blocked or damaged evaporator fan can impact your fridge's cooling abilities and lead to spoiled food.

Why does my LG refrigerator make a pulsating sound?

Common noises

The valve opens and closes to reverse the direction of refrigerant circulation, causing a rhythmic clattering noise from the rear of the unit. It may sound for about 7 seconds once a day as it initializes. In addition, it may sound four times every hour for about 3 seconds.

How long do fridges last?

According to the 23rd annual portrait of the U.S. appliance industry, standard refrigerators usually last anywhere from 10 to 18 years, with an average life expectancy of 14 years. Compact refrigerator lifespan is even shorter, ranging from 4 to 12 years with an average life expectancy of 8 years.

What does a bad refrigerator sound like?

Your fridge shouldn't sound like a bird or small critter is trapped inside. If your fridge making noise sounds like squealing or chirping, it may mean the evaporator fan is malfunctioning. If something is wrong with the refrigerator fan, the freezer won't cool adequately, says Rogers.

How long can a refrigerator compressor last?

You should also have routine maintenance at least once a year to ensure everything is running smoothly. After you've learned how to expand the life of your commercial refrigeration compressor, you will now know they can last between 8-10 years, and maybe even longer with routine maintenance and temperature controls.

How to stop a fridge from making noise?

How to Quiet A Noisy Refrigerator Compressor
  1. Level the Refrigerator. One of the most common sources of refrigerator noise is uneven legs. ...
  2. Soundproof the Area Around the Refrigerator. ...
  3. Hang a Temporary Sound Barrier. ...
  4. Move It Into an Alcove. ...
  5. Install Mass Loaded Vinyl (MLV) Sound Barriers. ...
  6. Add Rubber to the Compressor Motor.

Is it worth fixing a compressor on a refrigerator?

Your compressor will usually last 8-10 years. If you start having issues with your compressor before this time frame, it might be worth looking into options for repair, but if it's hitting the average lifespan, it might be more worth it to replace entirely.

What is the most expensive part to replace on a refrigerator?

Control Board. The control board is one of the most expensive refrigerator parts to fix, at between $80 and $800, because no part of the appliance can function without it.

How do I reset a refrigerator compressor?

Shutting off the power to the refrigerator will give all of its systems—including the compressor—time to reset. Power down your refrigerator by unplugging it from the wall or shutting off the circuit breaker connected to the fridge. Leave the unit unplugged for five to ten minutes.

How to know if a fridge compressor is broken?

What Are the Signs of a Bad Refrigerator Compressor?
  1. Your Refrigerator is Constantly Running. Does it seem like your refrigerator is running all the time? ...
  2. Your Energy Bill is Rising. ...
  3. It Doesn't Stay Cold. ...
  4. You Hear More Noise than Usual. ...
  5. The Circuit Breaker Trips. ...
  6. You Notice a Burning Smell. ...
  7. Refrigerator Problems?

Why does my refrigerator make a bubble sound?

The bubbling sound you hear is normal. It is caused by refrigerant gas moving through the pipes in your refrigerator as the refrigerator cools or freezes your food. This noise is normal.

How to tell if your fridge is dying?

7 Signs Your Refrigerator Is Dying
  1. Your refrigerator is over 10 years old. ...
  2. You see excessive condensation on your food. ...
  3. Your food is going bad too quickly. ...
  4. Ice is building up in your freezer. ...
  5. Your refrigerator is leaking. ...
  6. The back of your refrigerator gets overly hot. ...
  7. Your refrigerator starts making strange noises.

How long do I unplug my fridge to reset it?

Reset your refrigerator: First, unplug it (or turn off the power at the circuit breaker), and then wait about five minutes for the electrical charge to clear out of it. Then, power it back on again.

Should you hear a refrigerator running all the time?

But if your refrigerator seems to be “running” all the time, then the appliance is working too hard. While having a refrigerator that works overtime might give the impression the appliance is especially robust, it's actually an indication that something could be wrong with your refrigerator parts.

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