Samsung Refrigerator Making Noise Like an Owl? (7 Reasons!)

If you hear your Samsung refrigerator producing sounds similar to those of an owl, it can be quite bothersome. However, it’s important to understand the reasons behind such noises.

In most cases, owl-like sounds coming from your refrigerator indicate a malfunction. This article will address the potential issues related to a Samsung refrigerator making owl noises and provide guidance on troubleshooting them.

There are several possible causes for these noises, including icing around the fan, a dirty condenser, a jammed ice maker, insufficient clearance around the circulating fans, and a defective evaporator fan motor or defrost system. We will delve into these problems and assist you in identifying the specific fault and how to troubleshoot it.

Fortunately, many of these issues can be resolved without the need for professional assistance. With the help of this guide, you will be able to troubleshoot most of the problems on your own. We will provide you with step-by-step instructions to help you address the basics and silence your noisy refrigerator.

Quick Troubleshooting Guide

Likely Cause	Quick Fix
1. Water Dripping into Defrost System	Allow the water to drip. Contact Samsung only if the noise is excessively loud and persistent.
2. Icing Around the Fan	Manually defrost the refrigerator by unplugging it and leaving the door open for 24 hours.
3. Dirty Condenser	Clean the condenser using a condenser cleaning brush or cleaner kit.
4. Jammed Ice Maker	Remove the ice maker and break and remove any ice clumps to unjam the ice maker.
5. Lack of Clearance	Create a 2-inch or larger clearance at the top and around the refrigerator for proper airflow.
6. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor	Replace the evaporator fan motor if it is faulty.
7. Malfunctioning Defrost System	Contact a refrigerator expert to check and repair the defrost system.

Why Does My Samsung Refrigerator Sound Like an Owl?

If your Samsung refrigerator is making sounds resembling an owl, there are several possible reasons for this:

Dripping Water (Low Hissing Owl Sound) 

A normal operation of the refrigerator involves water dripping onto the defrost heater, creating a low hissing sound similar to an owl. This is typically not a cause for concern unless the hissing noise persists or becomes excessively loud.

Fix: If the owl sound continues or becomes bothersome, contact Samsung for further assistance.

Ice Build-up 

Around the Fan When ice accumulates around the fan, it can obstruct its rotation, causing it to hit the ice and produce an owl-like sound. This is often the result of a defrost cycle failure.

Fix: Manually defrost the refrigerator to remove the ice build-up and restore proper fan operation. Unplug the unit, empty the fridge and ice bin, place a towel underneath to catch water drips, leave the fridge door open for 24 hours to allow the ice to melt, then plug it back in and power it on. Do not use any heat sources, such as a hair dryer, for defrosting.

Filthy Condenser 

The condenser, particularly the condenser fan, can accumulate dirt and debris over time, leading to obstruction and reduced performance. The compressor may be forced to work harder, resulting in an owl-like noise.

Fix: Regularly inspect and clean the condenser using a condenser cleaning brush or kit every six months.

Jammed Ice Maker 

Excessive ice accumulation in the ice maker can cause it to become jammed and produce owl-like noises. This can occur when the ice maker motor struggles to dispense ice.

Fix: Remove the ice bin and break up any clumps of ice to free the jammed ice.

Lack of Clearance 

Insufficient clearance around the refrigerator, especially around the top and sides, can cause the circulating fans to struggle and produce a hissing owl-like sound.

Fix: Ensure a minimum of 2 inches of clearance around the refrigerator and at the top to allow proper airflow and ventilation.

Faulty Evaporator Fan 

A malfunctioning evaporator fan can generate noise resembling an owl when running, especially becoming louder when the fridge door is opened.

Fix: Consider replacing the faulty evaporator fan or lubricating it if possible. Consult a professional if needed.

Malfunctioning Defrost System 

A malfunction in the defrost system can result in issues such as fan icing or ice maker jams, potentially causing owl-like noises. Consult a professional for proper diagnosis and repair.

People Also Ask

Why Does My Refrigerator Sound Like an Owl? 

Your refrigerator may sound like an owl due to various reasons, including the fan hitting an ice mass, ice jams in the ice maker, a dirty condenser, or a faulty evaporator fan. Other possible causes include a defective defrost system, lack of clearance around the fridge, or the normal activity of water dripping into the defrost system.

Do Samsung Refrigerators Make Noise? 

It is common for Samsung refrigerators, like any other refrigerators, to make noise while running. Some noises are normal and associated with regular operation, such as the low humming sound of the compressor or ice maker, beeping sounds from the door alarm, hissing or bubbling sounds from flowing refrigerant, and the bouncing sound of falling ice. However, if the noises become unusual or excessively loud, it may indicate a problem that requires professional diagnosis and repair.

Why Does My Samsung Fridge Keep Making Noise? 

Samsung refrigerators can make various noises, some of which are harmless and part of normal operation, while others may indicate an issue. Possible sources of noise include loose screws, an unlevelled fridge, a squeaky hinge, an obstructed fan, lack of clearance, or a faulty ice maker, among others.

Why Is My Samsung Fridge Making a Weird Noise? 

If your Samsung fridge is making a strange and louder noise, such as grinding, rattling, or squeaking, it is likely experiencing a significant problem. For instance, a loud squeaking sound could suggest a defective door hinge, while a rattling sound might indicate something rubbing against the back of the fridge.

Why Does My Fridge Sound Like a Bird? 

If your fridge sounds like a chirping bird, it is likely due to a malfunctioning evaporator fan. You can confirm this if the sound originates from the back side of the freezer. In such cases, it is recommended to contact a professional technician for assistance.

Why Does My Fridge Sound Like an Animal? 

If your fridge sounds like an animal, particularly a howling dog, it could be due to a malfunctioning evaporator fan, a dirty condenser, or a failed defrost system. In the case of a faulty evaporator fan, consider replacing it, and for a dirty condenser, cleaning is recommended. It is advisable to contact an expert to inspect the defrost system.

Why Is My Samsung Fridge Making Noise but Stops When the Door Opens? 

Samsung fridges are designed to stop making noise when the door is opened. This is because the fan automatically turns off, and the compressor goes into standby mode. If the noise persists after opening the door, it is recommended to contact Samsung for further assistance.

How Do I Clean the Condenser Coils on My Samsung Refrigerator? 

To clean the condenser coils on your Samsung refrigerator, you can use a condenser cleaning brush or a commercial condenser cleaning kit. Ensure that you power off the outdoor unit and disassemble it to access the dirty condenser coils for cleaning.

Conclusion

If your Samsung refrigerator is making sounds like an owl, it is important to identify the specific cause. Check for dripping water, ice build-up, a dirty condenser, ice maker jams, lack of clearance, faulty evaporator fans, or a malfunctioning defrost system.

Addressing these issues will help resolve the owl-like noises and ensure proper refrigerator functioning.