Why Is My Freezer Making a Loud Humming Noise? [Solved!]

When your freezer starts producing an excessively loud humming noise, it’s natural to wonder why this is happening.

Typically, a freezer emits a low hum or buzz while the compressor is running and the ice maker is filling up with water. However, when the noise becomes overwhelmingly loud, there are several potential reasons behind it.

A loud humming noise in your freezer can be attributed to various issues, such as a faulty evaporator fan blade, clogged condenser coils, a malfunctioning compressor, or a dry ice maker. Additionally, it could be caused by a problematic water inlet valve, blocked air vents, high water pressure in your home, or a faulty evaporator fan motor.

In total, there are at least eight factors to consider when your freezer is generating an unusual and loud buzzing sound.

Nevertheless, it’s crucial to note that identifying the source of the problem is only part of the solution. Equally important is knowing how to rectify it, and that’s where this troubleshooting guide becomes invaluable.

In this article, I will not only discuss the eight potential causes of a loud humming noise in your freezer but also provide quick fixes for each of them.

8 Possible Causes of a Loud Humming Freezer

Probable Cause Of The Loud Humming	Quick Fix
Defective evaporator fan blade	Replace the old or damaged evaporator fan blade and remove ice obstruction
Clogged condenser coils	Brush off the dirt from the condenser coils or use a soft brush and vacuum
Faulty compressor	Brush off or vacuum the dirty compressor and consider replacement if faulty
Dry icemaker	Switch off the icemaker, connect the water line, and switch it back on
Malfunctioning water inlet valve	Replace the malfunctioning water inlet valve
Stuffy air vents	Rearrange items to avoid blocking the air vents
High home water pressure	Lower the home water pressure to normalize ice dispenser performance
Faulty evaporator fan motor	Replace the defective evaporator fan motor

Troubleshooting a Loud Humming Noise in Your Freezer

When your freezer starts emitting a loud humming noise instead of the usual low hum or buzz, it can be concerning. Let’s explore the potential causes and provide solutions for each:

Defective Evaporator Fan Blade: 

If the evaporator fan blade is damaged or obstructed by ice, it can lead to a loud humming noise.

Solution: Melt any ice around the evaporator fan blade using a hairdryer. If the blade is damaged, replace it with a compatible replacement.

Clogged Condenser Coils

Dirt and debris can clog the condenser coils, obstructing airflow and causing a louder humming noise.

Solution: Clean the condenser coils using a soft brush or vacuum to remove any dirt buildup. If the coils are inaccessible, seek professional assistance.

Dirty or Faulty Compressor

A dirty or faulty compressor can result in a loud buzzing noise. Lack of lubrication or mechanical issues may be the cause.

Solution: Clean the compressor with a soft brush or vacuum. If the compressor is faulty, professional repair or replacement may be necessary.

Dry Icemaker 

If the icemaker is switched on without being connected to a water supply, it can create a loud humming sound.

Solution: Switch off the icemaker, connect it to the water supply, and then switch it back on.

Malfunctioning Water Inlet Valve

A malfunctioning water inlet valve can cause a loud buzzing noise in the freezer.

Solution: Replace the faulty water inlet valve with a compatible replacement.

Stuffy Air Vents

Blocked air vents can disrupt airflow and result in a humming noise.

Solution: Organize items in the freezer to ensure proper airflow and prevent obstruction of air vents.

High Home Water Pressure

Excessive water pressure during the filling of the icemaker can generate a loud humming sound.

Solution: Adjust the water pressure to a comfortable level to reduce the noise. If the noise persists, seek professional assistance.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor

A faulty evaporator fan motor can lead to increased noise when the freezer door is opened.

Solution: Test the evaporator fan motor with a multimeter. If it lacks continuity, replace the motor with a compatible replacement.

Troubleshooting a Loud Humming Noise in Your Freezer

When your freezer starts emitting a loud humming noise instead of the usual low hum or buzz, it can be concerning. Let’s explore the potential causes and provide solutions for each:

Defective Evaporator Fan Blade: If the evaporator fan blade is damaged or obstructed by ice, it can lead to a loud humming noise.

Solution: Melt any ice around the evaporator fan blade using a hairdryer. If the blade is damaged, replace it with a compatible replacement.

Clogged Condenser Coils: Dirt and debris can clog the condenser coils, obstructing airflow and causing a louder humming noise.

Solution: Clean the condenser coils using a soft brush or vacuum to remove any dirt buildup. If the coils are inaccessible, seek professional assistance.

Dirty or Faulty Compressor: A dirty or faulty compressor can result in a loud buzzing noise. Lack of lubrication or mechanical issues may be the cause.

Solution: Clean the compressor with a soft brush or vacuum. If the compressor is faulty, professional repair or replacement may be necessary.

Dry Icemaker: If the icemaker is switched on without being connected to a water supply, it can create a loud humming sound.

Solution: Switch off the icemaker, connect it to the water supply, and then switch it back on.

Malfunctioning Water Inlet Valve: A malfunctioning water inlet valve can cause a loud buzzing noise in the freezer.

Solution: Replace the faulty water inlet valve with a compatible replacement.

Stuffy Air Vents: Blocked air vents can disrupt airflow and result in a humming noise.

Solution: Organize items in the freezer to ensure proper airflow and prevent obstruction of air vents.

High Home Water Pressure: Excessive water pressure during the filling of the icemaker can generate a loud humming sound.

Solution: Adjust the water pressure to a comfortable level to reduce the noise. If the noise persists, seek professional assistance.

Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor: A faulty evaporator fan motor can lead to increased noise when the freezer door is opened.

Solution: Test the evaporator fan motor with a multimeter. If it lacks continuity, replace the motor with a compatible replacement.

Loud Humming Noise in Different Freezer Models

GE Freezer Making Loud Humming Noise 

When your GE freezer fills up with water for the icemaker, it is normal to hear a low-volume humming sound. However, if the noise becomes too loud, it may indicate a faulty evaporator fan motor, motor blade, or compressor. In such cases, it is recommended to replace the defective component.

Samsung Freezer Making Loud Humming Noise 

While it is typical for a Samsung freezer to produce a low humming sound during compressor operation and ice maker filling, a louder noise should be a cause for concern. This could be due to blockage in the air vents caused by over-stacking supplies, high water pressure in your home, or failure to switch on the water supply when the ice maker is operating.

Frigidaire Freezer Making Loud Humming Noise 

Frigidaire freezers may generate loud humming noises when there is a failure in the compressor or fan motor, or when there is an obstruction on the fan blades. If there is an ice obstruction, it can be melted or manually removed. However, if the noise is due to a component failure, the faulty component should be replaced.

People Also Ask

How Do I Stop My Freezer from Humming? 

To stop your freezer from humming, you can follow these steps:

• Avoid overstocking supplies.
• Clear any ice obstructions around the fan blade.
• Replace faulty fan motors and blades.
• Always connect the water supply before powering on the icemaker.
• Keep the freezer clean.

Why Is My New Fridge Freezer Making a Loud Humming Noise? 

If your new fridge freezer is making a loud humming noise, it could be due to a faulty or worn-out component such as the compressor, fan motor, fan blade, condenser coil, or water inlet valve. It is recommended to check these components for any issues or obstructions.

Conclusion

A loud humming noise in your freezer can be attributed to a faulty, old, or clogged component. It is important to check and potentially replace the affected part. Additionally, ensure the water supply is connected and switched on before operating the icemaker.