LG Refrigerator Noises and What They Mean

When it comes to home appliances, LG has established itself as a trusted brand known for its innovation and quality. However, even the best appliances can sometimes present issues, and one common concern is LG Refrigerator Noise. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll delve into the causes, providing insights on how to diagnose, troubleshoot, and prevent unwanted sounds emanating from your LG refrigerator.

Understanding LG Refrigerator Noise and What They Mean

Like any other, LG refrigerators can make a range of sounds, some of which are perfectly normal, while others might signify a problem. Understanding these sounds is the first step to addressing your concerns.

Rattling Noises

At times, the fridge may make loud or odd noises while operating. These noises are uncommon for a refrigerator and are typically the result of faulty installation. Each refrigerator ought to be positioned level and steady on a firm surface, free from any contact with the wall or nearby objects.

 If you hear any rattling sounds, make sure all of the inside equipment is in place. If not, the bottles, cans, or other containers may be rattling because they are touching one another.

Humming Noises

If you’ve noticed your LG refrigerator humming or making unusual noises, don’t worry; you’re not alone. These sounds are typically the result of various components working together to keep your food fresh and cool. The important thing is to identify whether the noise is a sign of a problem or just part of your fridge’s regular operation.

For example, the LG refrigerator humming sound is often a benign background noise that signals the compressor is running efficiently to maintain the desired temperature. On the other hand, if you hear irregular or excessively loud noises, it’s crucial to investigate further.

Snapping, Crackling, and Popping

Cracking sounds are produced by the refrigerator’s plastic components contracting and expanding in response to changes in temperature. This is more prevalent in new fridges as they adjust to their new homes’ temperature and humidity settings and typically occurs during the defrost cycle. All fridge usually makes this sound, which eventually goes away.

This sound should be as loud as when you put chunks of ice in a warm beverage or make Rice Krispies. (Because it is larger, the fridge will make a slightly louder sound, but it will still be quiet and unnoticeable.)

Nonetheless, contact a professional if the popping, cracking, or snapping is too loud.

Squealing /Bird Chirping Noises

Your refrigerator should not make the sound of a trapped bird or tiny critter. A faulty evaporator fan might cause noises coming from your refrigerator, such as screeching or chirping.

According to experts, if the fridge’s fan malfunctions, the freezer will not effectively cool.

Remove the freezer’s contents and look at the interior panel in the rear of the freezer to access the evaporator fan. To open it, a Phillips screwdriver is required. Spin the blade to check if it moves smoothly. Inspect cables, all parts, and grommets for evidence of deterioration.

Changing the fan blade if it is stuck or if there’s evidence of rust or damage on the cables or connectors could be required.

Normal LG Refrigerator Noise

Hissing Noises

Chilled air circulates through the evaporator located inside the refrigerator, causing frost to accumulate around it. Periodically, a defrosting procedure is initiated to eliminate this built-up ice. During defrosting, when water from the evaporator comes into contact with the heater beneath it, it rapidly vaporizes, producing an audible noise.

The heater is activated at regular intervals to defrost the refrigerator’s interior. This leads to a temporary increase in the internal temperature, a process known as defrosting. Consequently, you may hear the sound of water dripping as the ice melts due to the heat.

Additionally, water might fall onto the heater, generating a noise that resembles the sizzling sound of water touching a hot surface, but rest assured, this is not indicative of a product defect.

Hissing/Gurgling Noises

Is there a hissing or gurgling sound?

➔ These noises are entirely normal and result from the flow of oil and refrigerant while the refrigerator’s compressor is in operation. To prevent overheating in various appliances, including refrigerators, the use of refrigerants is essential to lower temperatures. Since these refrigerants are in a liquid state, they can produce hissing and gurgling sounds, much like water flowing down a drain.

Cracking, Clicking Noises

Does it produce cracking, clicking, or water-dripping sounds?

➔ These sounds, such as cracking, clicking, and water dripping, are typical noises originating from plastic components like shelves as they expand or contract in response to temperature fluctuations within the refrigerator. The refrigerator experiences thermal contraction and expansion due to temperature changes, resulting in these audible disturbances. This phenomenon is akin to the cracking sound produced when ice melts.

• Top 10 quietest refrigerators
• Top 13 quietest mini fridge for bedroom, dorm room and man cave
• Refrigerator noise level comparison

Hissing Noises

Do you hear a hissing sound immediately after rapidly opening and closing the door? → When you swiftly open and close the refrigerator door, warm air from the surrounding environment enters the fridge and undergoes cooling, causing a temporary drop in pressure inside the refrigerator. During this period, the release of air at the rear of the refrigerator can result in a hissing noise. The convergence of warm outside air with the cold air inside the fridge creates a pressure differential, emitting air through a vent at the appliance’s rear, hence the hissing sound.

Rattling/Thumping/Humming

Does it produce rattling, thumping, or humming sounds?

➔ Rattling, thumping, and humming noises are typically associated with the operation of the cooling motor (compressor) or the fan when the refrigerator resumes functioning after a pause. As the refrigerator’s interior temperature stabilizes, these noises gradually diminish.

This is analogous to the initial loud noise and significant vibration experienced when starting a vehicle, which decreases as the engine warms up. Additionally, you may hear humming, buzzing, or whizzing noises during refrigeration as cold air is generated.

How to Fix an LG Refrigerator Making Noise

Level the LG Refrigerator

Unbalanced legs are among the most typical causes of refrigerator noise. Loud noises can be dampened by modifying the refrigerator’s base along with applying soundproofing solutions. Less vibration will be felt throughout the kitchen if the refrigerator bottom surfaces are raised off the floor. To reduce noise, you can also place a pad underneath your refrigerator.

Use Evaporator Fan Motor Grommet

The purpose of the evaporator fan motor grommet is to isolate the motor from the mounting bracket and mitigate vibration-induced noise. Over time, regular wear and tear can lead to the grommets wearing down or becoming dislodged, resulting in increased vibration and excessive noise.

Here’s how to examine the grommets of your refrigerator’s evaporator fan motor:

• Disconnect the refrigerator from the power source.
• Locate the evaporator fan cover, typically situated inside the freezer compartment.
• Inspect the grommet to determine if it has fallen off or displays any indications of wear or damage.
• If any of the aforementioned conditions are true, acquiring a replacement evaporator fan motor grommet is advisable.

Soundproof Behind the Refrigerator

The main challenge in making a refrigerator compressor quieter is the limitation of covering the rear of the refrigerator, as it houses compression coils necessary for heat dissipation. Covering them would risk overheating the fridge and damaging the compressor. Therefore, a more creative approach is needed.

Rather than soundproofing the back of the fridge, you can attach soundproofing materials to the wall behind it. This can be effective if the gap between the fridge and the wall isn’t too large. To address the sound issue, it’s recommended to use a combination of sound-blocking and acoustic treatment solutions to prevent sound from escaping into the wall and the surrounding area.

Since most of the noise from the compressor is airborne, products like acoustic foam panels or Rockwool acoustic cavity wall insulation can help trap sound waves and prevent them from bouncing off the wall. Adding a mass-loaded vinyl sheet to the wall will also stop impact noises. Here’s a summary of the steps:

• Measure and cut a piece of MDF or wood to the same size as your refrigerator, with a few extra inches on every side.
• Attach a mass-loaded vinyl sheet to the wood using nails or glue, and seal the edges with acoustic sealant.
• Cover this with a layer of acoustic foam, not blocking the foam’s structure with excessive glue.
• Attach this soundproofing board to the wall behind your fridge and push the refrigerator back into place.

While some noise might still escape from behind the fridge, the soundproofing board should make a noticeable difference, especially when you’re in other rooms in your house. Ideally, any audible sounds should only be noticeable when you’re very close to the fridge.

Final thoughts

In conclusion, understanding and addressing LG Refrigerator Noise is essential for maintaining a peaceful and functional kitchen environment.

Remember that LG refrigerators are known for their efforts in reducing noise, making them a popular choice for households. By following the tips and advice in this guide, you can enjoy a quieter and more efficient kitchen while preserving the quality of your LG appliance.

Now, it’s your turn to take action and restore quietness to your kitchen by addressing any LG refrigerator noise concerns you may have.