Your freezer is almost always making noise, but most of the time it just fades into the ambient sound in your kitchen. The constant hum of the unit becomes something you get used to hearing so much that you don’t even notice it. That’s why it can be so jarring when your freezer is making a loud buzzing noise. Not only can this be annoying, but also it might worry you because there’s a possibility the sound is a sign of something wrong. Although not every unusual noise it makes means there’s trouble brewing, it’s always good to know what is could mean when your freezer is buzzing loudly or otherwise making strange sounds.
My Freezer is Making a Buzzing Noise — What Could It Mean?
Although many people would describe a strange sound coming from their freezer as “buzzing,” this could mean one of a few different noises. These include a high-pitched whirring, a vibrating noise, or a kind of pulsating sound. Although there are many different types of freezers, they all share some commonalities in terms of how they work. This means the solution to a chest freezer making a buzzing noise may be the same as a deep freezer making a buzzing noise.
There are a number of reasons why your freezer is making a buzzing noise. Fortunately, many of these can be resolved with some simple maintenance. For example, the unit’s evaporator fan motor may need to be lubricated. The unit itself may be unbalanced, or there could be a problem with the evaporator fan’s blades. Read on to learn more about how you can prevent an upright freezer from making a loud buzzing noise or take care of strange noises from other types of freezers.
Common Troubleshooting Tips for Noisy Freezers
If you have a chest freezer making a loud buzzing noise, you might be wondering if you’ll need to call a repair professional. Although in some cases it’s best to contact a qualified technician to achieve the best results, other times you might be able to make a small adjustment to take care of the problem. Here are some tips you can try:
- Clean your condenser coils — Over time, a lot of dust and dirt can build up on the coils of your freezer’s condenser unit. This can have a negative impact on the necessary airflow, which means your freezer has to work harder to maintain the right temperature setting. As a result, you might start to hear buzzing or whining that indicates an overworked unit. You can solve this issue relatively easily by using a soft brush or the hose of your vacuum cleaner to remove anything that might have settled on the coils.
- Lubricate your evaporator fan motor — The evaporator fan motor in your freezer is an important element because it circulates air for cooling. If the lubrication begins to break down, it can cause the motor to create excessive noise. Because accessing the motor may involve disassembling part of your freezer, it’s recommended that you have a professional handle any maintenance.
- Make sure your freezer is level — If your freezer is unbalanced, there’s a possibility that the motor or other components may have shifted. If these elements come into contact with the walls of the freezer or other parts, they can cause excess vibrations and noise. Make sure your unit is level with the floor and adjust the feet if needed.
Your freezer making buzzing sounds doesn’t always indicate a problem, but it’s best to have them checked out regardless. Iron Mountain Refrigeration & Equipment has a wide range of freezer parts to help you keep yours in good working order as well as new freezers if you need a replacement. Get in touch with us today to learn how we can help you solve common freezer problems.