Amana Refrigerator: excessive noise

Professional Repair Guide

What is this symptom?

Is your Amana refrigerator making excessive noises like buzzing, rattling, or grinding? These unusual sounds can indicate issues with the evaporator or condenser fans, or even improper leveling. Understanding the source of the noise is crucial for effective resolution and maintaining optimal performance.

Urgency: Medium

Important Tips for Amana Models

  • Amana official troubleshooting lists normal vs abnormal noises and suggests specific noise types (popping, gurgling) with causes

Possible Causes

Faulty or obstructed evaporator fan (freezer fan)

How to Identify: Loud buzzing or rattling from inside freezer compartment; noise stops when freezer door is opened

Part: Evaporator fan motor/blade

Dirty or faulty condenser fan

How to Identify: Buzzing or rattling from bottom/rear of fridge; debris visible around blades; noise increases when compressor runs

Part: Condenser fan motor/blade

Refrigerator not level causing vibration

How to Identify: Vibrating or drumming noises; noise changes when touching or stabilizing fridge; visible uneven stance

Part: Overall unit placement/legs

Loose internal panels/components or debris

How to Identify: Rattling or knocking noises that vary with fridge contents or movement; tapping panels reduces sound

Part: Loose screws/panels, internal fittings

Compressor issues

How to Identify: Loud constant humming or knocking from rear bottom; cleaning condenser/coils doesn’t reduce noise

Part: Compressor assembly

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser and evaporator fans

Moderate 30–60 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver, vacuum or soft brush
  1. Unplug refrigerator and move away from wall
  2. Remove access panels to condenser and evaporator fans
  3. Vacuum dirt/debris from fan blades and coils
  4. Spin blades manually to confirm free movement
  5. Reassemble panels and restore power
⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before work

Level the refrigerator

Easy 10–15 minutes
Tools Needed: level, adjustable wrench
  1. Place level on top of fridge
  2. Adjust front legs until level
  3. Ensure fridge stable on floor without rocking
⚠️ Safety First: Ensure fridge stable before use

Tighten loose panels and remove obstructions

Easy 10–20 minutes
Tools Needed: screwdriver
  1. Unplug fridge
  2. Check access panels and interior fixtures for loose screws
  3. Tighten screws and remove any debris
  4. Replace panels and power on to test
⚠️ Safety First: Handle internal parts carefully

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator fan or motor

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 (parts) plus labor

Replace condenser fan motor or blade

Estimated Cost: $50 - $150 (parts) plus labor

Compressor inspection/repair

Estimated Cost: $200 - $600+

When to Call a Professional

Evaporator or condenser fan motors are defective
Compressor makes loud continuous noise
Noise persists after cleaning and basic fixes

Preventive Maintenance

  • Clean condenser coils and fans: Debris buildup causing noise and cooling inefficiency
    Frequency: every 6 months
  • Check and level refrigerator: Vibration and rattling noises
    Frequency: after relocation or annually

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my Amana Refrigerator excessive noise?
Common causes include a faulty evaporator fan, dirty condenser fan, or an unlevel fridge.
How do I fix Amana Refrigerator excessive noise myself?
You can clean the fans, level the fridge, and tighten loose panels to reduce noise.
How much does it cost to fix excessive noise?
Professional repair costs range from $50 to $600+, depending on the issue.
When should I call a technician for excessive noise?
If noise persists after DIY fixes or if you suspect compressor issues, contact a professional.

References & Sources

Community Analytical Insights

Analysis based on real user discussions from appliance repair communities

Can I Fix This Myself?

50%
DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

  • Compressor noise due to normal operation
  • Faulty evaporator fan motor causing rattling or grinding sounds
  • Loose or damaged condenser fan blades creating a loud whirring noise

User Suggested Solutions

  1. Check the compressor operation. If the noise is normal, no action is needed. If it seems excessive, consider replacing the compressor.

  2. Inspect the evaporator fan motor for any obstructions or damage. Clean or replace the fan motor if necessary.

  3. Examine the condenser fan blades for looseness or damage. Tighten or replace the blades as needed.

Analysis based on 1 community discussions
View Sources

Data compiled from real discussions on r/appliancerepair and r/Appliances:

  1. My loud whirlpool refrigerator.

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