Ge Refrigerator: making noise

Possible Causes

Evaporator or condenser fan motor issues (worn bearings, obstruction)

How to Identify: Noise like buzzing, humming, or scraping from freezer interior (evaporator or from back/underside of unit (condenser; fan blades not spinning freely when manually tested.

Part: Evaporator fan or condenser fan motor

Water inlet valve vibration during ice maker fill

How to Identify: Loud buzzing correlated with ice maker fill cycle; occurs in bursts for ~30–60s.

Part: Water inlet valve

Ice buildup around evaporator fan

How to Identify: Grinding or scraping noise; audible near freezer interior; ice visible around fan blades.

Part: Evaporator fan area

Compressor issues

How to Identify: Loud humming, clicking, or intermittent running; fridge cooling issues; noise persists after other checks.

Part: Compressor and start relay

DIY Solutions

Clean condenser coils

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: vacuum with brush attachment, coil brush

1. Unplug refrigerator.
2. Locate condenser coils (rear or underneath grille).
3. Use brush and vacuum to remove dust and debris.
4. Plug refrigerator back in and monitor noise level.

⚠️ Safety First: Disconnect power before cleaning.

Inspect and clean fan blades

Moderate 30-60 minutes

Tools Needed: screwdriver, vacuum or brush

1. Unplug refrigerator.
2. Remove interior back panel (freezer) to access evaporator fan.
3. Check if fan blades spin freely and remove any debris.
4. Remove back lower panel for condenser fan; check blades and clean them.
5. Reassemble panels and restore power.

⚠️ Safety First: Unplug before accessing fans.

Level refrigerator

Easy 10 minutes

Tools Needed: spirit level, wrench or pliers

1. Place level on top of fridge.
2. Adjust front feet until unit is level.
3. Check again and test for reduced noise.

Check water inlet valve and water pressure

Easy 10-20 minutes

Tools Needed: none

1. Listen during ice maker fill cycle.
2. Ensure water supply line pressure is adequate.
3. Turn off ice maker to confirm noise correlation.

Professional Repairs

Replace evaporator or condenser fan motor/blade

Estimated Cost: $80 - $250

Compressor or start relay replacement

Estimated Cost: $400 - $800

When to Call a Professional

Noise persists after DIY fan and coil cleaning

Loud compressor-related humming or clicking

Refrigerator not cooling properly

Ice buildup indicative of defrost system failure

Preventive Maintenance

• Clean condenser coils: Reduced compressor strain and noise
  Frequency: biannually
• Check fan blades for debris: Fan noise and premature motor wear
  Frequency: quarterly
• Ensure refrigerator is leveled: Vibration noise
  Frequency: as needed when moved

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my GE Refrigerator making noise?

Common causes include evaporator or condenser fan motor issues, water inlet valve vibration, ice buildup, or rarely, compressor issues.

How do I fix GE Refrigerator making noise myself?

You can clean the condenser coils, inspect fan blades, level the refrigerator, or check the water inlet valve and pressure.

How much does it cost to fix making noise?

Professional repairs can range from $80 to $250 for fan motor replacement and $400 to $800 for compressor issues.

When should I call a technician for making noise?

If the noise persists despite DIY efforts or if you suspect a compressor issue, it's best to consult a professional.

References & Sources

• Why Is My Refrigerator Making Noise? Official
• Refrigerator - Unusual Noises - GE Appliances Official

Can I Fix This Myself?

33%

DIY Success Rate Difficulty: Either

Common Issues Reported by Users

• Vibrating glass containers (1 mentions)
• High pitched ringing noise (1 mentions)
• Intermittently loud noise (1 mentions)

User Suggested Solutions

1. Consider vacuuming coils, checking fans, or replacing the refrigerator.

   Success rate: 33.0%

Community Discussions

Intermittently making somewhat loud noise

Consider vacuuming coils, checking fans, or replacing the refrigerator.

DIY View on Reddit →

Source: Reddit r/appliancerepair