Nothing is more irritating than a loud refrigerator.
While most mini-fridges are low-cost items, making them a great option to keep milk, soft drinks, chocolate, and other small-sized perishables, they make a buzzing noise.
And since noise is a significant concern for many people, it is good to understand what your mini-fridge is telling you.
So, Why Are Mini Fridges So Loud?
If your mini-fridge is rattling or buzzing, don’t worry – unfamiliar sounds from a mini-fridge do not necessarily indicate there is a problem. Compressor, condenser fan, and defrost timer are to be blamed for the loud noise produced by mini-fridges. The condenser fan circulates air through the condenser coil and over the drain pan to eliminate heat and evaporate the defrost water. These three components run at the same time and are responsible for the loud and scolding noise from fridges.
Whether you have a new or old mini-fridge, it will inevitably distract you with some cracking noise.
Although sizzling is considered normal, you need to differentiate it from sounds that signify potentially serious problems.
In this article, you will learn more about the scary noise produced by mini-fridges, dealing with them, and other relevant information. Let’s get to work.
Is It Normal For A Mini-Fridge To Make Noise?
If you own a mini-fridge, you might have noticed that it brings some bizarre noise to your space.
While there are totally silent fridges or close to completely silent, the normal operation of a mini-fridge will cause some sound.
Most units will undoubtedly make some noise when running; therefore, it is a no-brainer to conclude that it is normal for refrigerators to buzz.
The worst about buzzing is that however subtle, it is likely to distract you and might be annoying if you need silence to nod off.
How Loud Are Mini-fridges?
Different mini-fridges make different levels of noise.
The difference in decibel levels depends immensely on the technology behind the fridge.
Basically, compressor mini-fridges tend to make loud noise compared to their absorption counterparts.
The fan on the back of your fridge is to be blamed for the humming sound you hear.
Although noise from the mini-fridges is faintly audible, some make a lot of noise.
For this reason, it is not recommended to place small fridges in your bedroom, especially if you’re a light sleeper.
Because of their close to total silent operation, absorption fridges are a perfect option if you want a refrigerator that will be placed near the bedside, under desks, or in a meeting room.
Does Mini-fridge Noise Come From The Back, Bottom, Or Inside The Fridge?
Noise can come pretty from any side of your mini-fridge, depending on what is causing the issue.
Rattling noise from the bottom of your mini-fridge might be due to the drain pan. Fortunately, this is easy to fix – you need to secure it back to place.
The most common mini-fridge noise is from the back where the compressor, condenser fan, and defrost timer are installed.
If the annoying noise is coming from the back of your refrigerator, you will need to determine what is causing the noise to fix it quickly.
A faulty defrost timer or compressor may need to be replaced, but if a condenser fan causes the noise, all you need is cleaning debris accumulated between fan blades.
If the noise seems to be coming from inside your mini-fridge, the chances are that the fan circulating air through the freezer and fridge sections is faulty. Although this happens rarely, the noise can be significantly louder, and the only solution is replacing the fan.
Several issues can make your mini-fridge noisy, some are easy to diagnose and fix, while others like problems associated with compressor need to be done by professionals.
Related: Should You Put Cardboard Underneath A Mini Fridge?
Seven Reasons Why Your Mini-fridge Is Noisy And How To Fix The Problems
Since your mini-fridge needs to operate throughout, the noise coming from it is endless until you opt to turn it off.
Faintly audible buzzing may not distract you significantly, but a constant loud noise can be scary and annoying.
Whether the noise is subtle or deafening, you will want to fix it to restore peace and silence in your space.
If your mini-fridge is too loud, the only way to restore peace is to fix the problem.
Here are various noises your mini-fridge can produce and the concern they attention they need.
1. Hissing, dripping, and water dribbling noises
This noise is produced when the oil or refrigerant inside the compressor is flowing. Fortunately, this is a typical sound you should not worry about.
2. Sizzling and gurgling noise
Again, there is no need to worry because this noise is heard when the ice melts and the water drops onto the draining pan.
3. Buzzing with some clicking noises
This sound is produced when the valve opens to allow water to enter the ice maker, which is a normal thing in your mini-fridge. Since it is a normal process, you can opt to ignore it or turn off the ice maker if you don’t need ice.
4. Clatter, cracking, creaking, and grinding noise
Your mini-fridge will make a clattering noise from time to time as ice cubes fall into their storage to cool its contents. The noise can be louder when the ice cubes are being pushed through the mould.
5. Popping noise
Heard when there are temperature fluctuations as the inside walls expand or contract, these popping noises do not signify any problem.
6. Rattling and Bagging noises
This is one of the scariest noises. If your mini-fridge is rattling, check if there are items placed on its top and if none, it is time to call a repair professional.
7. Vibrations
If your fridge is not levelled, it may vibrate continuously. All you need to fix this is adjusting the legs so that the mini-fridge stands solidly.
Here Are Some Additional Things To Keep In Mind
It is usual for mini-fridges to make noise, but no one likes sleeping in a noisy environment.
To get peace and enhance silence, you need to proactively employ ways to reduce the noise.
Fixing a noisy mini-fridge starts with identifying the cause of the noise, then addressing the specific problem.
You will need to carefully listen to your refrigerator to know where the sound is coming from.
The process of identifying the cause of noise in a fridge can be daunting because there are various noises coming from a noisy mini-fridge.
For this reason, it is advisable to pay more attention to new and scary noises or those that are not normal. The sound your mini-fridge is making determines if the noise is normal.
One way to reduce noise from your mini-fridge is by placing it on a rubber mat and ensuring its legs are even.
Rubber mats absorb vibrations and overall noise produced by the unit. When buying a mat, make sure it is enough for your cooler.
You can pair anti-vibration pads with a mat to optimally reduce vibrations.
According to many mini-fridges owners, mini-fridge noise is associated with compressors and fans.
If you have a similar issue, the only surest way to reduce noise coming from your mini-fridge is having the elements replaced.
If the compressor is the primary cause of the noise, you may consider buying a new mini-fridge.
This is because the cost of replacing a compressor is hefty and requires professionals.
When checking for causes of noise coming from your mini-fridge, keep in mind that the unit can be so loud without any problem. Don’t forget to perform maintenances like fixing loose handles and doors regularly.
Four Mini Fridge Noise Mitigation Methods
Soundproofing your noisy mini-fridge can be a great way to enhance peace and bring quietness to your room. Some of the ways to soundproof your mini-fridge include:
1. Placing noisy mini-fridge inside an alcove
Getting a new spot for your mini-fridge can be a great way to alleviate noise from your manufactured bedrooms.
You may consider including panels to absorb the unwanted sound and to dampen any vibrations from your mini-fridge.
2. Building a dedicated wooden case for your mini-fridge
This is simply creating an artificial alcove.
When making a wooden case, remember to allow enough space around the unit’s parameter for it to operate and ventilate naturally.
3. Soundproofing the inside of your mini-fridge
If the above methods seem not to reduce the noise, you can soundproof your unit’s interior using a mass loaded vinyl.
As a strong insulant, it can stop the sound from coming out of your mini-fridge. Another trick is covering the motor to ensure the chances of noise escaping are limited.
4. Consult With A Professional
If your mini-fridge is making any strange noise, which is not among the usual sounds, you should have it checked by a professional.
Since the compressor is the most blamed element for loud noise from mini-fridge, make sure to pay special attention to the back of your fridge when inspecting for the cause of the noise.
Conclusion
It is normal for mini-fridges to make noise.
Although most noises from small coolers are normal, it is good to understand the bizarre noises that cause concern.
Fortunately, there is a solution for every problem making your mini-fridge noisy.
