Samsung Refrigerator Fan Noise Fix (7 Issues Fixed!)

The refrigerator fan is probably the easiest component to diagnose, as you can tell it’s faulty from its noise. This Samsung refrigerator fan noise fix will help you silence your Samsung refrigerator fan when it starts becoming noisy.

You can fix a noisy Samsung refrigerator fan by leveling the refrigerator, clearing obstructions, creating enough clearance, cleaning the condenser unit, defrosting the evaporator unit, and replacing a faulty fan motor or damaged blade.

That means you must first identify the likely cause of the fault to develop an applicable fix. On that note, I’ll discuss all seven issues and their applicable fixes.

I’ll also discuss other refrigerator fan noise-related issues and their troubleshooting. Let’s jump in!

In a rush? Below is a quick guide to fixing a noisy Samsung refrigerator fix:

Quick Troubleshooting Guide for The Samsung Refrigerator Fan Noise Fix

–	Likely Cause	Quick Fix
1.	Unleveled Unit	Level the refrigerator
2.	Obstructed Fan	Clear any obstructions around the fan.
3.	Insufficient Clearance	Create a 2-inch clearance around the refrigerator.
4.	Filthy Condenser Unit	Clean the condenser unit, more so the condenser coils.
5.	Ice Buildup	Defrost the refrigerator to de-thaw the evaporator fan.
6.	Faulty Fan Motor	Replace the fan motor.
7.	Damaged Fan Blade	Replace the condenser fan blade.

Why Is My Samsung Refrigerator Fan Making Noise?

Consider these seven issues if your Samsung refrigerator fan won’t stop making noise:

1. Unleveled Unit

If your refrigerator is out of balance, the fan will likely struggle to spin smoothly. If so, the fan will make some noise when trying to turn.

2. Obstructed Fan

If the fan catches something, it’ll interfere with its rotation. In that case, the fan will struggle to rotate and may make some noise to indicate that.

That is likely to happen if the fan makes a noise when you close the door and stops when you open it.

3. Insufficient Clearance

Ideally, your refrigerator needs at least 2 inches around it and at the top to breathe. That allows the fan to circulate air properly. If the refrigerator is too close to the walls and the ceiling, there’s the chance the fan will struggle and may make a whistling or blowing sound to air its struggle.

4. Filthy Condenser Unit

The condenser unit, more so the condenser coils, vents, and fan, needs regular cleaning to remove the accumulating dust. It’s advisable to do it once a month.

If you don’t, the chances are that the dust will become excessive and affect the performance of the whole condenser unit. In such a case, the condenser fan will struggle to turn and may make some noise.

5. Ice Buildup

Over time, ice accumulates around the evaporator fan. However, this ice should be naturally removed as the refrigerator goes through the defrost cycle. If so, you wouldn’t have to worry about the ice obstruction.

Some issues, however, may hasten the accumulation of the ice mass, such as leaving wet foods uncovered, water accumulation in the pantry drawer, and clogged vents. If that’s the case, the growing ice mass will obstruct the fan, causing it to make an annoying ice-grinding sound.

6. Faulty Fan Motor

If the fan motor is defective (either of the condenser or the evaporator), you can expect the fan to make some noise as it’ll struggle to turn. You can tell if that’s the case by testing the motor contacts with a multimeter/voltmeter.

Once you get the readings, compare them with what’s in your manual to tell if they are correct, and if they aren’t, then you have a defective fan motor.

7. Damaged Fan Blade

Lastly, your refrigerator fan might be noisy because the fan blade is damaged. That is something you can tell by observation.

How Do You Fix a Noisy Samsung Refrigerator Fan?

Once you know what to check when your Samsung refrigerator fan is noisy, it’s easy to fix it. Since we’ve gone through the first part, here are vital steps to repairing your noisy Samsung refrigerator fan:

Step 1 – Level the refrigerator

Ensure your refrigerator is not out of balance. If it is, steady it. It may mean changing its location to a more even place, adjusting the feet, or tightening them if they are loose.

Step 2 – Un-obstruct the fan

Examine the fan for any obstruction and remove it. That’ll ensure the fan has enough room to turn smoothly.

Step 3 – Create enough clearance around the refrigerator

There should be at least 20 inches around the fridge and at the top. So, ensure that’s the case to avoid overworking the fan, which could result in unnecessary noise.

Step 4 – Clean the condenser unit

It’s imperative to clean the condenser unit, more so the coils, vents, and fan, at least once a month. You can do this with a condenser cleaning brush, but you must first unplug the unit to prevent electrocution. You also must take down the condenser panel to access the condenser unit.

Step 5 – Defrost the evaporator fan unit

If there’s an ice mass around the evaporator fan unit, which the fan could be rubbing against, you must defrost the unit. The easiest way to do that is to:

Empty the refrigerator and unplug it
Wait for at least 24 hours to plug it back in and turn it on
Wait for at least two additional hours before putting food back in

Step 6 – Replace the fan motor

If the evaporator or condenser fan has an issue, which, as I mentioned, you can check using a voltmeter or multimeter, replace it. You can also tell if the fan won’t smoothly turn if you try turning it by hand.

Step 7 – Replace a damaged fan blade

The fan motor might be okay but not the fan blade. If so, you should replace the fan blade.

However, if the fan blade and motor are faulty, you may consider replacing the entire fan motor assembly. Check out your ideal Samsung refrigerator fan replacement on Amazon.

Why is my fridge freezer fan making a loud noise

More On Samsung Refrigerator Repair Fan Noise – Fix

Samsung Refrigerator Fan Noise Ice Buildup

During an ice buildup, your Samsung refrigerator fan will likely rub against the ice mass and produce a grinding noise. In such a case, you’ve to address the issue behind the ice buildup or the defrosting problem and defrost the ice after that.

The ice buildup could be due to loading into the fridge uncovered food, water accumulation in the lower pantry tray, or a clogged bottom drain.

And when it comes to defrosting the ice, you should unplug the refrigerator and expose the evaporator fan before leaving it unplugged for 24 hours for it to defrost manually.

Samsung Refrigerator Freezer Fan Noise

If your Samsung refrigerator freezer fan is making noise, it could be because the unit is out of balance. In such a case, the fan struggles to spin smoothly and will likely make some noise. Thus, you can fix the issue by leveling the refrigerator freezer.

It could also be that the fan is obstructed by ice or caught by something you must remove. In the case of an ice obstruction, you should defrost the unit.

And if it’s none of those issues, it could be that the refrigerator freezer unit lacks sufficient clearance, which should be at least 20 inches around it and at the top.

Samsung Refrigerator Fan Noise Stops When Door Open

It’s pretty odd when your Samsung refrigerator fan makes some noise when the door is closed and stops when it opens. That often happens due to fan obstruction (when the fan catches something), ice buildup (in which the fan hits and makes noise), or a loose or broken fan.

If that’s not the case, it’s more likely a Samsung refrigerator compressor fan noise, whereby you’ll need to replace the compressor and not the fan.

In the case of obstruction around the fan, you’ve to remove it, and if it’s an ice buildup, you’ve to defrost the ice, but if the fan is defective, replace it.

Samsung Refrigerator Condenser Fan Noise

If your Samsung refrigerator condenser fan is noisy, it could be due to several issues. For one, it could be that the refrigerator lacks enough clearance around it and at the top, which should be at least 20 inches.

Two, it could be that the condenser unit, especially the coils and fan, is filthy. That’s likely to happen when you don’t clean them for a while, as they will likely accumulate dust. Ideally, you should clean the condenser unit at least once a month.

And if it’s none of the two issues, it could be that the condenser fan itself is faulty, which you can tell from damaged fan blades or motor. If so, you should replace the fan assembly.

Samsung Refrigerator Evaporator Fan Noise

Your Samsung refrigerator evaporator fan will likely make noise because of inadequate clearance around the unit, ice buildup around the fan, or a faulty fan. In most cases, the evaporator fan makes a loud humming, buzzing, chirping, or squealing sound.

If the refrigerator unit lacks clearance, maintain at least 20 inches around it and on its top. Defrost the refrigerator unit if there’s a giant ice mass around the fan. But if the fan is defective, replace it.