Why Is My Freezer Making a Loud Humming Noise? [Solved!]

Let’s face it; you expect your freezer to produce a low hum or buzz when the compressor is running, and the ice maker is filling up (with water). But when the sounds start becoming deafeningly loud, there’s a reason to wonder,’ why is my freezer making a loud humming noise?’

Your freezer makes a loud humming noise because of a faulty evaporator fan blade, clogged condenser coils, faulty compressor, or dry ice maker. It could also be a malfunctioning water inlet valve, stuffy air vents, high home water pressure, or a faulty evaporator fan motor.

Overall, there are at least eight angles to look at when your freezer makes a weirdly loud buzzing sound.

Note, however, that knowing the source of the problem alone is not enough. You also have to know how to fix it, and that’s where this troubleshooting guide comes in.

So, I’ll not only discuss the eight possible causes of a loud humming fridge, but I’ll also share their quick fixes.

8 Possible Causes of a Loud Humming Freezer

Below is an overview of the eight possible causes of a loud buzzing freezer which I’ll discuss in detail next. Note the cause and the DIY fixes.

Why Is My Freezer Making a Loud Humming Noise? Discussed!

Now, any of the discussed eight causes could be why your freezer cannot stop making a loud buzzing sound.

1. Defective Evaporator Fan Blade

If your evaporator fan blade is damaged, old, or ice-obstructed, the freezer will hum loudly for being defective.

The problem with a defective evaporator fan blade is that it won’t be able to perform its job of air circulation very well. Instead, it’s likely to knock the hard ice at top speed and produce a loud humming sound.

Quick Fix

Consider melting the large ice around your evaporator fan blade if that’s the case. You can use a regular hair dryer to do it.

But if the evaporator fan blade is damaged or too old to function, you should replace it.

It’s essential, however, that you get the most compatible fan blade as a replacement for your effective option. That brings us to these Amazon recommendations:

• GE WR60X10204 Evaporator Fan Blade – Best for GE Units
• Whirlpool 2169142 Evaporator – Best for Whirlpool Units
• Samsung DA31-00242A – Best for Samsung Units
• Lifetime Appliances 5308000010 – Best for Frigidaire Units
• LG Electronics 5901JA1021A – Best for LG Units

2. Clogged Condenser Coils

Dirt and dust can easily clog your condenser coils, restricting airflow. If air cannot flow smoothly, the freezer will take much longer to cool interiorly.

That, however, is not the only concern. The other matter is that the freezer will produce a loud humming sound.

So, while dirty condenser coils don’t pronounce total failure of your freezer, they hamper its performance considerably.

Quick Fix

Inspect your condenser coils for dirt or dust clogging to clean them properly. Start by unplugging the freezer from the power source and then moving it away from the wall.

Then locate the condenser coils at the back and use a soft brush or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment to get rid of the dirt clog. Note, however, that not all condenser coils are easily accessible. So, if you cannot access it, take the freezer to an expert.

3. Dirty or Faulty Compressor

The last thing you would want in your freezer is a failing compressor. The results are the same whether the compressor is dirty or faulty: it won’t compress and distribute the refrigerant.

The difference is that a dirty compressor only requires cleaning/vacuuming while a faulty one needs replacing.

In the case of a faulty compressor, the component may lose its lubrication which causes its parts to rub against each other, producing a loud buzzing sound.

A dirty compressor may also lose its greasy aspect, likely producing a loud humming sound.

Quick Fix 

If your compressor is faulty, the option is to replace it. But overall, the cost of replacing a defective compressor almost matches that of buying a new appliance.

From an economic angle, a replacement doesn’t make financial sense. But before you can resort to disposing of your old freezer or fridge because of a suspected faulty compressor, you should take it to an expert to check it.

But if the compressor is only dirty or faulty, you should clean it using a soft brush or a vacuum with a soft brush attachment like the Kenmore DU2015 Bagless Upright Vacuum Cleaner.

4. Dry Icemaker

If your freezer has a built-in icemaker, you should consider this possibility. Usually, it’s best to connect the ice maker to the water line before switching it on.

And when you do, the icemaker will produce a low-pitch buzz to show that it’s filling up with water. So, that’s a typical sound which shouldn’t worry you.

But if you switch on the icemaker before feeding it with water, it’ll make a loud humming sound which shows all is not well.

Quick Fix 

Switch off the icemaker as soon as you hear the loud buzzing. Then connect the water supply before switching the icemaker on.

That will help get rid of the loud humming sound. Instead, you only hear a slight buzz when the icemaker fills up.

5. Malfunctioning Water Inlet Valve

You should also check the water inlet valve as it could also be the reason behind the loud humming freezer. Generally, the water inlet valve’s job is to control the movement of water between the unit’s water dispenser (in case it has a built-in dispenser) and icemaker.

Over time, mineral deposits accumulate around the inlet valve, causing it to malfunction. The critical sign in such a case is a loud buzzing sound.

Quick Fix

If the inlet valve is malfunctioning, it’s faulty, and there’s no fix for that apart from a replacement. So, replace it with a compatible valve, and here are some recommendations on Amazon:

• What’s Up W10238100 Water Inlet Valve – Best for Whirlpool Units
• GE WR57X33326 Water Inlet Valve – Best for GE Units
• LG Electronics AJU72992601 Water Inlet Valve – Best for LG Units
• Samsung DA62-00914B Water Valve – Best for Samsung Units
• Frigidaire 242252702 Water Valve – Best for Frigidaire Units

6. Stuffy Air Vents

Stacking too many supplies in the freezer could be a problem as they block the air vents, interfering with airflow.

If there’s no proper airflow, your freezer will likely produce a loud humming sound.

Quick Fix

Prevent the strange humming noise by adequately organizing the items in your freezer. The food items shouldn’t be too close to each other to restrict air circulation.

7. High Home Water Pressure

Though this doesn’t often happen, a high water pressure when water fills the ice maker can be a problem. The more the water flows at high pressure, the louder the sound it makes.

So, it’ll start a low buzz before it gets loud.

Quick Fix

If the water is flowing at high pressure, try reducing it to dispense water at a much more comfortable pace without the unnecessary noise.

But if the humming is too loud, even after lowering the water pressure, you should ask an expert technician to come and have a look.

8. Faulty Evaporator Fan Motor 

Lastly, don’t forget to check the condition of the evaporator fan motor. The evaporator fan will mostly get noisier when you open the freezer door. So, that’s one way to know if the evaporator fan motor is the problem.

Since the job is to move the evaporator fan blade, being faulty means the fan blade won’t move properly, so your unit won’t freeze well.

Quick Fix

The good thing about an evaporator fan motor is that you can tell if it’s faulty using a multi-meter. An option like the KAIWEETS Digital Multimeter can show you if your evaporator fan motor has continuity or not.  If it doesn’t, you should replace it as it’s faulty.

Loud Humming Noise by Freezer Model

GE Freezer Making Loud Humming Noise

Your GE freezer will likely make a low-volume humming sound when the icemaker fills up with water.

But if it’s too loud, the problem could be a faulty evaporator fan motor, motor blade, or compressor. In all three cases, replacing the defective component is recommended.

Samsung Freezer Making Loud Humming Noise

While it’s normal for your Samsung unit to make a low humming sound when the compressor is running, and the ice maker is filling, a louder noise should alarm you.

It could be due to air vent blockage (from over-stacking supplies), high home water pressure, or not switching the water supply when the ice maker is on.

Frigidaire Freezer Making Loud Humming Noise

Frigidaire freezers mostly make loud humming noises when the compressor or fan motor fails and sometimes when there’s an obstruction on the fan blades parts.

In case of an ice obstruction, melt it or remove it manually but if it’s a component failure, replace the faulty component.

People Also Ask

1. How Do I Stop My Freezer from Humming?

You can stop your freezer from humming using these steps:

• Don’t overstock supplies
• Clear ice obstructions around the fan blade
• Replace faulty fan motors and blades
• Always connect the water supply first before powering the icemaker
• Keep the freezer clean

2. Why Is My New Fridge Freezer Making a Loud Humming Noise?

Your new fridge freezer is making a loud humming noise because a critical part like the compressor, fan motor, fan blade, condenser coil, or water inlet valve is faulty, worn out, or obstructed.

Why Is My Freezer Making a Loud Humming Noise? Closing Remarks!

Now you know that a faulty, old, or clogged component such as the compressor, fan motor, condenser coil, or water inlet valve could be the reason for the loud humming freezer. However, don’t forget to check the water supply and switch it on before the icemaker.

Also Read:

• Why Your Fridge is Making Noise
• Reasons Why Your GE Refrigerator is Making a Loud Humming Noise
• Why Whirlpool Refrigerator Makes a Loud Humming Noise