If you have a Whirlpool freezer that is making noise, you might be wondering what is causing this problem and how to fix it. Noise from your freezer can be annoying, especially if it is loud or constant. It can also indicate a malfunction in your freezer’s components, which can affect its performance and efficiency. In this post, we’ll explain why your Whirlpool freezer is making noise and how to fix it.
The most common reason why your Whirlpool freezer is making noise is a faulty fan motor. The fan motor is responsible for circulating cold air around the freezer. If the fan motor is noisy, worn out, or broken, it can make a buzzing, humming, or rattling sound.
How to replace the fan motor in your Whirlpool freezer
The first step to fix your Whirlpool freezer from making noise is to replace the fan motor. The location of the fan motor can vary depending on the model of your freezer, but here are some common places to look:
- Behind the back panel of the freezer: This is where most Whirlpool freezers have their fan motor. To access it, you need to unplug the freezer, remove any food or shelves from the freezer, and take off the back panel of the freezer. You should see a fan blade attached to a motor at the back wall of the freezer, near the evaporator coils. This is the fan motor.
- Behind the bottom grille of the freezer: Some Whirlpool freezers have their fan motor behind the bottom grille of the freezer. To access it, you need to unplug the freezer, remove any food or shelves from the freezer, and take off the bottom grille of the freezer. You should see a fan blade attached to a motor at the bottom of the freezer, near the condenser coils. This is the fan motor.
Once you locate the fan motor, you need to replace it. There are different methods you can use to do this, depending on what tools you have and how your freezer is designed. Here are some of them:
- Unscrew and unplug: You can unscrew and unplug the fan motor from its mounting bracket and electrical connector. Then, you can install a new fan motor by reversing these steps.
- Cut and splice: You can cut and splice the wires that connect the fan motor to its electrical connector. Then, you can install a new fan motor by splicing its wires to the existing wires using wire nuts or electrical tape.
- Use a universal adapter: You can use a universal adapter kit that comes with a new fan motor and an electrical connector that fits your freezer model. Then, you can install a new fan motor by plugging it into the adapter and securing it with screws or clips.
Other possible causes of noise from your Whirlpool freezer
If replacing the fan motor does not fix your Whirlpool freezer from making noise, there might be other possible causes that you need to check and fix. Here are some of them:
- A loose or damaged blade: The blade that is attached to the fan motor can become loose or damaged over time, causing it to hit other parts of the freezer or vibrate excessively. To fix this problem, you need to tighten or replace the blade as needed.
- A faulty compressor: The compressor is an essential element for the proper functioning of your freezer. It compresses and circulates refrigerant gas through the cooling system. You should know that the compressor of a freezer, it naturally makes noise. So, if you have a noisy Whirlpool freezer compressor, make sure it’s not just the normal operating noise. If you are sure it is an abnormal sound, it could mean that the compressor is overheating, wearing out, or failing. To fix this problem, you need to call a professional technician for help.
- A clogged or frozen drain tube: The drain tube is a small hole or tube that allows the melted water from the defrost cycle to drain into a pan under the freezer, where it evaporates. If the drain tube is clogged by ice or debris, the water has nowhere to go and it leaks from the bottom of the freezer. This can cause a gurgling or dripping sound as water runs into the drain pan. To fix this problem, you need to unclog or unfreeze the drain tube with hot water or vinegar solution.
Why it matters to fix your Whirlpool freezer from making noise
Fixing your Whirlpool freezer from making noise is important for several reasons:
- It improves your comfort and peace of mind: Noise from your freezer can be annoying, especially if it is loud or constant. It can disturb your sleep, your work, or your relaxation. By fixing your freezer from making noise, you can enjoy a quieter and more comfortable environment.
- It prevents further damage and malfunction: Noise from your freezer can indicate a problem with your freezer’s components, which can affect its performance and efficiency. If you ignore the noise and let the problem persist, it can worsen and cause more serious issues, such as a complete breakdown or a fire hazard. By fixing your freezer from making noise, you can prevent further damage and malfunction and extend your freezer’s lifespan.
- It saves energy and money: Noise from your freezer can mean that your freezer is working harder than it should to keep your food frozen. This can result in higher energy consumption and more greenhouse gas emissions. By fixing your freezer from making noise, you can save energy and money and reduce your environmental impact.
FAQs about noise from your Whirlpool freezer
Here are some frequently asked questions about noise from your Whirlpool freezer:
- How often should I check and clean the fan motor in my Whirlpool freezer? There is no set rule for how often you should check and clean the fan motor in your Whirlpool freezer, but it depends on how often you use your freezer, how dusty your environment is, and how clean your air is. You should check the fan motor regularly for any signs of wear, damage, or dirt. You should also clean the fan motor with a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner every few months, or whenever you notice any signs of dirt buildup.
- How do I prevent the fan motor from making noise in my Whirlpool freezer? You can prevent the fan motor from making noise in your Whirlpool freezer by keeping it clean and well-maintained. You can do this by checking and cleaning the fan motor regularly, tightening or replacing the blade as needed, and replacing the fan motor if it is faulty or worn out. You can also avoid overloading or underloading your freezer, as this can affect the airflow and cause the fan motor to work harder or vibrate excessively.
- What if I can’t fix my Whirlpool freezer from making noise? If you can’t fix your Whirlpool freezer from making noise by yourself, you might need to call a professional technician for help. The noise might be caused by a complex or dangerous component, such as the compressor, the thermostat, or the control board. A technician can inspect your freezer and fix it for you.
Noise from your Whirlpool freezer is a common and solvable problem that you can fix yourself with some basic tools and techniques. By doing this, you can improve your comfort and peace of mind, prevent further damage and malfunction, and save energy and money. Remember to locate and replace the fan motor, check and fix other possible causes of noise, such as the blade, the compressor, or the drain tube. By doing this regularly, you can keep your Whirlpool freezer running smoothly and quietly.
