If you have an LG fridge, you might notice that it makes a loud humming noise from time to time. This noise can be annoying and disturbing, especially if you are trying to sleep or relax. But why is your LG fridge making a loud humming noise, and is it something to worry about? In this blog post, we will explain some of the common causes of loud humming noise from your LG fridge, and how to troubleshoot and fix them.
The common causes of loud humming noise from your LG fridge include normal compressor operation, compressor malfunction, fan obstruction, dirty condenser coils, or water valve issue. Some of these causes are harmless and require no action, while others need immediate attention and repair.
How to Troubleshoot Loud Humming Noise from Your LG Fridge
Before you start troubleshooting loud humming noise from your LG fridge, you should determine if the noise is normal or abnormal. Some noises are part of the regular operation of your fridge and do not indicate any problem. However, some noises are signs of malfunction or damage that need to be resolved as soon as possible.
To troubleshoot loud humming noise from your LG fridge, follow these steps:
- Identify the source of the noise. Try to locate where the noise is coming from by listening closely to different parts of your fridge, such as the back, the bottom, or the inside. You can also use a stethoscope or a cardboard tube to amplify the sound and pinpoint its origin.
- Check if the noise is normal or abnormal. Compare the noise you hear with the following descriptions of normal and abnormal noises:
- Normal compressor operation: The compressor is the heart of your fridge’s cooling system. It compresses the refrigerant and circulates it throughout the sealed system. The compressor does not run continuously, but cycles on and off depending on the temperature inside the fridge. When the compressor turns on, it can make a loud humming noise that lasts for a few minutes. This noise is normal and part of the regular operation of your fridge. It can be louder if you have a linear compressor model that speeds up as it runs. The noise will stop once the compressor turns off or reaches its optimal speed.
- Compressor malfunction: If the compressor runs for more than an hour without stopping or makes a very loud humming noise that can be heard in another room, it can indicate a compressor problem. This means that the compressor is working too hard to cool the fridge and that there may be a malfunction or damage. This can be caused by several factors, such as low refrigerant level, faulty relay or capacitor, dirty condenser coils, or blocked air vents. A malfunctioning compressor can overheat and fail, resulting in costly repairs or replacement. You should contact a professional technician to inspect and repair your compressor as soon as possible.
- Fan obstruction: Your fridge has several fans that help circulate air inside and outside the fridge. These fans can make a humming noise when they run normally. However, if something gets stuck in the fan blades or blocks the air flow, such as ice buildup, dust, debris, or food items, the fan can make a louder humming noise that varies in pitch or intensity. This can also affect the cooling performance of your fridge and cause frost or condensation problems. You should check and clear any obstruction from the fan blades or air vents to reduce the noise and improve the cooling.
- Dirty condenser coils: The condenser coils are located at the back or bottom of your fridge. They help release heat from the refrigerant and cool it down before it returns to the compressor. If the condenser coils get dirty or dusty over time, they can reduce their efficiency and make the compressor work harder and longer. This can cause a loud humming noise from both the compressor and the condenser fan that cools down the coils. You should clean the condenser coils regularly with a vacuum cleaner or a brush to remove any dirt or dust and improve their performance.
- Water valve issue: The water valve is a device that controls the water supply to your fridge’s water dispenser and ice maker. If you have an LG fridge with an InstaView door-in-door feature that allows you to knock on the glass panel to see inside without opening the door, you also have an additional water valve that activates this feature. When you use these features, you might hear a humming noise from the water valve as it opens and closes to let water flow through. This noise is normal and part of their operation. However, if you hear a loud humming noise from the water valve when you are not using these features, it can indicate a water valve issue. This means that the water valve is stuck open or closed due to debris, corrosion, or damage. This can cause water leaks, low water pressure, or no water at all. You should inspect and replace the water valve if needed.
Conclusion
We hope this blog post has helped you understand why your LG fridge is making a loud humming noise, and how to troubleshoot and fix it. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other blog posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!
