If you have a mini fridge, you may have heard it making a clicking sound from time to time. This can be annoying or even worrying, especially if the sound is loud or frequent. What’s causing this sound? And is it a sign of trouble?
A mini fridge can make a clicking sound due to the start relay, the overload cut out, the water valve, the condenser fan, or the dirty condenser coils. Some of these sounds are normal and harmless, but some may indicate a problem that needs attention.
In this post, we’ll explain the possible reasons why your mini fridge makes a clicking sound and how to fix or prevent them. We’ll also give you some tips on how to reduce the noise level of your mini fridge. Let’s get started!
To identify the cause of your mini fridge clicking sound, you’ll need to pay attention to when and where the sound occurs. You’ll also need to check some parts of your mini fridge for any signs of damage or malfunction. Here are some common causes of mini fridge clicking sound and how to identify them:
The start relay is the part of your mini fridge that helps start up the compressor. The compressor is the part of your mini fridge that compresses and pumps the refrigerant through the sealed system. If the start relay is not working properly, it can make a clicking or popping sound.
You can tell if your mini fridge clicking sound is due to the start relay if:
Should you feel worried about it?
Yes. The start relay clicking sound may indicate that the start relay is faulty or worn out. This can prevent your compressor from starting up or running smoothly, which can affect the cooling performance of your mini fridge and cause it to stop working completely. You should check the start relay for any signs of damage or corrosion and replace it if needed.
The overload cut out is the part of your mini fridge that protects the compressor from overheating or overloading. It does this by cutting off the power to the compressor when it detects a problem. If the overload cut out is not working properly, it can make a clicking sound.
You can tell if your mini fridge clicking sound is due to the overload cut out if:
Should you feel worried about it?
Yes. The overload cut out clicking sound may indicate that the overload cut out is malfunctioning or damaged. This can cause your compressor to overheat or overload, which can damage it permanently and cause your mini fridge to stop working completely. You should check the overload cut out for any signs of damage or burn marks and replace it if needed.
The water valve is the part of your mini fridge that controls the flow of water to the ice maker or water dispenser. If your mini fridge has these features, you may hear a clicking sound when the water valve opens or closes.
You can tell if your mini fridge clicking sound is due to the water valve if:
Should you feel worried about it?
No. The water valve clicking sound is normal and harmless, as long as it’s not too loud or frequent. It indicates that the water valve is working properly and supplying water to your ice maker or water dispenser. However, if you notice any leaks, drips, or low water pressure, you may have a problem with your water valve that needs fixing.
The condenser fan is the part of your mini fridge that helps circulate air over the condenser coil and remove heat from the unit. If the fan is not working properly, it can make a clicking sound.
You can tell if your mini fridge clicking sound is due to the condenser fan if:
Should you feel worried about it?
Yes. The condenser fan clicking sound may indicate that the fan is damaged, loose, dirty, or blocked by something. This can affect the cooling efficiency of your mini fridge and cause it to overheat or freeze up. You should check the fan for any signs of wear and tear and clean it regularly with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner. If the fan is broken or bent, you should replace it as soon as possible.
The condenser coils are the part of your mini fridge that cools down the refrigerant and releases heat to the outside. If the coils are dirty or clogged with dust, dirt, or debris, they can reduce the cooling efficiency of your mini fridge and cause it to make a clicking sound.
You can tell if your mini fridge clicking sound is due to the dirty condenser coils if:
Should you feel worried about it?
No. The dirty condenser coils clicking sound is normal and harmless, as long as it’s not too loud or frequent. It indicates that the condenser coils are working properly and releasing heat from your mini fridge. However, if you want to improve the cooling performance and energy efficiency of your mini fridge, you should clean the condenser coils regularly with a soft brush or vacuum cleaner.
Depending on the cause of your mini fridge clicking sound, you may be able to fix or prevent it by yourself or with the help of a professional technician. Here are some tips on how to fix or prevent your mini fridge clicking sound:
If you find your mini fridge clicking sound annoying, you can try to reduce the noise level of your mini fridge by following some tips, such as:
Here are some common questions and answers about mini fridge clicking sound:
Q: How loud is a mini fridge?
A: The loudness of a mini fridge depends on the model, brand, size, and features of the unit. Generally, a mini fridge can produce between 25 and 45 decibels (dB) of noise, which is equivalent to a whisper or a library. However, some models may be louder or quieter than others.
Q: How can I tell if my mini fridge is still under warranty?
A: You can tell if your mini fridge is still under warranty by checking the receipt, manual, or label of the unit. You can also contact the manufacturer or seller of the unit and provide them with the model number and serial number of your mini fridge. They should be able to tell you if your mini fridge is still covered by warranty and what it covers.
Q: How much does it cost to repair a mini fridge?
A: The cost to repair a mini fridge depends on the type and extent of the problem, as well as the availability of parts and labor. According to HomeAdvisor, the average cost to repair a mini fridge ranges from $100 to $300, with most homeowners spending around $200. However, some repairs may cost more than that, especially if they involve replacing major components like the compressor or fan.
A mini fridge can make a clicking sound due to the start relay, the overload cut out, the water valve, the condenser fan, or the dirty condenser coils. Most of these sounds are normal and harmless, but some may indicate a problem that needs attention.
