Why your refrigerator might start making a loud buzzing noise
When your refrigerator suddenly begins making a strange buzzing sound, it’s often a sign that something inside the appliance isn’t working the way it should. That’s exactly what happened to one of our clients in Evanston, Illinois. They noticed a constant, low buzzing noise coming from the back of their fridge that wouldn’t stop, even when the compressor wasn’t running.
Because the noise didn’t sound like normal vibration, the homeowner unplugged the fridge and scheduled a service call right away. A smart move, because electrical buzzing can indicate a failing component that needs immediate attention.
Job details
Location: Evanston, IL
Appliance: Refrigerator
Issue: Loud buzzing noise from back of the unit
Diagnosis: Failed start relay on the control board
Repair: Replaced faulty relay, secured wiring, tested compressor start cycle
Technician: Yurii
The problem: loud buzzing from the back of the refrigerator
When our technician arrived, they verified that the noise wasn’t coming from the compressor or fan motor. Instead, the sound was coming from the start relay on the control board. This relay helps the compressor turn on and off properly. When the relay begins to fail, it can produce a constant humming or buzzing noise as it struggles to engage.
If ignored, a failed relay can cause the compressor to overheat or stop running altogether, leading to cooling issues or a complete fridge shutdown.
Diagnosis and quick repair
Our technician tested the relay using a multimeter and confirmed it had internally failed. The repair itself was fast — Yurii removed the old relay, installed a new OEM component, cleaned the connectors, and secured all wiring.
As soon as the refrigerator was plugged back in, the buzzing disappeared immediately. The compressor started smoothly, and the fridge began cooling normally again.
Why refrigerators make buzzing or humming sounds
Refrigerators can buzz for several reasons, and not all of them indicate a major issue. Some of the most common causes include:
- Failing start relay – the most common cause of electrical buzzing
- Dirty or failing condenser fan motor – fan blades or bearings can vibrate loudly
- Loose wiring or screws – can create intermittent rattling or buzzing
- Compressor issues – deep humming or knocking sounds
- Ice buildup around fan blades – can create a buzzing or grinding sound
If the buzzing sound gets louder over time or doesn’t stop when the fridge cycles off, it’s best to have a technician inspect it before the component fails completely.
The result: quiet operation restored
After replacing the failed relay, the fridge ran perfectly. The loud buzzing noise was gone, the cooling system worked correctly, and the homeowner didn’t have to worry about future compressor damage.
They were relieved to learn that what sounded like a major breakdown was actually a quick repair that was done in one visit.
Need a refrigerator repair in Evanston?
If your refrigerator is buzzing, humming, or making any unusual noise, it’s time to schedule a professional inspection. Our Evanston technicians offer same-day service and warranty-backed repairs to restore quiet, reliable operation.
Call us today or book online to schedule your refrigerator repair service.
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