In this article, I will be showing different ways on how to quiet a noisy refrigerator compressor.
If your old or brand new fridge is making noise, there could be several causes of the noise problem, but 99% of the time, the culprit is always the compressor.
A quick way but also most expensive option would be to invest in the market’s quietest refrigerator.
Alternatively, you can stick to the very end of this article and learn basic DIY methods to alleviate the noise problem.
Ways on How to Quiet a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor
As mentioned above, the compressor is, in most cases, the culprit when it comes to fridge noise.
This is because it serves as the engine of your refrigerator and it’s responsible for moving coolant in the fridge while extracting out hot air out.
1. Try Anti-Vibration Pads
The compressor consists of a motor and a pump. (Source)
As we all know, anything that runs on an engine is bound to produce noise, especially when the motor is doing thousands of revolutions per minute.
Just like a noisy generator, your fridge is the compressor is bound to produce some noise thanks to the compressor motor.
Anti-vibrational mats are mainly made of rubber- one of the most effective materials in vibration isolation.
One of my most recommended products for vibration isolation is Sumato Stuff Anti Vibration Pads.
While there are mostly designed for washing machines vibration isolation, you can still use them for your fridge to cut down the vibrations caused by the compressor.
2. Level out the Refrigerator Legs
When your refrigerator is placed on an uneven surface, it may sound louder than normal.
Additionally, the type of floor will also determine how loud or quiet the unit is.
For instance, you may have set up your fridge at the edge of the floor carpeting such that- the front legs are on the carpet while the rear legs are on the floor.
This unevenness will somehow magnify the sound coming from the fridge, disturbing your quiet stay at home.
On the other hand, if you live in a house with a wooden floor, I bet your fridge makes unbearable vibrations.
That’s true because a wooden floor transmits vibrations efficiently than a tiled or cemented floor.
With all the constant use and compressor cycles, the fridge legs are bound to become loose, which could also be a noise contributor.
Simply give your refrigerator a rattle, and if it moves, you should probably adjust and tighten the legs.
3. Soundproof the Back of the Refrigerator
Soundproofing a refrigerator isn’t as easy as soundproofing a room for drums or a dorm room.
It comes with its share of challenges.
I would consider soundproofing a fridge as equally challenging as soundproofing a generator.
You must consider ventilation as too much sound isolation without proper ventilation may cause the unit to overheat and fail.
Soundproofing can also interfere with your fridge’s efficiency.
So, in this case, I would highly suggest you soundproof the wall just adjacent to the back of your fridge.
And because the compressor produces both impact and airborne noise, I would highly recommend a combination of acoustic treatment and sound blocking approaches.
Hanging acoustic foam panels will help absorb airborne noise produced by the compressor and prevent it from being reflected off the wall.
Additionally, adding a sheet of mass loaded vinyl will also help dampen structure-borne noise/impact sounds.
Btw, if you can’t find mass loaded vinyl locally, then why not check out my guide on some of the best mass loaded vinyl alternatives.
4. Why Not Try the Alcove
Well, moving your refrigerator in the alcove can also help alleviate the noise problem.
In short, you’re simply isolating the fridge such that the noise the unit produced is trapped in an enclosed room and hence no chance of escaping to other rooms in your house.
For maximum effectiveness, I would recommend you to soundproof the alcove- it’s as easy and similar as soundproofing a closet and, in most cases, can use affordable or household items for soundproofing.
Alternatively, you can move the unit to the corner of your room.
As a result, half of the surface of your refrigerator will be covered by the walls.
5. Get Professional Help
When everything else fails or finds it hard to undertake all the DIY hacks recommended above, I would request you to seek assistance from a qualified technician.
There are two ways to approach- you can either get a new refrigerator.
Or dispose of your old noisy one into the garage where you can stash beverages .
Alternatively, you can call a technician to help you replace your noisy compressor with a quiet fridge.
6. Regular Compressor and Fans Maintenance
It’s no brainer, but a dirty compressor or fan will make your fridge noisier.
A dirty refrigerator compressor will struggle in maintaining the temperature as the dirt interferes with its efficiency.
As a countermeasure, it’s important to always undertake regular maintenance to the fridge.
You can DIY and maintain a healthy working fridge, or alternatively call a professional.
After maintenance, you should ensure that the unit is placed a bit far from the wall.
This is because there are heat sink fins located at the back of the fridge; this helps dispose of heat to the surrounding environment.
On How to Quiet a Noisy Refrigerator Compressor
Above are the most effective methods on how to quiet a noisy refrigerator compressor.
One of the final hacks I haven’t recommended above involves the use of a white noise machine.
The white noise machine won’t reduce noise produced by your fridge but will help mask it.
For instance, if you’re worried that the noises would wake up your baby sleeping next room, then you can get something like Homedics White Noise Sound Machine.
It won’t hurt to also soundproof the hollow kitchen door to prevent noise from leaking to the adjacent.