Help with my fridge!
by
Lulu Dubin
+1
I have a very old fridge that I bought second hand but has until now worked very well. Yeaterday it started makinh a buzzing noise that is very different from the usual sounds it makes. We just noticed that the things in the freezer seem to be thawing. Now that I think of it, I can't remember hearing the compressor/evaporator(?) turn on (which is usually very noisy) and it's just continually buzzing (like the sound of a sound system that is turned on to a high volume with nothing playing). I have a few questions for the pros:
1. We've had a situation in the past where the fridge just stopped working altogether. This does not seem to be the case here because it's making noise and things inside are still relatively cold. Does a buzzing sound mean it's doing something and just not working to its potential or is it totally busted and we should unplug it?
2. Is there any danger to leaving it plugged in?
Thanks so much in advance!
1. We've had a situation in the past where the fridge just stopped working altogether. This does not seem to be the case here because it's making noise and things inside are still relatively cold. Does a buzzing sound mean it's doing something and just not working to its potential or is it totally busted and we should unplug it?
2. Is there any danger to leaving it plugged in?
Thanks so much in advance!
4 answers
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Update! I now hear the compressor (very loudly!!) But still wondering if it could be dangerous in any way to leave it plugged in. Is it possible the compressor still works as the evaporator is broken? Does that make sense?
Lulu Dubin
on Mar 20, 2014
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If you haven't cleaned the coils below try that first with a brush or vacumn
Funnygirl
on Mar 20, 2014
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You may want to look for a new refrigerator. A buzzing could mean a component is locking up and it will die. As Funnygirl pointed out- keeping the coils clean on a refrigerator is a MUST! especially if you have pets. This should be done with the refrigerator unplugged and carefully use a shop vac or vacuum and suck the fuzz, hair, and dust out. You may have to remove the back of the refrigerator where the coils are. This is something many people do not do and wonder why a refrigerator quits. Overheating of the coils/motor is a common thing. So I would try this first, then plug back in. Making noise is a sign that you have parts failing. compressors are expensive and the new refrigerators are so much more efficient than older ones. Good luck!
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on Mar 21, 2014
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Sorry lulu D just saw your post. Time to get a new fridge. When fridge units start making noise, it means that some electrical part is starting to fail. With many older fridges there were electrical switches to turn on the compressor and cooling fans if so equipped. When they get older the electrical switches start to get dusty and as that happens they begin to vibrate. More dust, more vibration. While these switches can be replaced, the cost and the time to access many of them simply is not worth the cost to put into an older unit. Will not cause an issue other then one day you will come home to a defrosted freezer and warm milk.
Woodbridge Environmental Tiptophouse.com
on Mar 26, 2014
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