GE’s line of Monogram refrigerators offers the brand’s highest-quality design and materials. So, if you hear loud or unfamiliar noises coming from the refrigerator, it can be especially surprising. We’ll list four common reasons for a GE Monogram refrigerator making noise, from an obstructed fan blade to dirty condenser coils. We’ll also pinpoint the right fix to solve the problem.

What to Do for a GE Monogram
Refrigerator Making Noise

Most refrigerator sounds are so softly familiar they blend into the background noise of your home, making any strange sounds stand out. We’ll specify the right DIY or professional repair for a GE Monogram refrigerator making noise so silence can be restored. 

Obstructed Fan Blade

One of the most common reasons for a GE Monogram refrigerator making noise is an obstruction in the evaporator or condenser fan blades. Both of these fans circulate air to help cool refrigerant at different locations in the refrigerator.

Sometimes a loose wrapper or other small items can find its way to either fan blade and obstruct it. When this happens, you may hear a sound like a playing card hitting bicycle spokes when the fan spins.

How to fix it: Both fans should be checked for obstructions. The evaporator fan can be accessed by removing the back panel in the freezer. If the fan blade doesn’t move freely by hand, check for obstructions, and remove any foreign objects.

The condenser fan is located behind a rear panel in the back of the refrigerator. To access the fan, the refrigerator needs to be unplugged and pulled out from the wall before removing the back panel and checking for obstructions.

Malfunctioning Fan Motor

Is your refrigerator making loud humming noise?  If neither the evaporator nor the condenser fan has an obstruction, it’s possible one of the fan motors is faulty. If the noise gets louder when you open the freezer door, it’s likely to be the evaporator fan. If the humming seems to be coming from the back of the refrigerator, it’s more likely to be the condenser fan.

How to fix it: If the evaporator or the condenser fan is malfunctioning, they can’t be repaired and require replacement. As both replacements can be complex, we recommend professional service for this job.

Faulty Water Inlet Valve

A loud buzzing sound, specifically when the ice maker is filling, could indicate a faulty water inlet valve. This valve opens and closes electronically, allowing water to supply the dispenser and ice maker. However, over time, mineral deposits from the water can clog the valve and restrict water flow. When this happens, you may notice your GE Monogram refrigerator making noise that sounds like buzzing. 

How to fix it: So, how to stop refrigerator from buzzing? We caution against any attempt at repairing the water inlet valve, as this can cause it to fail completely. Instead, the valve should be replaced.

Dirty Condenser Coils

If the condenser coils are coated in dust and dirt, it can cause the compressor to work harder to cool the refrigerant. In this case, your normally quiet GE refrigerator compressor noise may become louder, to the point where you can hear it in another room. In some cases, the compressor may be worn out and can operate more loudly as it fails.

How to fix it: In most instances, loud compressor noises can be resolved by cleaning the refrigerator condenser coils. Here’s how to clean refrigerator coils in a GE Monogram refrigerator:

• Disconnect the refrigerator’s power: The easiest way to do this can be to turn the power off at the circuit breaker. You may want to wait 30 minutes to allow for cooling around the compressor and coils.
• Locate the coils: They’re typically found behind the refrigerator’s upper grille, above the doors. Raise the grille to access the coils on the right side of the compartment.
• Brush the coils: Use an appliance brush to loosen any dust and lint.
• Vacuum the coils: Remove dust and debris with a narrow hose vacuum attachment.
• Restore power and replace the grille: Flip the circuit breaker to the correct position and pull down on the grille. 

If the compressor continues to operate loudly even after the coils are cleaned, it is likely failing and requires professional replacement.
Tiger Mechanical can help with any GE Monogram refrigerator repair. Call us for fast and reliable service!