One of the hallmarks of a superior appliance is how quietly it operates, and your Sub-Zero refrigerator is no exception. When your Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer makes noise, it can be seriously annoying. Common causes include a faulty evaporator fan motor, ice build-up, and fan obstruction.
Pinpointing the Problem When Your
Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer Makes Noise
Trying to figure out why your Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer makes noise when the door is closed can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. But there are usually just a few common causes for a Sub-Zero humming noise.
Why Is My Sub-Zero Refrigerator Making Noise In the Freezer?
Oftentimes this constant humming is due to a malfunctioning evaporator fan motor. Following these simple steps will help determine if this part is the culprit when your Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer makes noise.
Step 1: Open all the doors
If your model refrigerator has more than one door, open both as well as the freezer door. A refrigerator or freezer evaporator fan stops running when the doors are open. Listen to determine if the sound stops when you open the doors.
Step 2: Close just the refrigerator door
If the noise returns when you close the refrigerator doors, it’s likely caused by a faulty refrigerator evaporator fan motor.
Step 3: Re-open refrigerator doors
Step 4: Close only the freezer door
If your Sub-Zero freezer is noisy when the door is closed, a faulty freezer evaporator fan motor is likely the cause.
Step 5: Close all doors to your refrigerator and freezer
If the refrigerator noise stops when the freezer and refrigerator doors are closed, the evaporator fan motor is typically not the cause.
Common Causes for a Noisy Sub-Zero Refrigerator Freezer
Sub-Zero refrigerator freezers are known for their quality and durability. However, like any appliance, they can sometimes make noise. There are a few potential explanations for why your Sub-zero freezer might be making noise. Now that you can narrow down your Sub-Zero refrigerator noise, here’s what you might need for this particular Sub-Zero refrigerator repair:
Why Is My Sub-Zero Freezer Making Noise?
One possibility is that the evaporator fan motor is failing. This can cause the fan blades to become unbalanced, resulting in a loud humming noise. Another possibility is that the condenser coils are dirty. When the coils are clogged with dust and dirt, they have to work harder to cool the air, which can cause them to make noise. If your Sub-Zero freezer is making noise, it’s important to troubleshoot the problem so you can fix it as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might end up damaging your freezer. For complex repairs, make sure to contact a professional Sub-Zero refrigerator technician.
Evaporator Fan Motor
The evaporator fan motor is located in the freezer and works to circulate the cold air created by the refrigerator’s evaporator coils. If the fan is malfunctioning, you’ll notice your Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer makes a noise that sounds like a loud humming. You may also notice that your freezer is warmer than it should be since the fan isn’t circulating any cold air. An evaporator fan motor cannot be repaired and will need to be replaced.
Ice Build Up
Another cause when your Sub-Zero refrigerator makes noise can be ice build-up in the freezer. Locate any build-up in a specific area, removing freezer drawers if necessary. Consult your Sub-Zero manual to determine if the freezer section can be disabled to allow for the ice to melt or be removed.
Why Is My Sub-Zero Fridge So Loud?
Another possible cause for a loud Sub-Zero refrigerator freezer is when an object blocks the evaporator or condenser fan. Check to ensure that food packages or other loose freezer items are not obstructing the fans, as it can make the Sub-Zero condenser fan loud.
Defective Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve may be defective if your refrigerator runs loud when using the water dispenser or during ice production. This valve opens and closes electronically to allow water from your home’s water line to supply the ice and water dispenser.
Is your Sub-Zero water inlet valve noise loud? Over time, the valve can fail or become clogged with mineral deposits that hamper its function. While limited ice or water production are signs of a defective water inlet valve, it may also make a loud grinding noise when ice or water is dispensed. A defective water inlet valve cannot be repaired and requires professional replacement.
Refrigerator Compressor Noise
The compressor is at the heart of almost all your refrigerator’s functions, moving refrigerant throughout its various systems. True to its name, the compressor puts pressure on the refrigerant’s gas and propels it through the condenser and evaporator coils. Throughout this process, the refrigerant heats and cools to create cool air for the refrigerator.
With time, a compressor can wear out or malfunction, resulting in a loud humming or buzzing sound. While it can continue operating while making these sounds, failure can happen at any time, ceasing all refrigerator functions. So, how to quiet a noisy refrigerator compressor? Unfortunately, these loud noises typically indicate wear or malfunction that can’t be repaired. A loud compressor must be professionally replaced.
The technicians at Dependable Repair Services can solve the problem when your refrigerator runs loud. Schedule your professional refrigerator repair today!
