The situation when a refrigerator Ariston begins to make unusually loud sounds, hum or vibration is familiar to many owners of this equipment. Users often notice that the unit hums louder than usual immediately after installation or, conversely, after several years of active use. Understanding the nature of these sounds is critical, as a normal operating hum can hide a serious breakdown.
Initial diagnostics can determine whether the noise is a sign of a critical malfunction or simply a feature of the equipment's operation. In this article, we will look in detail at why your refrigerator is humming, which components may be the source of the problem, and whether it is possible to eliminate the noise yourself.
It is worth noting right away that modern models, such as Ariston MB 40 or older series, may have different designs of the compressor and refrigerant removal system, which affects the level of acoustic comfort. Humming may be caused by both a banal misalignment of the housing and failure of the motor windings.
Natural causes of hum and features of the compressor
A loud sound does not always indicate a breakdown. During operation, the compressor compresses the refrigerant, and this process is inevitably accompanied by vibration and hum. This is especially true for single-compressor models, where the motor operates under high load. If you have just installed the refrigerator, it may hum more strongly due to the fact that the internal mechanisms have not yet “got used to it.”
It is also worth considering that when you turn on the mode super-freezes or after defrosting, the compressor operates at maximum speed, which naturally increases the noise level. At this time, the buzzing can be quite strong, but uniform. If the sound is monotonous and is not accompanied by extraneous knocking or grinding, most likely the equipment is working properly.
However, if the hum is accompanied by strong vibration of the body, which is transmitted to the floor or nearby furniture, you need to check the installation. The uneven position of the unit leads to resonance, which increases the sound of the engine several times.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator hums intermittently, and the hum suddenly gives way to silence or clicks, this may indicate problems with the starting relay or low voltage in the network.
It is important to distinguish between the operating hum and sounds indicating wear For example, if the refrigerator Ariston hums, but does not cool, or the operating cycles have become too short, this is a cause for concern. In normal mode operation cycle includes periods of activity and rest, during which there is silence.
Installation problems and external factors
One of the most common reasons why a refrigerator is humming is improper installation. Vibration from a running compressor is transmitted to the housing and then to the floor. If the legs of the refrigerator are not adjusted and the unit is not stable, a resonator effect occurs. This is especially true for models with a metal body, which conduct sound well.
Check that the back wall or side surfaces of the refrigerator do not touch walls, furniture or heating pipes. Any contact with foreign objects turns the case into a speaker, increasing the buzz. It is enough to move the equipment a few centimeters for the noise level to drop to an acceptable level.
Objects stored inside or on top of the refrigerator can also become a source of sound. Cans, bottles or dishes, coming into contact with each other due to vibration, create rattling noise, which can easily be mistaken for a motor failure.
☑️ Diagnostics of refrigerator installation
To correctly diagnose the installation, follow these steps:
- 🔧 Take a building level and check the position of the refrigerator horizontally and vertically.
- 🚶 Move the unit from the wall at least 10 cm to ensure air circulation and avoid contact.
- 🧹 Remove all foreign objects from the top cover and from the niches if they touch the walls.
- 🦶 Try to lightly press the side wall of a working refrigerator with your hand - if the hum subsides, then the problem is in the resonance of the case.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
If external factors are excluded, and Ariston refrigerator the hum continues, the reason may lie in the very heart of the unit - compressor. Wear of the engine shaft bearings leads to an increasing hum, which over time can turn into a howl. This is a mechanical malfunction that requires replacement of the unit.
Another common problem is a malfunction of the start relay. This element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay is stuck or burnt out, the compressor may hum but not start, or make a short series of buzzing sounds followed by a clicking sound and shutting off. In this case, the motor overheats and requires protection from winding combustion.
In some cases, the hum is caused by a leak in the system or air ingress, but most often it is mechanical wear or the electrical part of the engine. Diagnostics of these components requires special knowledge and tools.
⚠️ Attention: Independent replacement of the compressor or start relay requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon. It is impossible to carry out high-quality repairs without special equipment.
If you suspect a compressor malfunction, pay attention to its temperature. If it hums and is very hot (or, conversely, icy), this is a sure sign of a problem. It is also worth checking the voltage in the network - low voltage causes the motor to hum more and work with overload.
Is it possible to replace the starting relay yourself?
Yes, if you have skills in working with electricians. It is necessary to remove the old relay, photograph the connection diagram and install a similar one with markings. However, if the cause of the hum was a jammed compressor piston, replacing the relay will not help, but will only temporarily start the engine, which will soon burn out completely.
No Frost system noise and fan malfunctions
In models with the system No Frost fans are responsible for circulating cold air. Over time, fan bearings wear out and become trapped by dust and ice, causing a hum, whine, or crackling sound. The sound usually comes from the freezer compartment or from the top of the refrigerator compartment.
If the refrigerator hums when the door is open (in some models the fan only works when the door is closed, in others - vice versa), this almost certainly indicates the fan. Ice frozen on the blades creates an imbalance and increases vibration, causing a loud hum.
To eliminate the problem, defrosting the refrigerator during the day is often required. If, after complete defrosting, the hum disappeared, but returned after some time, it means that the defrost cycle is broken (the heating element, timer or defrost sensor is faulty), and ice builds up on the fan again.
Main signs of problems with the fan:
- ❄️ The hum intensifies or the tone changes when the door is opened.
- 🌬️ The sound is accompanied by a whistle or cracking of ice.
- 🧊 Freezing of the “fur coat” in the freezer even with a working seal.
Rattling of tubes and resonance of the housing
Sometimes the source of noise lies not in the motor, but in the copper tubes of the heat exchanger located at the back of the refrigerator. During operation, the compressor creates vibration, which is transmitted to the tubes. If they are located too close to each other or touch the body, a metallic rattling noise occurs, which users often describe as a “humming.”
You can fix this problem yourself, but with caution. You need to move the refrigerator, remove the back panel (if there is one) and visually inspect the tubes. If they touch, they must be carefully separated with your hands, using extreme caution, since copper is very soft and breaks easily.
It is also worth checking the fastening of the compressor itself. The bolts that secure the motor-compressor may become loose over time. Tightening them (without fanaticism, so as not to break the thread) often eliminates the vibration hum. Rubber shock absorbers can be installed between the compressor and the frame - if they dry out or fly off, they must be replaced.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Difficulty of repair | Necessity master |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monotonous hum | Normal operation or compressor wear | Low / High | Only in the absence of cold |
| Howling / Whistle | Fan No Frost | Average | Desirable |
| Rattling / Clanging | Pipes, fasteners, objects inside | Low | No |
| Hum + Clicking | Start relay | Medium | Recommended |
When you need to call a specialist
There are situations when independent experiments can lead to the final breakdown of equipment. If, after defrosting, checking the installation and eliminating external sources of noise, the refrigerator Ariston continues to hum, and there are also interruptions in cooling, professional diagnostics are required.
Particular attention should be paid to cases when the hum is accompanied by a refrigerant leak (oily spots under the refrigerator, odor) or when the compressor is running without stops. Continuous work motor wear will quickly cause it to fail, and repairs will cost much more.
The technician will be able to accurately determine whether the compressor needs to be replaced, refilled with freon, or repaired the electronic control board. Modern inverter compressors, which are used in new models, are practically silent, and any hum for them is a sign of malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a burning smell or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the refrigerator and call a technician. The operation of such equipment is a fire hazard.
Do not ignore changes in the sound background of your refrigerator. Timely contact with a specialist can extend the life of the unit and save products from spoilage. Remember that preventative repairs are always cheaper than replacing a burnt-out motor or buying a new refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the new Ariston refrigerator hum loudly in the first days?
The new refrigerator may hum more strongly due to the fact that the compressor has not yet been developed, and the door seals are tough. Also often the reason lies in transportation bolts that were forgotten to be removed, or in incorrect installation (misalignment). Let the equipment run idle for 2-3 days - the noise level should stabilize.
Is it possible to lubricate the compressor if it starts to hum?
No, modern refrigerator compressors Ariston are sealed units. They do not have holes for lubrication, and any attempt to drill the housing or open it will lead to instant loss of freon and failure of the compressor. Lubrication is possible only in the fan bearings, but not in the motor.
Does the refrigerator hum more in the summer?
Yes, in the hot season the compressor is forced to work longer and more intensely in order to maintain the set temperature inside the chambers. This may result in increased noise levels and more frequent activation. In addition, in the summer, condenser fans hum more often due to increased load.
What to do if the refrigerator hums and does not turn off?
This is a dangerous symptom. Check the door seal, room temperature and thermostat settings. If the unit operates around the clock without rest breaks and is making a loud noise, there is a high probability of freon leakage or loss of compressor performance. You need to call a specialist.
How to reduce the noise of an old refrigerator with your own hands?
Try to install the refrigerator on a rubber mat, check the tightness of all visible compressor mounting bolts, remove the contacts of the tubes with the walls. If the fan is humming, cleaning or lubricating it will help (if the design allows), but most often the fan requires replacement.