Extraneous noise from household appliances always causes concern, especially when it comes to a refrigerator operating non-stop. The owner of a Beko unit may be faced with a situation where the usual quiet hum is replaced by an obsessive hum, knocking or whistling. This is not just an irritating factor that disrupts the comfort of living in an apartment, but also a potential signal of serious malfunctions of internal components.
Modern models of refrigeration equipment are equipped with various systems, such as No Frost or Full No Frost, which require the presence of additional moving elements. Understanding exactly how a working device should work will help you quickly identify an anomaly. In most cases, the problem is solved by simple adjustment or replacement of consumables, but sometimes the intervention of a professional technician is required.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanical and electrical causes of noise in Beko refrigerators. You will learn to distinguish a normal operating sound from a sign of a breakdown, and also learn what actions you can take on your own to return silence to the kitchen without extra costs.
Natural sounds of operation and design features
Before sounding the alarm and looking for a service center, you need to make sure that the sound you hear is really a sign of a malfunction. Modern Beko refrigerators, especially those with inverter compressors, operate much quieter than older models, but they cannot be completely silent. A monotonous, barely perceptible hum that occurs when the engine is turned on or the refrigerant is circulating is considered normal.
Users often confuse the normal operation of the system with a breakdown. For example, the sound of flowing liquid or gurgling is a consequence of the movement of freon through the tubes of the evaporator and condenser. After the compressor stops, the refrigerant continues to move under the influence of the pressure difference, creating characteristic sounds. Also, in models with No Frost technology a fan is periodically turned on to circulate cold air, and its operation may be accompanied by a slight whistle or hum.
It is important to pay attention to the nature of the sound. If the hum increases or decreases depending on the phase of engine operation, but remains smooth, most likely the equipment is working properly. However, if chassis vibration, rattling or sharp clicks are added to the hum, this is a reason to conduct a more in-depth diagnosis. Sometimes even new equipment can make sounds during the “break-in” period, when the mechanical parts are grinding in.
Installation problems and vibration of the case
One of the most common reasons why a Beko refrigerator hums is incorrect installation. Even a perfectly working compressor will create a lot of noise if the unit body is skewed or touches furniture. Vibration from a running motor is transmitted to the floor and walls, increasing many times over if there is no proper shock absorption.
The first thing to do is to check the horizontal installation. If the refrigerator is not level, the oil in the compressor may be distributed unevenly, which leads to increased noise and wear of parts. Adjustment is carried out using the front support legs, which can be twisted or unscrewed to change the height of the corner.
⚠️ Attention: When leveling the refrigerator, make sure that the back wall is not pressed flush against the wall. The gap should be at least 5-7 cm for free air circulation and to prevent overheating of the capacitor, which can also hum at high temperatures.
It is also worth checking whether the internal elements of the case are touching or touching each other. Rattling is often caused by poorly secured shelves, bottles or dishes placed on the door. Make sure all trays and containers fit snugly. If the hum comes from below, check the condensate collection tray (dripper) above the compressor - it may vibrate due to the operation of the motor.
- 🔧 Check the installation level using a building level or a glass of water.
- 🔧 Make sure that the legs of the refrigerator fit snugly to the floor and do not wobble.
- 🔧 Move the unit away from the wall and other furniture by at least 5 centimeters.
- 🔧 Check the reliability of fastening of the internal shelves and drawers.
☑️ Installation diagnostics
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor. If it is this one that is humming, and the sound is loud, metallic, or accompanied by strong vibration, the problem may lie in wear of the internal mechanisms or electrical parts. Beko refrigerators use both conventional piston and quieter inverter compressors, and the nature of their noise may differ.
A frequent cause of loud humming is the failure of the start relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay contacts are oxidized or burned, the compressor may hum but not start, or may operate intermittently and with loud noise. In such cases, a characteristic click is often heard before the hum begins.
Motor wear is a more serious problem. Over time, the shaft bearings wear out, and the rotor begins to run rough, creating a low-frequency hum and knocking. Noise may also occur due to loosening of the mounting bolts that secure the motor inside the housing. The vibration is transmitted to the metal tubes, and they begin to resonate.
The table below shows the main symptoms of a compressor group malfunction:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Necessary actions |
|---|---|---|
| Loud hum, but no cold | Malfunction of the starting relay or broken winding | Replacement of the relay or diagnostics of the windings |
| Metallic knocking during operation | Wear of bearings or valves | Replacing the compressor |
| Vibration of tubes and loud resonance | Loosening of motor mounts | Tightening bolts and insulating tubes |
| Intermittent hum with clicks | Malfunction of the thermostat or relay | Replacing the faulty element |
Is it possible to replace the compressor yourself?
Replacing the compressor requires special equipment for pumping out freon and sealing the tubes. Without skills and tools, it is impossible to perform this work efficiently, so it is recommended to call a specialist.
Noise of the No Frost system and fan
If your Beko refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, the fan is often the source of noise. It is located in the freezer (sometimes in the refrigerator, depending on the model) and provides forced air circulation. Over time, the fan bearings wear out, which leads to the appearance of crackling, howling or monotonous humming.
Another reason for noise in the No Frost system is ice freezing on the fan blades or on the walls of the evaporator. If the drainage hole is clogged, the water does not drain, freezes and begins to interfere with the rotation of the impeller. In this case, the fan may touch the ice, producing a loud cracking or humming noise that appears and disappears.
For diagnostics, you need to defrost the refrigerator. If after complete defrosting (at least 24 hours with the doors open) the noise disappears, but returns after a few days, then the problem is in the drainage or defrost system. If the sound remains immediately after switching on, most likely the fan itself needs to be replaced.
- ❄️ Check to see if ice has frozen on the fan blades.
- ❄️ Clear the drainage hole of blockages and ice.
- ❄️ Turn the impeller fan by hand - it should rotate easily.
- ❄️ Check the integrity of the wires going to the fan motor.
Resonance of pipelines and foreign objects
Sometimes the source of the hum is external, but is created by internal elements. The copper pipes through which the refrigerant circulates may vibrate when the compressor is running. If they are located too close to each other or touch the body, resonance occurs, amplifying the sound significantly. This often happens after transportation or careless previous defrosting.
To eliminate this defect, you need to carefully, with your hands or using a soft screwdriver, move the vibrating tubes away from each other. It is important not to overdo it, as copper is a soft metal and can be easily damaged. It is also worth checking whether the water collection tray located above the compressor is vibrating. It can be fixed with a piece of foam rubber or rubber.
Do not forget about external factors. Sometimes small objects (coins, lids, toys) can get into the space behind the refrigerator or under it, which begin to rattle due to vibration of the floor. Thorough cleaning of the space around the unit often helps to identify the source of a strange sound.
When you need to call a technician
Despite the possibility of self-diagnosis, there are situations when the intervention of a qualified specialist is inevitable. If, after checking the installation, defrosting and visual inspection, the problem does not disappear, and the hum continues to increase, we may be talking about complex internal failures.
Particular attention should be paid to the burning smell that accompanies the humming. This is a sure sign of an electrical fault, overheating of the wiring or motor windings. Operating such a device is dangerous and may cause a fire. A technician is also needed if the compressor needs to be replaced, since this procedure involves working with refrigerant.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a strong metallic clanging or knocking sound, immediately unplug the refrigerator. Further operation in this mode can lead to complete destruction of the compressor and expensive repairs.
Professional diagnostics will allow you to accurately determine which component requires replacement. The technician uses special instruments to measure pressure in the system and current, which is impossible to do at home. Timely repairs will extend the life of your Beko refrigerator and save money in the long run.
Noise prevention and proper care
So that the Beko refrigerator works long and quiet, it needs to be properly looked after. Regular defrosting (even for No Frost systems, a preventative shutdown once a year is recommended) will help avoid the formation of ice jams and make the compressor’s operation easier. Keep the condenser grille at the back clean - dust and animal hair impair heat transfer, causing the motor to work harder and noisier.
Watch what you put into the refrigerator. It is better to place heavy objects on the lower shelves so as not to disturb the center of gravity and not create unnecessary vibration. Glass containers should not be placed close to each other, otherwise they will rattle when the vibration system operates.
Periodically check the condition of the door seals. If they are worn out or dirty, warm air enters the chamber, the compressor turns on more often and runs longer, which increases the overall noise level and energy consumption. Wipe the seals with a soft cloth and change them if necessary.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the new Beko refrigerator hum loudly in the first days?
The new refrigerator may hum more because the mechanical parts have not yet gotten used to it. In addition, the oil in the compressor may have become agitated during transportation. Let the equipment stand unplugged for several hours after delivery so that the oil drains into the crankcase and the noise should decrease.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to hum only at night?
During the day, extraneous sounds can be masked by household noise. At night, in silence, even the normal operating hum of the compressor becomes more noticeable. If the sound is monotonous and is not accompanied by knocking, this is normal. Also at night, the voltage in the network can stabilize, changing the nature of the motor.
Can a refrigerator hum if it is empty?
Yes, an empty refrigerator can hum even stronger, since the products act as additional sound insulation and a cold accumulator. Empty shelves and drawers may also rattle due to vibration. Try filling the chamber or simply closing the doors more tightly.
What to do if it hums, but does not freeze?
If the refrigerator hums but does not cool, this is a sign of a serious breakdown: a freon leak, a clogged capillary tube, or a compressor malfunction. In this case, you must immediately turn off the device and call a technician; further operation is useless and dangerous.