Integrated fridge / freezer buzzing

[PT1984]

We moved into our new late 70s home a few weeks ago. The kitchen looks to have been redone in the 80’s and is workable for now. I’m even warming to the tiles



It has a modern double integrated Gorrenge fridge / freezer. It buzzes loudly more often than not. It has limited ventilation from what I can see. It has also been switched off for 3 months before we moved in. Assume this is compressor related?

Other than the noise it’s working as it should.

Cheers!

Edited by PT1984 on Monday 14th April 07:48

[FlyVintage]

It’s under the hob?

That’s not the smartest placement in any case. The lack of ventilation has likely taken its toll and there is no going back from that anyway. It might go on years or weeks.

[PT1984]

Just taken a peek. It has around 3” from the top of the carcass. Limited ventilation at the back.

Anything I can replace. Fan etc. or is it toast? What to do moving forward with the lack of ventilation?

For clarity it’s not constant. Just when it’s cooling I imagine.

Edited by PT1984 on Monday 14th April 09:28

[FlyVintage]

It’ll likely be the compressor - obviously that’ll only be running when it’s cooling. It’s really not worth mucking about with once that is on the way out.

Whenever it’s replaced, you need to ensure proper air circulation can occur; not just space between it and adjacent surfaces, but vents so cool air can be drawn in an hot air can escape. Example below from my kitchen. However, if it really is currently below the hob then seriously, move it elsewhere! The heat from the hob is clearly not ideal, but reaching under a working hob to get something out of the fridge/freezer whilst cooking is just asking for trouble.

[PT1984]

It’s not under the hob. I was just showing you my lovely tiles!

[snuffy]

My fridge/freezer makes and odd whining sound every once in a while. If I turn it off at the mains, the sound continues, and then gets higher and higher in pitch, and then it stops. That takes maybe a minute, and then when I turn it back on again, it fine again for a few months.

I assume it's air related, but that's just a guess.

So, as above, turning it off and on again actually does fix mine!

[Simpo Two]

In my experience buzzing is usually something external vibrating because it's not properly fixed. Can you pull it out and check the back for anything lose?

[B'stard Child]

Simpo Two said:

In my experience buzzing is usually something external vibrating because it's not properly fixed. Can you pull it out and check the back for anything lose?

Check the fridge/feet for rock too - if the fridge isn't leveled out very well they can "vibrate" a little

[PT1984]

Thanks all. I was going to pull it out to check the actually ventilation, dust etc.

[PT1984]

Thanks all. I was going to pull it out to check the actually ventilation, dust etc.

[OutInTheShed]

Sometimes the buzzing is the start relay/PTC thingy for the compressor.

That fridge could perhaps use a grille vent in the kickboard?

Might be worth putting a power meter in line with the fridge for a while, our old one started using a lot of power in the months before it died.

[netherfield]

Could easily be a relay on a circuit board making the noise, or an electromagnet controlling the flap between fridge and freezer.

[Ham_and_Jam]

Have you give it a good kick?

[Simpo Two]

Ham_and_Jam said:

Have you give it a good kick?

Or lift the front up a bit then drop it back down while shouting 'Shut up you fker!'. Always try the simple things first