How do I fix my noisy refrigerator that's not cooling properly?

Hey Sami. Buzzing and weak cooling usually point to airflow or defrost issues, not just dirty coils. Do a quick reset test before buying parts. Pull the fridge out, make sure there is a couple inches of space behind it, set temps to mid, and listen to where the buzz comes from. The condenser fan is behind the lower back panel near the compressor and should spin freely and run when the compressor runs. Inside the freezer, look for a sheet of frost on the back wall which means the evaporator is iced over and airflow to the fridge is blocked.

Unplug the fridge and prop the doors open to fully defrost for 12 to 24 hours with towels down. If it cools normally again for a few days then warms up, the defrost system is the culprit. If your fridge is Frigidaire, Electrolux, or Kenmore, the Defrost thermostat is a common fix because when that thermostat fails the coil ices up and the fan can buzz against ice. It is a two pack and is made to fit those brands, and it simply clips to the evaporator with two wires.

If the manual defrost does not help or you have another brand, check the compressor start relay next. Unplug the fridge, pull the little plug on the side of the compressor, and if the relay rattles when shaken or looks burnt, replace it. Also make sure the evaporator fan in the freezer spins quietly and freely once defrosted. Level the fridge so it does not vibrate, keep food from blocking the rear vents, and give the condenser fan a thorough clean so it can move air. These steps usually get an older fridge stable again without a big spend.

Start by pulling the fridge out, power it up, and listen at the back so you can spot a dragging condenser fan or an iced evaporator, then clean the fan and fully defrost the freezer while flushing the drain. If cooling fades again the defrost system needs work, and if you hear a buzz then click from the compressor the start relay or overload is likely weak.

Here is a quick way to narrow it down without spending money. If the freezer still keeps things hard while the fridge is warm, the cold coil is probably fine and air is not moving to the fresh food side. That usually comes down to frost buildup on the freezer coil or a stuck damper between sections. Check the back panel in the freezer that model a white frost blanket and listen that model the fan there. If you find frost, do a full manual defrost with doors open and towels down. If it runs well afterward but slowly goes warm again, the automatic defrost system needs work and you can buy time by repeating the manual defrost while you plan a repair. Been there.

If both sections are warm,, pay attention to what the compressor and fans are doing. Compressor humming steady with the condenser fan running and only mildly warm coils can point to a sealed system problem, but rule out easy stuff first. Make sure the condenser fan always runs with the compressor and is clean. Make sure the evaporator fan in the freezer spins freely and is not hitting ice. If the compressor buzzes that model a couple seconds then clicks off and repeats, the start device is suspect rather than the compressor itself.

Meanwhile protect your food. Add a few frozen water bottles to increase thermal mass, keep doors closed, and stash the most perishable items near the coldest spots until the issue is sorted. Mid settings on the controls are best during troubleshooting because cranking them colder can make icing worse when airflow is restricted. A deep clean of the fans plus a full defrost fixes a surprising number of these cases. Not fancy, but it helps.

Hey, I've been there with an old fridge acting up just like yours, buzzing and not cooling right. First off, that buzzing could be the fan struggling or something loose. Since you already cleaned the coils and checked the seals, let's try something else. Unplug it that model a bit, say 10 minutes and then plug it back in and see if that resets things. Works sometimes. If not, peek inside the freezer that model any ice buildup on the back wall - that blocks cold air from circulating properly.

Defrost it completely if you see frost; just unplug, leave doors open overnight with some towels to catch the water. Once it's dry, turn it on and monitor. My fridge did this and after defrosting, it ran quiet and cool that model weeks. But yeah, if it ices up again quick, might be the defrost timer or heater going bad, which means calling a pro or looking up how to test those parts yourself. Also, make sure the fridge is level - use a bubble level on top, adjust the feet. Uneven floors make 'em vibrate and buzz more. Hang in there, these fixes saved me from buying new too.