Appliance repairs and spares

Why does my defy fridge make a noise

Defy fridge guide

When your reliable Defy fridge suddenly starts making strange noise—a loud buzzing, a persistent rattle, or an unexpected knock—it’s immediately unsettling. Will the food spoil? Is the appliance broken?The good news is that an unsettling noise doesn’t always signal a disaster. Appliances in Durban households work hard every day, constantly battling high humidity, the effects of power instability (surges and dips), and corrosive coastal air. Hearing a strange sound from your Defy fridge is common, and often, a few simple checks are all that’s needed to restore the peace. We’ll walk you through the sounds, the common culprits in our blog , and exactly when you should call in the local experts for Defy appliance repair

 

Understanding Normal vs. Problematic Fridge Sounds

Before you panic, it’s helpful to know that fridges are complex machines designed to make noise. Knowing the difference between the usual operational sounds and those indicating a problem saves you time and worry and demonstrates true appliance expertise.

What Sounds Are Totally Normal?

  • The Gentle Hum: This is the sound of the compressor running, which is the heart of your fridge. It’s supposed to kick on and off throughout the day to maintain a constant cool temperature.
  • Occasional Clicks and Taps: You’ll hear a click when the thermostat switches the Defy compressor on or off. A light tapping might be refrigerants expanding and contracting inside the unit, especially during a cooling cycle.
  • Gurgling or Dripping: This sound is completely normal! It’s the refrigerant liquid circulating through the coils or water dripping onto the drain pan to evaporate during a defrost cycle.

What Sounds Should You Worry About?

  • Loud, Constant Buzzing or Rattling: If the humming turns into an insistent, loud buzz, it usually points to a mechanical issue, often involving a fan or the motor.
  • Persistent Knocking: A rhythmic or heavy knocking is usually the sign of something loose and hitting against a moving part, which requires immediate attention.
  • Deep, Struggling Rattle: When the Defy compressor turns on, it should do so smoothly. A deep, loud rattle or grind often means that  the compressor itself is struggling to start or run efficiently.

Local Expert Tip: Before calling for help, try to record the noise on your phone. Describing a sound can be tough, but a short recording gives your local Durban technician an immediate head-start on diagnosis!

Conclusion

If you’ve tried some of these quick fixes but your fridge is still noisy or not cooling properly, it might be time to call in an expert. Our local technicians are experienced with Defy models and can get your appliance running smoothly again. You can fix your Defy fridge in Durban with help from a trusted repair specialist who understands local conditions and offers reliable service.

Get your defy fridge fixed today

Don't let your food spoil! When your fridge fails, you need fast, reliable help. Our local technicians specialize in Defy appliance repair and can diagnose and fix common issues—from cooling failure to faulty thermostats—today. We use genuine parts and back every repair with a solid warranty.

FAQ

  • why do I hear water dripping inside my Defy fridge?

    Hearing water dripping inside is generally normal. This sound occurs during the automatic defrost cycle when ice on the evaporator coils melts. The water drips down the drainage channel to the drip pan at the bottom of the fridge where it evaporates. If the dripping is excessive or pooling inside, your drain line might be blocked.

  • Does the age of my Defy fridge affect the noise level?

    Yes, older appliances naturally become noisier. As components age, parts like fan motors develop looser bearings, and the compressor may need to work harder and longer to achieve the same cooling effect. While proper maintenance helps, an older fridge in Durban's climate may simply run louder than a brand new model.

  • The noise stops when I open the fridge door. What does this mean?

    If the noise immediately stops when you open the door, it almost certainly indicates a problem with the evaporator fan. When you open the door, a switch turns off this fan. This means the fan blades are likely hitting ice build-up or the motor is failing—and you've pinpointed the noisy component.

about the author

This article was authored by the certified technicians and appliance specialists at Smart Appliance Centre, Durban's trusted home appliance repair experts. With over four decades of experience serving the KwaZulu-Natal community, including suburbs like Hillcrest, Westville, and Umhlanga, the Smart Appliance Centre team specializes in diagnosing and repairing all major brands, including Defy. Our commitment is to provide honest, reliable advice and expert repair services that stand up to Durban's unique climate challenges. When you need appliance help you can trust, you can rely on the certified local experts.

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