Very Noisy New Whirlpool Frige

[mlmoore]

Modle Number: ET1CHEXVQ01

Hi,
I just purchased a brand new fridge from Lowe's, and it is sooo much noisier than my old fridge (10 yr old GE).  It is an energy-star.  Our old one was not.  

The really irritating part is there's a VERY high pitched noise that comes from it when it runs.  There seem to be 3 noises - the low hum of the motor, a kind of "tinny/metallic" constant strumming type noise I associate with the condenser, and the very high pitched noise.  All three are constant when the fridge runs.  IT seems too, that most of this noise is coming out the bottom where the front vent is, but some may be coming around the sides.

Does anyone know what this very high pitched noise is associated with?  We've had it a little over 30 days at this point, and I'm about ready to get rid of it, but we just spent a good amount of money for this one.

I'm not sure what to do. It operates fine and is cold. I called the warranty dept and they said they make more noise - and it sounded "normal" based upon what I was describing.

Help?  Ideas?

Thanks!
Michelle

[mlmoore]

By the way, one more thing.

This very annoying, high pitched hum, is not coming from inside the fridge when you open the fridge or freezer door.

Thanks,
Michelle

[jumptrout51]

I have thought about your problem for 2 days.
My belief is that you have a extraordinarily loud compressor.
Thinking back, over the years I can remember compressors that just did not sound right. Made whiny noises but cooled OK.
Ask your dealer to exchange your fridge for another one.

[mlmoore]

Hi,

Thanks a bunch for your response. 

Not being an expert, I wasn't sure what else it might be except for the compressor.  I guess I can try calling the warranty dept - have them send out a tech to inspect.  They said, if they found nothing "wrong" that we would have to pay the $100 service fee.

So, I guess it may be "subjective" at this point?  I do know I have good hearing, but my husband says he tries not to pay attention to the noise - but if he does - it annoys him too.

What if they tech thinks its "tolerable"?

Hmm.
Michelle

[jumptrout51]

Call Lowes and tell them it is unacceptable and to send another one.
If the replacement is noisy, have the Whirlpool tech come out and see what he can do.

 I do have to admit. One time I had a service call about a noisy fridge. Went on the 60 mile trip to listen and repair the problem. The lady of the house kept hearing strange noises in the fridge.
Her husband could not hear the noise. I could not hear the noise.
She opened the freezer door and said "do you hear it now"?
We 3 heard the noise at that point. Her husband and I told her not to open the freezer door and listen to the freezer fan running.

Obviously not your situation, but stranger things can happen.

Call Lowes.

[JWWebster]

That noise might be the fan blade hitting a small piece of packing styrofoam that was not removed when it was unpacked.

[mlmoore]

Hmm - ok. 

I'd like to just have Lowe's replace it, but I'm sure they'll want to send a warranty repair place out first. Hopefully, they'll agree there's a problem.  If not, I guess I move to plan b and see what Lowe's will do.

Where would this Styrofoam be - somewhere I could see?

Thanks,
Michelle

[JWWebster]

Back in the bottom rear of the ice box near the compressor