Frost-Free Fridgefreezer ... Is It Normal For Them To Be More Noisy Than A Normal One?

[joko]

I have a frost-free fridgefreezer - its an oldish model - but i've noticed, when it 'comes on' it makes a rather loud noise, much more than i've ever noticed other fridges make.
it doesn't really sound like something is malfunctioning or coming loose or anything - (a guess of course) it just sounds like a loud fan, with something of a rumble.

its not the compressor - it seems to be coming from the fan area of the freezer part.
it can't be ice build-up because i have only had it about 3 days.

is this just normal? just how frost free ones are? or is there something wrong with it?
it is working fine otherwise ... however i do possibly have the chance of swapping it for a better one, but its a big hassle, but if its going to get worse i may as well swap it now, while i have chance???

thanks

[Clanad]

Understanding how the typical 'frost-free' fridge works sometimes helps coping with different or louder noises.

As you've surmised (at least here in the U.S.) there's a metal plate or two or a similar device behind a back panel on the freezer side that, when in the "Off" cycles 'gathers' frost since the metal plate causes the humidity always present (especially when opening the door) causes it to condense and freeze on the plates. After a period of time, the plates actually heat up and the accumulated frost thaws and drips won the channel behind the covering plate to finally exit though a drain hole in the bottom of the freezer section into a shallow but sizeable 'tray' where it's supposed to evaporate. (The hole sometimes plugs up causing a puddle of water and ice at the bottom and the tray is meant to be cleaned periodically to eliminate mold and smells).

On the other hand, the freezing temperature air that is produced by the fridge comes in only on the fridge side but then is routed through an electrically (usually) controlled smallish door between the freezer and fridge. The opening is modulated by a thermostatically controlled device to attain the "set" temp on the fridge side. There's a blower that moves the air and this can be fairly noisy and is, what I suspect, you're hearing.

If both sides are working properly as to temperatures, you should be Ok once you acclimate to the newer noise...

[Clanad]

Ooops... ^ "On the other hand, the freezing temperature air that is produced by the fridge comes in only on the fridge side... " should read "only on the freezer side"...