Lowering the thermostat level on your fridge once daily at night should not cause significant harm to the fridge itself, but it's not an ideal long-term solution for dealing with the buzzing sound. However, it's essential to understand why your refrigerator is making the noise in the first place.
The buzzing sound you hear is likely coming from the compressor, which is the motor responsible for cooling the fridge. When you lower the thermostat level, you are essentially reducing the workload of the compressor and making it run less frequently or for shorter periods. This is why the buzzing sound stops when you do this.
While doing it occasionally may not be too problematic, doing it daily can lead to some issues:
Temperature fluctuations: Frequent adjustments to the thermostat can cause temperature fluctuations inside the refrigerator, which may impact the quality and safety of the food stored inside. Certain foods may require stable and consistent temperatures for optimal storage.
Energy efficiency: Refrigerators are designed to operate efficiently at a specific temperature range. Constantly adjusting the thermostat can lead to higher energy consumption and may shorten the lifespan of the appliance.
Wear and tear: The compressor experiences more wear and tear when it frequently turns on and off. Over time, this can lead to increased maintenance needs and potentially shorten the lifespan of the fridge.
Instead of adjusting the thermostat daily, it's better to address the root cause of the buzzing sound. The buzzing could be caused by various factors, including:
- Vibrations from the compressor or other components
- An issue with the fridge's fan or motor
- Loosely mounted components
- Problems with the condenser coils
If the buzzing noise is bothering you, it's best to have a professional technician inspect and diagnose the issue. Regular maintenance and timely repairs can help ensure your fridge operates efficiently and quietly without the need for frequent thermostat adjustments.