Problem summary
Your Samsung RS50 is making an intermittent loud noise that stops when you open the freezer door, and you've noticed ice building up inside the freezer compartment. This combination of symptoms is fairly common in this model range and usually points to a mechanical or electrical fault rather than a simple blockage.
Likely causes
Based on repair history for this fault pattern, the most common culprits are:
Freezer fan motor (most likely) — The fan that circulates cold air through the freezer can fail or wear out. A faulty fan motor often produces an intermittent grinding, buzzing, or rattling noise. When you open the door, the motor may stop temporarily, which is why the noise disappears. Without proper air circulation, frost can accumulate unevenly.
Main compressor or circulation motor — The motor responsible for cooling can develop mechanical wear. This typically produces a louder, more persistent rumble or grinding sound and will cause temperature regulation problems, leading to ice buildup.
Control PCB (circuit board) — Less commonly, a fault in the display or control board can cause erratic fan operation, resulting in noise and frost accumulation.
Why this needs an engineer
All three likely causes involve sealed refrigeration components, electrical motors, or circuit boards that require specialist tools and training to diagnose and repair safely. Opening the system yourself risks damaging the sealed refrigerant circuit, which is both hazardous and costly.
The ice buildup also suggests the appliance is struggling to maintain proper temperatures, which can worsen if the underlying fault isn't addressed quickly.
When to call SMC Services
Contact a qualified engineer if:
- The noise is intermittent and loud enough to be noticeable across a room
- You see frost or ice accumulating on freezer shelves or walls
- The freezer temperature feels warmer than usual
- The noise started suddenly rather than developing gradually
If you're in Northern Ireland, SMC Services can usually book a repair within 2-3 working days.