Lately the sound of my fridge has been getting to me.  I basically
don't like background noise at all and the fridge seems to be louder
than ever - or I'm just noticing it more.
 It's about 8-11 years old, almond colored, over-under type, brand is GE.
 It works very well, does the job of keeping food cool/cold.
 If I get a newer fridge in the $500 - $1000 range, will it be quieter?

I bought a Washing Machine a couple of years ago and one of its
advertised features was that it made less noise.

I am delighted with it.

Of course, I live in the UK and I suspect that we are light years
ahead of our colonies when it comes to technologies.

That said, it was manufactured in Korea.

Similarly, maybe some fridges may make less noise than others.

Hi Pcventures...

I just got a brand new fridge a few weeks ago and it is way quieter
than my old one. Also, keep in mind the new fridges use much less
electricity nowadays.

Bryan, you mean to tell me you do your own laundry? I thought that
with all your household staff, you would have a laundry lady?

Steph53

Hiya Steph

YES I do DO the laundry ...

Well I put stuff in and press a few buttons and Bingo!

Of course, I don't do any ironing.

I'm quite sure they are quieter. I just replaced a top of the line GE
Profile model because I didn't like the noise level. It was about 8yrs
old. I bought an LG model and really like it.  Sound level is almost
nonexistant. I went from a power hog to a power miser. I believe I
will pay, over the long haul, for the cost of the exchange by savings
in power.

The Hotpoint we bought about ten years ago, had a loud high pitched
whistle sort of like a bad baring. They replaced the cooling assembly
free during the warrenty period, but the new unit made the same
whistle, but not so loud. It is still screeching away in our kitchen,
but we rarely notice.
 I suggest barrowing a stethoscope, and listening to each fridge in
the show room that otherwise meets your requirements. Buy the quietest
one. You need the stethoscope because show rooms are typically noisier
than you realze. Insist that you want the display model, not one like
it. If they won't let you have the display model, take your business
elseware. My guess is you have a good chance of finding a really quiet
applience at a used applience store, and they may make you a great
deal as your trade in works good except for the noise.   Neil