Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation where the usual hum of a working unit is replaced by alarming sounds. Indesit refrigerator can make a crackling sound for a variety of reasons, ranging from completely harmless expansion of plastic and ending with serious technical malfunctions. You should not ignore these signals, since timely diagnostics help to avoid expensive repairs or damage to products.
It is important to distinguish the nature of the sound: it is a periodic ringing, reminiscent of bursting bubbles, or a loud, frightening crackling sound that occurs when the engine starts. Users often confuse normal physical processes with breakdowns, which leads to unnecessary calls to technicians. In this article, we will analyze in detail which components can produce extraneous noise and how to determine the source of the problem yourself.
Understanding the design of your Indesit will help you quickly navigate the situation. We will consider both natural causes and technical failures that require specialist intervention. The main thing is to remain calm and consistently check all possible options.
Natural physical processes and expansion of materials
The most common reason why a new or working refrigerator makes sounds is thermal expansion. The inner walls of the chamber and plastic structural elements are constantly exposed to temperature changes. When thermostat gives a cooling command, the materials compress, and when heated, they expand. This process is accompanied by a characteristic crackling sound, reminiscent of the sound of bursting foam or cracking wood.
Usually, such sounds are most audible immediately after the compressor is turned off or at the moment it starts. At this time, the temperature difference between the walls of the evaporator and the outer casing is maximum. If your Indesit stands level and does not wobble, and the cracking sound is heard evenly and not too loudly, then most likely there is nothing to worry about.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking becomes constant and is accompanied by vibration of the shelves or rattling of dishes inside, check the stability of the installation. Even a slight rocking can intensify the sounds of plastic expansion.
Particular attention should be paid to models with the system No Frost. In them, air circulation is more intense, and plastic air ducts can respond to cold air flows more loudly. Over time, when the plastic “gets in” and adapts to operating cycles, these sounds may become quieter or disappear altogether.
It is important to note that the intensity of such sounds depends on the quality of the plastic used by the manufacturer. In cheaper models, the walls may be thinner, which makes them more susceptible to temperature deformations.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The situation changes dramatically if a crash is heard when the motor-compressor is turned on or off. This may indicate wear start relay of the device responsible for starting the engine. If the contacts inside the relay are burnt or oxidized, an electric arc may occur when you try to start, accompanied by a loud clicking or crackling sound.
In some cases, the compressor itself begins to make metallic sounds. This happens if the internal parts of the engine are worn out or if a water hammer occurs when liquid freon enters the cylinder instead of gas. This water hammer is extremely dangerous and can lead to a wedge of the piston group. If you hear a loud metallic knock or crackling noise from the motor housing, it is better to stop using it.
Signs of a faulty relay
the compressor hums for 2-3 seconds, a click is heard, and the motor stalls, after which the cycle repeats after a few minutes.
Relay diagnostics often require opening the casing in the lower rear part of the unit. However, before you go there with tools, listen: if the crackling sound is electrical (similar to sparking), this requires immediate intervention by an electrician or a craftsman.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing the start relay yourself is only possible if you have the skills to work with electrical appliances. Be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the network before any manipulations with the wiring.
The noise itself is often the cause motor-compressor. If it is mounted on shock absorbers that are worn or come off, the vibration will be transferred to the body, causing a rattling noise that can be mistaken for a rattling sound. Check the mounting bolts and rubber gaskets.
No Frost defrosting system malfunctions
In models with an automatic defrosting system, a cracking noise may be associated with operation Defrost heating element. When the heating element is turned on to defrost the evaporator, it becomes very hot. If an ice coat has formed on the evaporator tubes, contact of hot metal with ice or water can cause hissing and crackling.
A more serious problem lies in mechanical damage to the fan blades. In the system No Frost a fan is responsible for air circulation. If frozen ice or a foreign object (for example, a piece of packaging) gets under the blades, the fan begins to crack and hum. Usually this sound intensifies when the door of the refrigerator or freezer is open (since in many models, when the door is opened, the fan stops and the sound disappears).
To eliminate this malfunction, it is often necessary to completely defrost the unit within 24 hours. If after defrosting the sound returns after a few days, then the problem is in the defrost system: the defrost sensor or the heating element itself could have failed. timer, defrost sensor or heating element itself.
The accumulation of ice in the drainage system also leads to a crackling sound. Water flowing down during defrosting can freeze in the channel and break off in pieces during the subsequent cycle, creating noise when falling on the heating element or into the pan.
Deformation of the housing and violation of the geometry
Sometimes the source of sound lies not in the internal components, but in the violation of the geometry of the cabinet itself. If the refrigerator was improperly transported (laid on its side without proper timing) or was subjected to impacts, the interior panels could become dislodged. When the compressor operates, vibration causes these panels to rub against each other, creating an unpleasant creaking or crackling sound.
This is especially common in freezers, where temperature changes are most dramatic. Plastic liners can become deformed and do not adhere tightly to the metal walls. Air may get into the gap, causing a whistle, or the plastic simply rubs against the metal during thermal expansion.
To diagnose this phenomenon, you can try to gently press on different parts of the inner lining while the refrigerator is running. If the sound changes or disappears when pressed, then you have found the source of vibration. This can be eliminated by placing a sealant (for example, foam rubber or polyethylene foam) between the rubbing surfaces.
It is also worth checking the fastening of the rear metal grille (condenser). If it is loose, the vibration of the operating unit will cause it to rattle. It is enough just to tighten the fasteners or lay rubber gaskets.
Comparative table of noise sources
To make it easier for you to navigate the variety of sounds, we have prepared a table systematizing the main causes and their characteristics.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Criticality | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet crackling, as if polystyrene foam is bursting | Thermal expansion of plastic | Normal | Observation |
| Loud click when turning on/off | Start relay or thermostat | Average | Relay diagnostics |
| Metallic knocking or crackling | Compressor wear, water hammer | High | Call a technician |
| Cracking that disappears when the door is opened | Foreign object in the fan | Average | Defrosting, cleaning |
| Periodic hissing and gurgling | Movement of freon in the tubes | Normal | Not required |
This table covers the most common scenarios. However, remember that a combination of sounds may indicate a complex problem. For example, vibration from a worn compressor can cause rattling of a poorly secured shelf.
If you notice that the nature of the sound has changed over time - it has become louder, sharper, or a burning smell has appeared - this is a sure sign of a developing malfunction. In such cases diagnosis should be carried out as soon as possible.
Diagnostics and troubleshooting methods
If you decide to diagnose yourself, start with a visual inspection and listening. Use a medical stethoscope or simply place your ear on different parts of the body (being careful). This will help localize the source of the sound: the upper part (evaporator), the lower part (compressor) or the side walls.
☑️ Primary diagnosis of noise
First, check the installation level. The legs of the refrigerator should be adjusted so that the unit is stable and has a slight tilt back to allow the doors to fit snugly. Use a building level. If the refrigerator is standing crookedly, the vibration will increase many times over.
Next, inspect the space around the compressor. Make sure the tubes do not touch each other or the housing. If you find a contact, carefully (only on a cold and switched off unit!) bend the tube or lay insulating material. Rubbing metal surfaces are a common source of ringing.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to bend refrigerant pipes by force or with a tool if you are not sure of your actions. Damage to the tube will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
If the problem is in the system fan No Frost, defrosting will be required. Leave the refrigerator turned off with the doors open for at least 24 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt, including in hidden channels. After turning it on, listen: if the sound disappears, but returns after a week or two, it means that the defrosting system (heating element, sensor or timer) is faulty, and the ice is again blocking the fan.
In cases where the crackling sound is associated with the electrics (relay), replacing the part usually solves the problem. Starting relays for Indesit are inexpensive and are often consumables. However, if the compressor works “pull” and makes heavy metallic sounds, its service life may be coming to an end.
Prevention and operating rules
To minimize the risks of extraneous noise and extend the life of your refrigerator, follow simple operating rules. Regular defrosting (even once a year for No Frost systems) helps keep the drainage system clean and prevents ice jams from forming.
Watch how you load food. Heavy pots on glass shelves can create resonance. Use rubber mats under dishes. Also, do not put hot foods in the refrigerator - this causes a sharp expansion of the plastic and increased load on the compressor, which accelerates the wear of parts.
How to extend the life of the compressor
Do not turn on the refrigerator immediately after transportation (let the oil drain for 4-6 hours), keep the condenser clean at the back (dust worsens heat transfer) and avoid frequent changes network voltage.
Regularly check the condition of the door seals. If the door does not close tightly, warm, moist air enters the chamber, which leads to increased ice formation and, as a result, crackling noise when the defrosting system operates.
Remember that a constant loud crackling noise, accompanied by the cessation of cooling, is an emergency signal. In such a situation, you must immediately disconnect the device from the network and contact a service center to avoid a fire or complete loss of the compressor.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the Indesit refrigerator only crack at night?
At night, the level of background noise in the apartment decreases, and you simply begin to hear the natural sounds of the unit: the movement of freon, clicks of the thermostat and the expansion of plastic. If the cracking sound is not accompanied by other symptoms (heating of the body, lack of cold), this is normal.
Is it dangerous if a new refrigerator is cracking?
In a new refrigerator, cracking is most often caused by “grinding in” of parts and expansion of materials. This is fine. However, if the sound is very loud, metallic or similar to an electrical discharge, it is worth calling a technician to check, as there may be a manufacturing defect.
Can a magnet on the door crack?
Yes, sometimes foreign objects attached to magnets can vibrate and make sounds. Also, the magnet itself, if it does not fit tightly to the metal surface of the door, can rattle due to vibration of the compressor. Remove all the magnets and check if the sound has disappeared.
What to do if the cracking does not go away after defrosting?
If defrosting does not help, the problem may be mechanical (fan bearing wear, compressor malfunction) or electrical. In this case, professional diagnostics using instruments is required.
Is it necessary to change the refrigerator if it starts to crack?
Not at all necessary. In most cases, the problem is solved by replacing the start relay, cleaning the fan, or simply adjusting the position of the unit. Replacement is required only if the compressor is seriously damaged or the heat exchanger is broken down.