Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation where a habitually humming Atlant refrigerator suddenly begins to make extraneous sounds, reminiscent of crackling or clicking noises. This does not always indicate a serious breakdown, however, such signals should not be ignored, as they may indicate malfunctions in the operation of important components of the unit. Understanding the nature of sound is the first step to saving food and the family budget.
The source of noise can be either a natural physical process or the failure of expensive system components. In this article we will take a detailed look at why does the refrigerator crack?how to distinguish normal operation from an emergency situation and what steps to take to troubleshoot the problem. Correct and timely diagnostics will help extend the life of your device.
Natural causes of crackling noise during operation
Many users panic when they hear the first extraneous sound, but often crackling in the refrigerator is an absolutely normal physical phenomenon. Modern models, including popular series Atlant, are equipped with systems that inevitably make sounds during operation. For example, when cooling or heating, plastic parts of the case and internal shelves may make characteristic clicks due to thermal expansion of materials.
It is also worth considering the operation of the system No Frostif it is provided in your model. Air circulation, pressure changes and damper operation may be accompanied by periodic crackling sounds. Typically, such sounds are quiet, rhythmic and do not cause concern to household members after several days of operation.
If you have recently moved the refrigerator or have just defrosted it, the appearance of sounds in the first hours of operation is also normal. The mechanisms must “fall into place” and the temperature regime must stabilize. During this period compressor can work in enhanced mode, creating vibrations transmitted to the housing.
Malfunctions of the defrosting and evaporator system
One of the most common technical reasons for cracking Atlant refrigerator, there is a malfunction in the defrost circuit. Ice that accumulates on the evaporator can interfere with the operation of the fan or damper, causing mechanical friction and a characteristic cracking sound. This is especially true for models with a No Frost.
During the normal defrosting process, the heating element must melt the ice. If the heating element is faulty or the defrosting timer is stuck, the ice does not have time to melt and begins to interfere with moving parts. As a result, you hear a loud cracking sound, which can intensify over time.
To fix the problem, it is often necessary to check the following elements:
- 🧊 The evaporator heating element - it could burn out and stop heating.
- ⏱️ Defrost timer - it could go wrong or jam.
- 🌡️ Defrost sensor - transmits incorrect temperature data.
It is important to understand that long-term operation with a faulty defrost system leads to freezing of the air ducts and deterioration of the cooling of the chambers. If you notice that a “fur coat” has formed on the back wall of the freezer, and the sound of a crack has become a constant companion to the work, the intervention of a technician is necessary.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The most alarming signal for the owner is when the crackling noise comes directly from the motor-compressor located in the lower rear part of the unit. Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and any extraneous sounds in this area require close attention. Often the cause is the starting relay, which, when worn, begins to click, trying to start the engine.
A situation where the refrigerator hums, then there is a loud click or crackle, and the motor goes silent, and after a while the cycle repeats, indicates problems with starting. This may be due to a drop in voltage in the network or wear of the motor windings.
What is the danger of wear of the starting relay?
If you ignore the clicks of the relay, the compressor will try to start constantly, which will lead to overheating of the windings and other combustion of the engine, the replacement of which is expensive.
Diagnostics compressor unit includes checking:
- ⚡ Start relay —often requires replacement when a cracking noise appears.
- 🔩 Compressor mounts —vibration can cause knocking on the housing.
- 🔌 Wiring contacts —oxidation causes sparking and crackling.
If you hear a metallic clanging or strong cracking sound inside the compressor itself, this may indicate destruction of the engine mount or valve group. In such cases Atlant refrigerator repair doing it yourself is highly not recommended, since specialized tools and skills are required.
The influence of improper installation and vibration
Sometimes the reason is trivial and lies not in the internal components, but in the conditions operation. Vibration, transmitted from a running motor to the body, can cause rattling and crackling if the refrigerator is not level or touches furniture. Models Atlant, especially two-compressor ones, are sensitive to distortions.
Check whether the unit is stable. If you feel play or hear knocking when you lightly swing your hand, you need to adjust the legs. Also make sure that the back wall of the refrigerator does not touch a wall or curtain, as the vibration of the compressor can be transmitted to them.
The table below will help you quickly determine the source of noise by its characteristics:
| Type of sound | Probable cause | Urgency of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic quiet crackling | Thermal expansion of plastic | Not required |
| Loud clicking and humming | Start relay or compressor | High |
| Constant crackling in the freezer | Fan or ice on the evaporator | Medium |
| Rattling of the case | Incorrect installation, touching furniture | Low |
Defects in the fan and air circulation
In models with the system No Frost the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If there is a cracking noise in the refrigerator or freezer that sounds like a propeller hitting a foreign object, that is the problem. Often the cause is frozen ice, which gets knocked down by the blades and creates noise.
Also, a small object (for example, a product label) could get into the fan or the bearing system of the motor itself could fail. In the first case, it is enough to defrost the chamber and remove it, in the second, you will need to replace the fan.
☑️ Fan diagnostics
Please note that if the fan operates intermittently, this may lead to uneven cooling of the products. Atlant refrigerator it may begin to freeze worse, and condensation will appear on the products. Regularly checking the cleanliness of the air ducts helps to avoid such situations.
When you need to call a technician: critical symptoms
There are a number of symptoms in which self-repair is not only ineffective, but also dangerous. If the cracking sound is accompanied by a burning smell, smoke or sparking, you must immediately turn off the refrigerator unplug. This may indicate a short circuit in the wiring or overheating of the electric motor.
Also a reason to call a specialist is the situation when, after defrosting for 24 hours, the sound does not disappear, and the temperature in the chambers no longer remains at the desired level. This indicates deeper problems in the refrigerant or electronic control module.
⚠️ Attention: Trying to replace the compressor yourself or solder the circuit tubes without a license and equipment is prohibited and can lead to a freon leak and final breakdown of the unit
Do not forget that modern refrigerators Atlant equipped with sophisticated electronics. Incorrect diagnosis can lead to replacement of serviceable parts. If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to trust the professionals, especially if the device is under warranty.
Noise prevention and refrigerator care
If your refrigerator served for a long time and quietly, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (even for No Frost systems, preventive maintenance once a year) will help avoid the formation of excess ice. Make sure that food does not touch the back wall or block the ventilation openings.
Periodically check the cleanliness of the condenser (grids at the back), as dust and animal hair can cause the compressor to overheat and change the way it operates. Wipe the door seals so that they do not harden and do not allow warm air to pass through, causing the motor to work harder.
Following simple rules of hygiene and operation will help maintain silence in the house. Remember that any new sound is an attempt by technology to communicate its condition. Careful attention to household appliances saves money on expensive repairs.
Why does the Atlant refrigerator only crack at night?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and you begin to hear sounds that were unnoticeable during the day. In addition, at night the voltage in the network may stabilize or, conversely, jump, which affects the operation of the compressor. Also at night, the fast freezing or defrosting mode is activated more often by timer.
Is it possible to operate a refrigerator if it is cracking?
If the cracking is caused by thermal expansion or vibration, it is possible. If the sound comes from the compressor (loud clicks, intermittent humming) or fan, operation is possible temporarily, but the risk of final breakdown is high. It is better to carry out diagnostics.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay in an Atlant refrigerator?
The cost consists of the price of the part itself (it is inexpensive) and the work of the technician. The price may vary from region to region, but it is usually one of the most affordable repair procedures. It is better to check the exact amount in the service centers of your city.
How to defrost a refrigerator correctly to remove cracking ice?
Unplug the unit, open the doors and leave for at least 10-12 hours (preferably for a day). Do not use a hairdryer or knife to crush ice - this will damage the evaporator. Collect water with towels. After turning on, let the refrigerator operate for 2-3 hours without loading food.