The unexpected appearance of extraneous sounds in a household appliance always causes concern for the owner. Refrigerator is one of the most important devices in the house, ensuring the safety of products, so any deviation from the usual operating mode is perceived as a potential threat. If you hear that the unit has begun to crack, click or make other sharp sounds, do not panic ahead of time, since not every noise indicates a breakdown.
Modern models of climate control equipment, be it Liebherr, Bosch or Indesit, are equipped with many mechanical components that can produce various sounds during operation. It is important to be able to distinguish normal operating noises from malfunction signals that require specialist intervention. In this article, we will analyze in detail the physical causes of crackling, methods of self-diagnosis, and situations where you can’t do without calling a specialist.
A primary assessment of the nature of the sound helps to narrow down the range of possible causes. The crackling noise can be intermittent or constant, quiet or very loud, and occurs immediately after switching on or during long-term operation. Understanding these nuances will allow you to make the right decision on further actions.
Physical causes of crackling noise during compressor operation
One of the most common causes of crackling is the processes occurring within itself compressor. This is the heart of the refrigerator and circulates refrigerant throughout the system. When the engine starts or stops, the pistons and valves experience significant load, which can be accompanied by characteristic clicks or a short crackling sound.
If a crash is heard precisely at the moment the engine is turned on or off, this is often the norm for many models. Mechanical parts solenoid valve or the starting relay suddenly change their position, creating a sound effect. However, if the sound becomes prolonged and resembles a metallic grinding sound, this may indicate wear on the internal parts of the compressor.
Why does an old compressor make more noise?
Over time, the metal parts of the engine wear out their service life, the gaps increase, and the vibration is transmitted louder to the housing. In addition, the oil inside the compressor may thicken or burn out, which increases friction and noise at start-up.
There is also the concept of “hydraulic hammer,” which occurs if liquid freon enters the suction system instead of gaseous. This causes a loud cracking sound inside the compressor cylinder and is a dangerous sign. In such a situation, refrigerant does not have time to completely evaporate in the evaporator, which requires immediate diagnosis of the defrost or thermoregulation system.
Thermal expansion and deformation of case materials
Often users are frightened by a loud cracking sound seemingly coming from the walls or internal volume of the chamber, not suspecting that this is a natural physical process. The materials from which the inner plastic container and the outer lining are made are different. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example, immediately after defrosting or loading warm food, the plastic contracts or expands. coefficient of thermal expansion. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example immediately after defrosting or loading warm food, the plastic contracts or expands.
This process is accompanied by sounds very similar to crackling or even gunshots. This is especially often observed in refrigerators with a No Frostsystem, where temperature changes are sharper due to the operation of fans and defrosting heating elements. Internal shelves made of glass or tempered plastic can also make sounds during temperature compression.
- 🔊 Rapid cooling of the walls after turning on the compressor causes compression of the plastic.
- 🔊 Loading hot products provokes local expansion of materials.
- 🔊 Cycles automatic defrosting is accompanied by heating and cooling of the elements.
If the crackling occurs precisely when the temperature changes and is not accompanied by other symptoms (for example, lack of cold), then there is no need to worry. This is a design feature, not a defect. Over time, when the materials “grind in,” the intensity of the sounds may decrease, but they may never completely disappear.
Problems with the fan in the No Frost system
In refrigerators equipped with system No Frost, the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If you hear a cracking sound coming from the back wall of your freezer or refrigerator, this may be the source of the problem. The fan blades may touch frozen ice or frost if the defrosting system is not working correctly.
Another reason is wear of the fan motor bearings. Over time, the lubricant in them dries out, and rotation becomes noisy, accompanied by a characteristic crackling or hum. In some cases, a foreign object may be a piece of food or ice that has fallen into the rotation zone of the blades.
For diagnostics, you must carefully remove the back panel in the freezer (after first disconnecting the device from the mains). A visual inspection will reveal the presence of an ice coat on the blades or mechanical damage. If the fan is difficult to spin by hand, it needs to be replaced.
Improper installation and vibration of the housing
Sometimes the cause of the crackling sound lies not inside the unit, but in its operating conditions. If refrigerator is installed unevenly, vibration from the operating compressor is transmitted to the housing and amplified by resonance. This can cause rattling and cracking, especially if the legs of the appliance are not adjusted or the floor is uneven.
It is also worth checking the distance to the walls and furniture. The rear grille of the condenser should not touch the wall, otherwise vibration will be transmitted to building structures, creating additional noise. Closely placed dishes or bottles on shelves can also touch and make sounds when vibrating.
Check whether internal elements: shelves, drawers, doors are touching each other. Even minimal contact of plastic parts during engine operation can generate an unpleasant crackling noise. Adjusting the level of inclination of the device using a building level will help eliminate vibration.
☑️ Installation diagnostics
Malfunctions of the electrical part and the starting relay
If the crackling sound is accompanied by periodic clicks and attempts to start the engine, which immediately stalls, the problem may lie in the electrical circuit. Start relay is a device that supplies an impulse to start the compressor. If it malfunctions, the contacts can burn, causing a characteristic crackling and sparking.
A dangerous sign is the smell of burning or plastic that accompanies these sounds. In such a situation, operation of the device must be stopped immediately, as there is a risk of fire or failure of the expensive compressor. A cracking sound may also be produced thermostat when the contacts are closed.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a crackling sound combined with burning smells or see sparks, immediately disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Continued activation may result in a fire.
Diagnostics of electrical components requires the use of a multimeter and certain knowledge. If you do not have the skills to work with electrical appliances, it is better not to take risks and contact a professional technician to replace the relay or thermostat.
Comparative table of causes and symptoms
For ease of diagnosis, we have systematized the main causes of cracking in a table. This will help you quickly figure out the nature of the problem.
| Cause of noise | Nature of sound | When it occurs | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thermal expansion | Crackling, clicking, "shots" | When the temperature changes | Not required |
| Compressor operation | Single click, humming | When startup/stop | Not required (if there is no grinding noise) |
| Fan No Frost | Constant crackling, humming | During operation | Required (cleaning or replacement) |
| Start relay | Frequent clicks, crackling | When trying to start | Required (part replacement) |
| Vibration of the housing | Rattling, resonance | Constantly during operation | Adjusting the legs |
When it is necessary to call a specialist
Despite the fact that many causes of rattling are harmless, there are situations when it is not possible without professional intervention make do. If you have ruled out thermal expansion and vibration, but the sound persists, you should pay attention to the accompanying symptoms. Lack of cold, ice freezing or the compressor refusing to start are clear signs of a breakdown.
A technician will be required if the cracking noise becomes louder over time or changes in character. For example, a transition from quiet clicks to a loud metallic clang indicates the destruction of the mechanical parts of the compressor. Also, the help of a specialist is needed if a freon leak is suspected, which is often accompanied by a whistle or hissing.
⚠️ Attention: Self-repair of the refrigerant circulation system is prohibited and dangerous. Filling with freon and soldering pipes requires a license and special equipment.
Do not ignore strange sounds if they appear suddenly after a long period of quiet operation. Early diagnosis allows you to eliminate the malfunction at a stage when replacing parts is inexpensive, and prevent complete breakdown of the unit.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator with a cracking sound?
If the crackling sound is caused by thermal expansion or vibration, it is possible. If the sound comes from a compressor or electrics, operation can lead to expensive repairs or a fire.
Prevention of noisy operation of the refrigerator
To extend the life of household appliances and minimize the risk of extraneous noise, you must follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the drainage hole helps to avoid problems with the system No Frost and the formation of excess ice.
It is important to ensure that the door is closed tightly. If the seal is worn or dirty, warm air enters the chamber, causing the compressor to work harder and more often, which accelerates its wear. Periodically checking the condition of the rubber seals is a simple but effective preventive measure.
- 🧹 Regularly clean the condenser grille at the back from dust.
- 🌡️ Do not place hot foods in the chamber that cause sudden temperature changes.
- ⚖️ Check the horizontal installation during each general cleaning.
Following these simple recommendations will allow your refrigerator to work quietly and efficiently for many years. Remember that careful attention to equipment pays off in the absence of sudden breakdowns and the safety of products.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a new refrigerator crack in the first days of operation?
A new appliance may make sounds due to the fact that the parts have not yet gotten used to each other. Thermal expansion of new materials is also possible. Usually, after 3-5 days of operation, the noise subsides.
Is cracking dangerous if the refrigerator continues to freeze?
If the cold persists and the temperature in the chambers is normal, most likely the reason is thermal expansion or vibration. However, if the sound is very loud or metallic, it is worth conducting a diagnosis.
Is it possible to lubricate a fan if it is cracking?
Most modern models use sealed bearings that do not require lubrication. Trying to lubricate them with oil may damage the plastic and make the situation worse. It is better to replace the entire unit.
The crackling sound is heard only at night, why?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and you simply begin to hear the normal operating sounds of the refrigerator (compressor switching cycles, refrigerant current), which are drowned out by household noise during the day.