A sudden loud sound coming from the kitchen area can scare any owner of household appliances. Clap in the refrigerator is a phenomenon that many users encounter, and most often it is not poses a critical threat to the safety of products. However, you should not ignore regular clicks or sharp sounds, as they can signal both natural physical processes and an incipient malfunction.
To understand the nature of the noise, you need to listen to the nature of the sound and the moment of its appearance. Typically, such sounds occur at the moment of start or stop compressor, during cyclic defrosting or with a sharp change in the temperature inside the chambers. In some cases, this is simply the sound of expanding plastic, and in others it is a sign that the compressor needs to be replaced. happening inside your refrigeration unit, and we will help you distinguish normal from pathology. You will find out why the system makes sounds similar to shots or blows, and in what situations you need to call a technician for start relay requires replacement.
In this article, we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside your refrigeration unit and help you distinguish normality from pathology. You will learn why the system makes sounds similar to shots or blows, and in what situations it is necessary to call a specialist for diagnostics. Understanding these nuances will help you keep calm and extend the life of your equipment.
Physics of the process: thermal expansion of materials
The most common and absolutely harmless reason for the appearance of pops is thermal expansion. The internal walls of the refrigerator, shelves and containers are made of plastic, which changes its geometric dimensions during sudden cooling or heating. When the temperature inside the chamber drops, the material contracts, emitting a characteristic crack or a single pop.
This effect is especially often observed in new models of refrigerators or after long defrosting, when the unit is just gaining operating temperature. Acrylic and other types of plastic used in cladding have a high coefficient of thermal expansion. The sound can be very loud, reminiscent of a gunshot, which often frightens owners, but in fact it is only mechanical stress of the material.
If the cotton is heard irregularly and is not accompanied by other alarming symptoms, such as lack of cold or constant operation of the motor, then there is nothing to worry about. This is the normal operation of the system, where refrigerant circulation causes fluctuations in the temperature of internal surfaces.
Operation of the start relay and compressor
A more serious, but also common cause of popping noises is associated with the electrical part of the unit. Start relay is a device that supplies current to the compressor motor windings to start it. When the motor is turned on or off, the relay contacts open or close, which may be accompanied by a distinct click or pop.
If the sound has become louder than usual or is accompanied by a humming sound that ends abruptly, this may indicate wear on the mechanism. In such cases starter it may not be able to cope with the load, and the compressor tries to start several times in a row. This phenomenon is often called “clattering”, and it requires attention, as it can lead to overheating engine.
You can check the operation of the relay visually (if you have the skills) or by the nature of the sound. A normal startup should be quiet, without a series of repeated startup attempts. If you hear a series of popping noises before the engine starts, this is a sure sign that electrical circuit the operation is unstable.
What will happen if you ignore the relay clicks?
If the start relay is faulty, the compressor will try to start endlessly, which will lead to overheating, activation of thermal protection and, ultimately, to expensive repairs or replacement of the motor.
Hydraulic shock in the cooling system
One of the technical reasons for the appearance of sharp sounds is the so-called water hammer. In addition to gaseous refrigerant, the freon circulation system may contain oil or liquid freon. When the compressor starts, it forcefully pushes this mixture through the narrow tubes capillaries and the evaporator.
If excess oil has accumulated in the system or a blockage has occurred, the flow of high-pressure liquid hits the the walls of the tubes or bends, creating a sound similar to a blow or pop. This often happens immediately after turning on the refrigerator after a long period of inactivity or transportation.
In most cases, the system automatically equalizes the pressure, and the sounds stop after a few minutes of operation. However, if the popping continues constantly and is accompanied by vibration of the housing, this may indicate a violation refrigerant balance or the need to change the oil in the compressor.
The influence of No Frost defrosting cycles
In refrigerators with a system No Frost pops are often confined to automatic defrosting cycles. In such models, ice accumulates on the evaporator behind the chamber wall, which periodically melts using Heating element (thermoelectric heater). A sharp change in temperature causes expansion of the metal elements of the evaporator.
The sound can be very similar to a crack or a single shot, especially at the moment when the ice crust cracks and breaks off from the heater. Falling pieces of ice can also create noise when they hit the pan or structural components. This is a normal process that ensures the correct operation of the air circulation system air circulation.
If the sound becomes too loud, it is possible that the drainage system is clogged and there is nowhere for the water to drain, causing it to boil on a hot heating element, creating a characteristic hissing and popping noise. Regular preventive defrosting at least once a year will help avoid the accumulation of excess ice and noise.
Diagnostics: normal or broken?
To determine whether cotton is a sign of a malfunction, it is necessary to carry out primary diagnosis. It is important to pay attention to related factors: the temperature in the chambers, the operating mode of the motor and the frequency of sounds. Below is a table that will help classify the problem.
| Sound type | Moment of appearance | Probable cause | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single crackling | When cooling/heating | Thermal expansion of plastic | Normal |
| Loud click | When starting the engine | Starting relay | Normal / Wear |
| Series of pops | Constantly during operation | Relay or compressor malfunction | Requires repair |
| Gurgling with a pop | Immediately after switching on | Movement of freon and oil | Normal |
| Sharp blow | In the cycle defrosting | Falling ice or expansion of metal | Normal |
If you notice that the refrigerator has started working longer than usual, and a “coat” of ice has appeared on the back wall, this is an indirect sign of problems with cooling cycle. In combination with popping noises, this may indicate a freon leak or a thermostat malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: If the cotton is accompanied by a burning smell or smoke, immediately unplug the refrigerator from the power supply! This may indicate a short circuit in the wiring or burnout of the motor windings.
Methods of elimination and prevention
If diagnostics showed that the claps are caused by natural causes, no special actions are required. However, in order to minimize noise and extend the life of the unit, it is recommended to follow certain operating rules. First of all, ensure that the refrigerator is in a stable position on the floor using adjustable supports.
Do not place the refrigerator close to a wall or furniture. For normal operation, the heat exchange system requires a gap of at least 5-10 cm on all sides. This will avoid overheating condenser and reduce the load on the compressor, reducing the likelihood of water hammer.
☑️ Checking the condition of the refrigerator
Regularly check the condition of the sealing rubber on the doors. If it is worn out or dirty, warm air enters the chamber, causing the compressor to work harder and make more sounds when starting. Caring for seal is a simple but effective preventive measure.
How to check the seal?
Pinch a sheet of paper between the door and the body in different places. If the paper is easily removed without resistance, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
When you need to call a specialist
There are situations when independent observations should give way to professional diagnostics. If the popping noises become constant, their volume increases, and the cooling efficiency decreases, this is a direct signal to contact a service center. The technician will measure the pressure in the system and check electrical parameters the compressor.
It is especially important not to ignore the problem if the refrigerator stops turning off. Constant operation of the motor in combination with popping noises indicates that the system cannot reach the set temperature, which may be caused by a freon leak or a clogged capillary tube. Attention: Do not try to open the refrigeration circuit yourself or replace the compressor without special equipment. This is life-threatening and will lead to final breakdown of the unit. capillary tube.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to open the refrigeration circuit yourself or replace the compressor without special equipment. This is life-threatening and will lead to permanent breakdown of the unit.
Timely contacting a specialist will allow you to replace the worn-out one start relay or eliminate the blockage at an early stage, avoiding a costly replacement of the compressor. Remember that repairs at an early stage are always cheaper than eliminating the consequences of a complete stop of the refrigerator.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator slam only at night?
At night the house is quieter, and strangers Noises do not mask the operation of the equipment. In addition, at night the voltage in the electrical network may stabilize or, conversely, jump, which affects the operation of the start relay. Also, defrosting cycles occur more often at night if they are programmed for a certain time. start relay. Also, defrost cycles occur more often at night if they are programmed for a specific time.
Can cotton be a sign of a freon explosion?
No, freon in household refrigerators does not explode. The system pressure is too low for this. The sound of an explosion is always either a strong thermal crack of plastic, or a hydraulic shock of the liquid in the tubes, or an electrical breakdown, but not a chemical reaction of the gas.
Is it dangerous to ignore clicks when turning on?
If there is a single click and the refrigerator cools normally, it is not dangerous. If there are a lot of clicks and the motor does not start, ignoring it will lead to burnout of the compressor windings. In this case, it is better to immediately call a technician to replace start relay.
Does level installation affect the appearance of pops?
Yes, it does indirectly. If the refrigerator is not level, vibration from the compressor is transmitted to the cabinet and floor, amplifying any sounds. In addition, misalignment can disrupt the oil circulation in the compressor, increasing the risk of water hammer.