The appearance of extraneous sounds in the operation of household appliances is always a cause for concern, especially if it concerns of the refrigerator compartmentwhere products are stored. The situation when the refrigerator makes gurgling sounds is one of the most common complaints from owners. Often these noises arise suddenly, disturbing the usual silence in the apartment, and make you think about a serious breakdown.
However, you should not rush to conclusions about a fatal compressor malfunction or freon leak. In most cases murmuring or liquid overflows inside the housing are of a natural physical nature and are associated with refrigerant circulation cycles. Understanding the design of the cooling system will help you distinguish the normal operation of the unit from a signal for help.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of sounds, consider scenarios that require the intervention of a technician, and give instructions on how to independently check the components. It is important to carefully analyze the nature of the sound and the conditions for its occurrence.
Physics of the process: circulation of refrigerant in the system
The main reason why the refrigerator gurgles and gurgles is the movement refrigerant (of freon) through the evaporator and condenser tubes. In the liquid state, the substance flows from one part of the system to another, creating characteristic sounds reminiscent of the pouring of water in narrow tubes. This is especially noticeable in models with No Frostwhere the piping system is more extensive.
After the compressor builds up pressure and the refrigerant passes through the capillary tube, it enters the expander. Here the pressure drops sharply, and the liquid begins to actively boil and evaporate, absorbing heat. It is this boiling process that is often perceived by the ear as gurgling. If you hear these sounds immediately after stopping the engine or while it is running, but they are not accompanied by a lack of cold, then most likely the equipment is working properly.
The intensity of the sounds may vary depending on the brand of refrigerant and the design of the evaporator. Modern environmentally friendly gases may have different acoustic properties compared to older counterparts. The volume is also affected by the amount of gas filled: if its volume is selected incorrectly during factory assembly or after repair, the nature of the sound changes.
It is worth noting that in two-compressor models, sounds can come from both engines, creating the effect of constant background noise. If murmuring becomes too loud, like a whistle or hissing, this may indicate a violation of the tightness of the circuit.
Normal operation vs Signs of malfunction
How to understand whether gurgling is normal or a symptom of a disease? The key factor here is cyclicality. Normal sounds occur periodically, most often when the compressor starts or stops. They do not last long and subside when the system returns to operating mode. If the refrigerator gurgles constantly, without interruptions, and at the same time has stopped freezing, this is an alarming signal.
The appearance of additional symptoms should also cause alarm. For example, if the sounds are added heating of the side walls to unnaturally high temperatures or, conversely, a complete lack of cooling when the engine is running. In such cases, gurgling may indicate a clogged capillary tube or air entering the system.
It is important to listen to the timbre of the sound. A healthy unit produces soft, dull sounds. If you hear sharp metallic knocks, whistling or hissing, similar to steam escaping, you need to conduct a more in-depth diagnosis. Users often confuse the sound of a working compressor compressor with the noise of the liquid, but the motor hums smoothly, and the liquid overflows.
The influence of the defrosting mode on acoustics
Particular attention should be paid to the defrosting period. In the system refrigerators No Frost i Full No Frost the heating element is regularly turned on to thaw ice on the evaporator. The resulting water flows into a special pan located above the compressor. This process is accompanied by the characteristic sound of dripping water and its subsequent evaporation from the hot surface of the motor.
It is at this moment that the refrigerator can make a wide variety of sounds: from quiet dripping to active gurgling in the drainage tube. If the tube is clogged with crumbs or ice, the water may stagnate and create additional acoustic effects. Regular cleaning of the drainage hole helps to avoid the accumulation of excess moisture and reduce noise levels.
In models with a drip defrosting system, water flows down the rear wall during pauses in the compressor operation. Here, the gurgling sound may be due to water passing through a narrow opening into the gutter. If the hole is frozen, water may gurgle inside the chamber before finding a way out.
Why are sounds louder at night?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and the operation of equipment becomes more noticeable. In addition, voltage drops in the network at night may be higher, which affects the operation of the compressor.
Diagnostics of the compressor and fan motor
Although the compressor itself usually hums, problems with its valves can cause sounds similar to gurgling or rolling of liquid inside the motor housing. This happens if liquid freon enters the suction system instead of gaseous freon. This phenomenon is called “liquid shock” and is extremely dangerous for piston group.
Fans in No Frost systems can also create noise if ice is frozen on their blades or if the bearing requires lubrication. However, the sound of the fan often resembles a hum or friction rather than a shimmer. However, vibration from a faulty fan can be transmitted to the tubes, causing them to resonate and increasing the sound of freon circulation.
To check, you must carefully remove the back cover (after disconnecting the device from the network!) and visually inspect the components. Pay attention to the vibration of the tubes when the motor is running. Sometimes it is enough to simply move the tube away from the body or from each other to eliminate the resonating sound.
☑️ Primary diagnosis of noise
Table: Character of sound and possible cause
For ease of diagnosis, we have systematized the main types of sounds and their probable causes in the table below. This will help you quickly navigate the nature of the noise.
| Type of sound | Probable cause | Degree of danger | Required actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet water transfusion | Freon circulation (norm) | Safe | Observation |
| Loud gurgling + no cold | Capillary clogged or leaking | High | Call a technician |
| Sound of dripping water | Drain of condensate into the pan | Safe | Check drainage |
| Gurgling + whistling | Refrigerant leak | Critical | Turn off and call for repairs |
| Periodic loud murmur | Incorrect freon filling | Average | Pressure diagnostics |
Analyzing the data from the table, we can conclude that the combination of sound with other symptoms (temperature, engine operation) gives the most accurate picture. Do not ignore changes in the usual “voice” of your refrigerator.
When professional repairs are required
There are a number of situations when independent actions are not only useless, but can also be harmful. If you notice that the refrigerator is gurgling, and at the same time an oily puddle appears on the floor near the compressor, this is a sign of depressurization. Freon in such cases it comes out, taking with it particles of compressor oil.
⚠️ Attention: An attempt to solder the tubes yourself or add freon without evacuation of the system will lead to rapid breakdown of the compressor. Working with refrigerant requires a license and special equipment.
Also, the help of a specialist is necessary if gurgling is accompanied by a complete absence of cold in both chambers when the compressor is running. This may indicate an "air bag" in the system or a seriously clogged filter drier. The technician will purge the system, replace the filter and fill the unit with the exact amount of gas.
Another case is if the sound appeared immediately after transporting the refrigerator. If it was transported lying down and not allowed to sit for the required time (usually 4-8 hours), the oil could get into the circulation circuit. In this case, it takes time for the oil to drain back into the crankcase, but if the sound does not go away for a day, diagnostics is needed.
Noise prevention and proper care
To minimize the risk of extraneous noise, it is important to follow the operating rules. First of all, ensure that the equipment is level and stable. Use a spirit level to adjust the legs. Vibration is the main enemy of silence and integrity of solder joints of tubes.
Regularly, at least once every six months, defrost (if the model is not No Frost) and wash the drainage hole. For cleaning, you can use a special soft brush or warm water. Do not use sharp objects to chip ice, as a breakdown of the evaporator will cause instant leakage and loud hissing.
Monitor the temperature conditions. Setting the temperature too low causes the compressor to run almost non-stop, which increases the load on the system and can increase circulation noise. The optimal temperature in the main chamber is +4...+5°C.
⚠️ Attention: Do not place the refrigerator close to the wall. A gap of 5-10 cm is necessary for free air circulation around the condenser, which reduces the load on the motor and the noise level.
The myth about quiet refrigerators
There are no absolutely silent refrigerators. Even the most expensive models make sounds of the compressor operating and gas movement. Normal noise level is up to 40 dB.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
The refrigerator gurgles after defrosting - is this normal?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. After defrosting, water remains in the drainage system, which flows into the pan and evaporates. Also, condensation could form in the circulation system, which, when the compressor starts, begins to actively move, creating sounds.
Can a new refrigerator gurgle?
Yes, new models may sound different than old ones. Modern refrigerants and more efficient but compact compressors can create a specific acoustic background. If there is cold and the motor operates cyclically, there is no need to worry.
What to do if the gurgling does not stop for several days?
If the sound does not go away for more than 3-4 days and is accompanied by a decrease in the quality of freezing, you need to call a technician to measure the pressure in the system and check for leaks.
Does the quantity of products affect the sound?
Indirectly - yes. A fully loaded refrigerator maintains its temperature better and the compressor turns on less often. An empty unit can operate more often, and accordingly, circulation sounds will be heard more often.