Extraneous noises in household appliances always cause alarm, especially when they resemble living creatures. If your the refrigerator makes sounds like a cricket, this most often indicates mechanical vibration or problems with the electrical part of the motor. A characteristic chirping sound, reminiscent of the clicking or trill of an insect, rarely occurs just like that - this is a signal that some unit is working with increased friction or resonance.
Unlike a hum or monotonous hum, such “cricket” sounds often have intermittent nature. They can only appear when the compressor is turned on, while it is running, or even when the unit is stopped. Understanding the nature of this sound is the first step to diagnosis of a faultavoiding expensive repairs or complete replacement of equipment. In this article we will analyze in detail which parts can produce such sounds and how to localize them.
It is worth noting that some modern models, especially inverter ones, can make specific clicks when switching modes, which is the norm. However, a trill or loud chirping that interferes with rest is a clear sign of a developing breakdown. Ignoring the problem can lead to overheating of the motor or failure of the heat removal system.
Nature of sound: mechanical or electrical?
To effectively fix the problem, you need to understand its source. Cricket-like sounds are usually divided into two types: mechanical (plastic vibration, metal friction) and electrical (sparking, relay operation). In the first case, you hear the physical contact of the parts, in the second - a characteristic cracking sound that occurs when current passes through the contacts.
Mechanical reasons are often associated with loosening of fasteners or deformation of tubes. When the compressor vibrates, it transmits vibrations to the housing or copper lines. If the tube touches a metal wall or another tube, a rattling noise occurs. Electrical causes are more dangerous: sparking contacts a starting relay or a burning motor winding can create a sound very similar to the chirping of a cricket.
It is important to listen to the moment the sound occurs. If the “cricket” appears exactly when the engine starts and subsides after a few seconds, the problem most likely lies in the trigger mechanism. If the trill accompanies the entire operation of the refrigerator, attention should be paid to the fan or compression.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a burning smell along with chirping sounds, immediately unplug the refrigerator. This may indicate a short circuit or overheating of the wiring.
Compressor: the heart of the problem or its protective system?
The main suspect in the generation of any sounds is compressor. It is he who creates pressure in the system. If the sound comes directly from the motor (bottom back of the refrigerator), there may be several reasons. Often, a “cricket” is the sound of a working valve or piston group, when the wear of parts becomes critical.
However, a more common situation is associated with the start-up relay. This device is responsible for starting the engine. If the contacts inside the relay are oxidized or the mechanism itself is “stuck,” it begins to turn on and off frequently, emitting a series of quick clicks that form a trill. The cause may also be overheating of the windings when the thermal relay tries to protect the motor from combustion.
In inverter models, such as Samsung or LG, the compressor operates smoothly, but if the control board or the inverter itself is faulty, high-frequency squeaks may occur. They do not look like a classic knock, but are perceived as an annoying chirping.
Diagnostics of the compressor requires caution. Do not touch a running motor with your hands - it can become very hot. It is better to use hearing and visual inspection for strong vibration of the casing.
Bushings and fasteners: when plastic rubs against metal
One of the most common and easily eliminated reasons why the refrigerator makes sounds like a cricketis friction of bushings or fasteners. The compressor is installed on rubber shock absorbers (bushings). Over time, the rubber dries out, cracks or moves, and the metal casing of the motor begins to touch the frame of the refrigerator.
When the motor operates, vibration occurs, which is transmitted to the points of contact. Metal rubs against metal or dried rubber, creating a characteristic chattering sound. Plastic clamps securing the tubes can also be a source of noise. If the clamp is broken or loose, the tube begins to vibrate and hit the body wall.
To fix this problem, it is not necessary to call a technician. Often it is enough to simply adjust the pipes or replace the rubber bushings under the compressor. This is a cheap and effective way to restore silence.
☑️ Checking the fastenings
Please Pay attention to the condition of the transportation bolts if the refrigerator is new. Sometimes owners forget to unscrew them or, on the contrary, do not tighten them, which causes imbalance and vibration of the entire structure.
Fan and No Frost system: icy creaking
In refrigerators with a system No Frost the source of the sound “like a cricket” is often the fan. It is located in the freezer compartment or behind the rear wall of the refrigerator compartment. If ice accumulates on the blades or a foreign object (a piece of foil, a label) gets there, the fan begins to make a cracking noise when rotating.
The sound may be intermittent: when the fan is turned on by a timer, a chirping noise begins and stops when it turns off. Also, the fan bearing may wear out and begin to “howl” or creak at high frequencies, which in the silence of the night is very similar to chirping.
Another reason is ice freezing on the evaporator. If the defrost system is not working properly, ice may block the blades. In this case, the sound will increase as ice accumulates. Defrosting the refrigerator for 10-12 hours often solves the problem if it does not develop into a breakdown of the defrosting heating element.
How to check the fan without disassembling?
Open the freezer door. On many models, the fan should stop when the door is opened. If the sound disappears, the problem is definitely in it or in icing. If the sound remains, look for the source in the compressor compartment.
Do not forget that in some models the fans operate in a certain cycle. Short-term noise can be a normal mode of air circulation, but it should not be loud or sharp.
Comparative table of noise sources
For ease of diagnosis, we have compiled a table that helps to distinguish one type of malfunction from another by the nature of the sound and associated symptoms.
| Sound source | Sound character | When it occurs | Danger |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting relay | Frequent clicks turning into a trill | At the moment the engine starts | High (risk of engine combustion) |
| Compressor bushings | Monotonous chattering, rattling | Constantly when the compressor is running | Low (wear parts) |
| Fan (No Frost) | Crackling, noise from blades | Periodically, cyclically | Average (circulation disturbance) |
| Tubes refrigerant | Metallic ringing, clicking | When the motor vibrates | Low (risk of leakage due to friction) |
Using this table, you can roughly determine which part requires your attention. Accurate identification of the sound source saves time on troubleshooting.
Methods of elimination and prevention
If you determine that the refrigerator makes sounds like a cricket due to vibration of the tubes, you can try to gently bend them by hand (only if they are not connected to a running compressor and are not hot). You can place a piece of rubber or foam between the pipes and the wall or other pipes to dampen vibration.
In the case of the starting relay, if you do not have the skills to work with electricians, it is better to replace the entire part. The relay is a consumable item, and its repair is often impractical. Replacement takes 10-15 minutes and is inexpensive. For models Indesit or Atlant you can find the relay at any service center.
Regular defrosting (even for No Frost systems, at least once a year) helps to avoid ice accumulation on fans and sensors. Also check the cleanliness of the condenser at the back of the refrigerator - dust and animal hair can cause overheating and change the nature of the motor.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use sharp objects to pick off ice in the fan area. Damage to the fan blades or wiring will lead to costly repairs.
When is it time to call a technician?
There are situations where self-repair can be harmful. If, after defrosting and checking the fastenings, the sound does not disappear, and the refrigerator stops freezing or starts freezing too much, the problem is in the thermostat or a freon leak. In this case, chirping may be a secondary sign.
Also, the help of a specialist is needed if the sound is accompanied by strong heating of the compressor (it is impossible to hold your hand on the casing for more than 3-5 seconds) or if the plugs in the shield are knocked out. These are signs of an interturn short circuit or a serious electrical circuit malfunction.
You should not ignore the problem, hoping that it will “go away on its own.” Mechanical wear of compressor parts progresses, and timely replacement of a bushing or relay can extend the life of the refrigerator for years.
Why does the refrigerator click but does not turn on?
This is a classic symptom of a faulty start relay or the compressor itself. The relay tries to start the engine and clicks, but a break in the winding or jamming of the piston group prevents it from starting. Diagnostics of the motor-compressor is required.
Could the sound of a cricket be the norm for new refrigerators?
In rare cases, new models may make sounds when the plastic of the internal walls expands/contracts due to temperature changes. However, the sound of a working mechanism (“cricket”) is not the norm.
How long can you operate a noisy refrigerator?
If the sound is caused by vibration of the tubes, it will take a long time, but this is a risk of breakdown. If the relay or motor hums, it won’t last long. Constant operation in emergency mode will lead to overheating and a fire hazard or complete breakdown of the unit.
Does the flatness of the floor affect the appearance of sounds?
Yes, an uneven floor causes the body to skew, which changes the geometry of the internal components and increases resonance. Be sure to adjust the legs of the refrigerator according to the level.