A sudden extraneous sound in the operation of household appliances always causes alarm from the owner. If your the refrigerator began to crack, this can signal both completely harmless physical processes and serious technical malfunctions requiring the intervention of a specialist. Ignoring specific sounds often leads to the fact that a small problem develops into an expensive repair or complete replacement of the unit.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of crackling, analyze the most likely causes and draw up an algorithm of actions for diagnosis. It is important to understand that the nature of the sound, frequency and accompanying symptoms (vibration, heating of the walls, changes in compressor operation) play a key role in determining the source of the problem.
Natural physical processes during operation of the refrigerator
Before you panic, it is necessary to exclude natural causes related to thermodynamics. Refrigerators cracking most often due to thermal expansion materials. The inner plastic casing and outer metal casing have different coefficients of thermal expansion. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example, when starting or stopping a compressor, materials compress or expand, producing characteristic clicks and crackling sounds.
This process is especially noticeable in models with a system No Frostwhere defrosting cycles occur regularly. The sounds in this case are usually short, infrequent and not accompanied by other signs of malfunction. If the device cools the food normally, and the crackling sound is heard only periodically, most likely, everything is in order with the equipment.
The refrigerant may also be the source of the sound. When freon passes through the tubes of the evaporator and condenser, especially immediately after turning off the engine, when the pressure in the system is equalized, gurgling or slight crackling may occur. This is a normal situation for most modern units using modern refrigerants.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling sound is accompanied by a strong burning smell or smoke, immediately turn off the power to the device and move it away from the wall. This may indicate a fire in the wiring or melting of the insulation.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
One of the most serious reasons for a crackling sound is a malfunction of the “heart” of the refrigerator - the compressor. If the sound is metallic, clanging and comes directly from the motor, this may indicate wear on internal parts or problems with the fastenings. In such cases the refrigerator is crackling rhythmically, to the beat of the engine.
Often the source of the clicks is the start relay. This element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, a loud click is heard when you try to start, after which the engine may hum, but not start, or start with difficulty. Frequent clicks at intervals of several minutes are a sure sign of a malfunction of the starting device.
For diagnostics, you need to listen to where exactly the sound is coming from. If the cracking noise is localized in the lower rear part of the housing where the compressor compartment is located, the likelihood of mechanical failure is high. In older models, the cause may be wear of the piston group, which requires complex repairs or replacement of the unit.
Symptoms of a faulty compressor
The compressor may be hot to the touch, but the refrigerator does not freeze. It is also possible that the automatic fuse in the apartment's electrical panel has been knocked out when trying to start the motor.
It is important to note that modern inverter compressors operate quieter, but when they break down, the sounds can be more varied, including high-frequency electronic crackling or whistling.
No Frost defrost system malfunctions
In refrigerators with a system No Frost crackling is often associated with the operation of the defrost heater or timer. When the defrost cycle begins, the heating element heats up and may make sounds similar to crackling or hissing, especially if there is a build-up of scale or salt on it. This is not always dangerous, but requires observation.
A more alarming symptom is the crackling sound of the fan. If there is too much ice frozen on the evaporator (due to a faulty defrost sensor or timer), the fan blades begin to touch the ice crust. This causes a loud cracking sound, which can intensify when the door is opened (since in many models the fan stops and the sound disappears).
To eliminate this problem, it is often necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator within 24 hours. If after defrosting the sound returns after a few days, it means that the defrost cycle is broken and the sensors or timer need to be replaced.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Required actions |
|---|---|---|
| Rare clicks when stopping | Thermal expansion | Observation, no repair needed |
| Loud crackling + does not freeze | Compressor malfunction | Call a technician |
| Crack behind glacier | The fan touches the ice | Defrosting, checking sensors |
| Clicks every 2-5 minutes | Start relay | Replacing the relay |
The influence of incorrect installation and vibration
Sometimes the reason is trivial and lies in the incorrect installation of the unit. If the refrigerator is cracking or buzzes, check its stability. An uneven floor or loose leveling feet will cause the cabinet to tilt. The vibration of a working compressor is transmitted to the floor and walls, causing resonance and rattling.
Also, foreign objects can become a source of noise. Bottles, cans, or bags placed on the top lid or close to the back wall may vibrate and knock against the cabinet. Even a slight touch of the condenser tubes (located at the back) against a wall or furniture causes an unpleasant metallic sound.
To check, move the refrigerator 10-15 cm away from the wall and make sure that nothing touches its outer surfaces. Check the installation level using a building level. Adjusting the legs often completely eliminates the problem of vibration hum and crackling.
☑️ Installation diagnostics
Mechanical damage and foreign objects inside
Do not forget about the inside of the chamber. Glass shelves can crack if they are poorly inserted into the grooves or have cracks. When vibration from the compressor occurs, the glass may move slightly and hit the plastic guides.
Food in rigid packaging standing on the door can also be a source of sound. When a door slams or vibrates, they can roll and knock. Check the contents of the refrigerator, especially the top shelves and door pockets.
In some cases, the cracking sound comes from the plastic of the inner case itself, if it has a manufacturing defect or was damaged during transportation. Cracks in plastic can “play” when the temperature changes, making sounds.
When an urgent call to a technician is necessary
There are a number of signs in which independent repair is impossible or dangerous. If the refrigerator is cracking at the same time it stops freezing, and the compressor works non-stop or, conversely, is silent, this is a sign of a serious breakdown.
The smell of burnt wiring or scorched plastic in combination with a crackling sound is especially dangerous. This may indicate a short circuit in the power supply circuit of the compressor or heating element. Operation of such a device is prohibited.
⚠️ Attention: Do not attempt to open the sealed circuit yourself or change the compressor without special equipment. This requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon, which is only possible at a service center.
If you notice oil under the refrigerator along with the appearance of new sounds, this indicates depressurization of the system. In this case, the unit must be turned off and a specialist must be called.
Prevention and operating rules
To extend the life of the equipment and avoid the appearance of extraneous noise, follow simple rules. Do not place hot products in the chamber, as a sharp temperature change increases the load on the compressor and causes strong thermal expansion of the materials.
Defrost regularly, even if you have a system No Frost. Once every year to a year and a half, it is recommended to completely turn off the device for a day in order to remove ice from hard-to-reach places that could have built up due to rare sensor failures.
Keep the back of the condenser clean. Dust and animal hair adhering to the grille impair heat transfer, forcing the compressor to work longer and harder, which accelerates its wear and can lead to noise.
Following these simple recommendations will allow you to enjoy silence and confidence in the safety of your products.
Why does the refrigerator crack only at night?
At night, the ambient noise (background noise) in the apartment decreases, and sounds that were drowned out by conversation or TV during the day become audible. In addition, at night the voltage in the electrical network may stabilize or, conversely, jump, which affects the operation of the compressor. Also, at night, the defrost cycle occurs more often in some models programmed for night time.
Is it possible to use a refrigerator if it is cracking?
If the cracking is caused by thermal expansion or vibration of the dishes, you can. If the sound comes from the compressor (metallic clanging) or is accompanied by a burning smell, operation is prohibited until the reasons are clarified, as this can lead to a fire or complete failure of the unit.
Does the voltage level in the network affect the crackling noise?
Yes, low or unstable voltage can cause buzzing and crackling noise from the starter relay, since the compressor does not have enough power to start reliably. In such cases, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.
Is it normal to crack after defrosting?
Immediately after turning on a defrosted refrigerator, the cracking may be more intense due to active cooling and compression of materials. If it does not go away after 2-3 hours of operation, it is worth checking the installation and the absence of ice on the fan.