When household appliances begin to make uncharacteristic sounds, this always causes concern for the owner. The refrigerator shoots during operation is a situation where which can frighten even an experienced user, because sharp pops or cracks are often associated with serious damage. However, such acoustic effects do not always indicate a fatal malfunction of the unit.
The physics of the processes inside the refrigeration chamber and compressor compartment is complex and multifaceted. Harsh sounds can be caused by thermal expansion of materials, electrical discharges, or mechanical impacts of parts. It is important to understand the difference between normal noise and a signal for help from your equipment in order to prevent damage to products or failure of expensive components.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of “shots” and clicks. You will learn how to independently carry out initial diagnostics and in which cases the intervention of a professional technician with specialized equipment will be required.
Thermal expansion: natural physics or a sign of malfunction
The most common reason why refrigerator makes sounds similar to shots or crackling lies in the laws of thermodynamics. The inner walls of the chamber, the evaporator and the outer panels of the housing are made of various materials - plastic, metal, composites. When the temperature changes, these materials change their linear dimensions.
When the compressor starts and begins to pump refrigerant, the temperature of the internal elements drops sharply. When the motor is turned off, it rises again. This cyclical process causes stress in the materials. At some point, the accumulated energy is released in the form of a sharp click or pop, which in the silence of a night apartment can sound like a shot.
Especially often, such sounds are produced by new units or models after prolonged defrosting. The plastic has not yet “got used to” the constant temperature changes. If you hear similar sounds, but the equipment continues to freeze, and there is no ice on the back wall, most likely this is normal.
- 🔊 A loud cracking noise is heard immediately after turning the motor on or off.
- ❄️ The sound is similar to cracking ice or bursting plastic.
- 📉 The frequency of sounds decreases after several days of active use.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking is accompanied by the appearance of a large amount of frost on the back wall or in the corner of the chamber, this may indicate a violation of the housing seal or problems with heat dissipation, which requires checking the seals.
Starting relay and compressor: electrical causes of claps
A more alarming symptom is when the refrigerator fires at the moment of trying to start the engine. In this case, the sound is often accompanied by vibration of the housing and subsequent silence, as the engine stalls without starting. The culprit here is most often the starting relay or the compressor itself.
The starting relay is responsible for supplying current to the motor windings. Inside it is a movable core, which makes a characteristic click when turned on. If the mechanism is worn or jammed, this clicking sound can become a loud bang. In addition, if the relay malfunctions, the contacts can burn out, causing micro-explosions inside the part’s body.
Itemself compressor can also be the source of the problem. If the piston group is worn out or jammed, the motor tries to jerk off, makes a loud impact sound and switches off due to overheating protection. This condition is dangerous because it can lead to complete combustion of the motor windings.
For diagnosis, you need to listen to the rhythm. If a pop is heard, followed by a hum for 2-3 seconds and again a click with attenuation - this is a classic sign of a “wedge” effect or a faulty starter. In such cases, the operation of the equipment should be stopped until the reasons are clarified.
Problems with the defrosting system and ice
In refrigerators with a system No Frost or drip defrosting of ice is an inevitable process. However, if the drainage system or defrost heater is not working properly, ice may accumulate in unintended areas. When the defrosting heating element is turned on or with a sudden change in pressure, a massive piece of ice can break off and fall with a roar to the bottom of the chamber or onto the fan.
The sound of falling ice is often described as a shot or a strong blow. This happens because a block of ice frozen to the evaporator loses its grip under the influence of heat and falls. A fan on which ice has fallen may jam, which will cause additional noise and cracking of the blades.
It is also worth mentioning fan coils and air distributors. If an ice plug has formed in the air ducts, the air flow can create a whistle that turns into sharp pops when the air mass breaks through. This indicates that defrost cycle broken and complete defrosting of the unit is required within 12-24 hours.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Danger to equipment | User actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single click at start | Operation of the starting relay | Low | Observation |
| Loud crackling and hum | Ice got into the fan | Medium | Defrost 24 hours |
| Series of clicks and stops | Compressor malfunction | High | Turn off, call a repairman |
| Plastic cracking | Thermal expansion | Absent | No action |
Mechanical damage and vibration
Sometimes the reason lies not inside, but outside or in fastening elements. If refrigerator is installed unevenly, vibration from the operating compressor is transmitted to the housing, causing resonance. At a certain moment, the amplitude of the oscillations may reach a critical point, and the unit will jerk sharply or hit the wall, which will be perceived as a shot.
It is also worth checking the compressor mounting bolts. Over time, they may weaken, and the heavy motor will begin to “walk” inside the engine compartment, hitting metal walls or tubes. This is extremely dangerous, as you can break the thin-walled tubes of the circuit through which freon circulates.
Inspect the back of the unit. If additional panels are installed there or the condenser grille is pressed too close to the tubes, vibration will cause them to collide. It is enough just to bend the grille or place damping material to eliminate the noise.
☑️ Diagnostics of mechanical noise
Electrical discharges and statics
A rare but possible scenario - slippage electric spark. If the wiring has insulation damage or the contacts are oxidized, a micro-explosion of air may occur when voltage is applied. The sound in this case is very similar to a short, sharp click or shot.
Often this is accompanied by the smell of burning or ozone. Static electricity can also build up on the cabinet, especially if the room has dry air and synthetic flooring. When you touch the door with your hand, a spark may jump with a characteristic sound that frightens the owners.
To eliminate this cause, you must carefully inspect the plug and socket. If you feel a slight tingling sensation when touching metal parts of the housing, immediately unplug the device and check the grounding. Operating equipment with a breakdown to the body is dangerous to life.
⚠️ Attention: The smell of burnt wiring combined with popping noises is a direct signal to immediately disconnect the device from the power supply. Further activation may lead to a fire.
When you need to call a technician: critical symptoms
Not all sounds can be eliminated on your own. If, after complete defrosting and checking the installation, the problem persists, and the nature of the sounds changes to a metallic clang or buzzing that turns into a blow, professional diagnostics are required. Compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its repair requires a special tool.
The master will be able to determine exactly what became the source of the sound: destruction of the valves inside motor, connecting rod breakage or problem with the electronic control module. Self-disassembly of the compressor unit is prohibited due to high pressure and the presence of refrigerant.
Also, the help of a specialist is needed if you notice oily stains under the refrigerator or on the pipes at the back. This is a sign that freon has left the system along with oil, which is often accompanied by a change in the sound of the unit before it stops completely.
Is it possible to continue using the refrigerator if it shoots?
If this is thermal expansion, then you can. If the relay clicks and the motor does not start, the food will spoil in 4-6 hours. If there is a burning smell, operation is prohibited.
Prevention and proper care of equipment
To minimize the risk of extraneous noise, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (even for No Frost systems, at least once a year) will help avoid the formation of ice jams. Make sure that the food does not touch the back wall of the chamber so as not to interfere with air circulation.
Periodically check the tightness of the door and the cleanliness of the seals. A dirty seal may prevent the door from closing hermetically, which will lead to continuous operation of the compressor and its overheating, and consequently to a change in its sound character.
Installing the refrigerator on a flat surface using a building level is the key to quiet operation. Adjust the legs so that the unit is stable and does not wobble when pressed lightly. This will reduce the vibration load on all components and connections.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a new refrigerator click loudly in the first days?
This is a normal process of adapting materials. Plastic and metal contract and expand with temperature changes, producing sounds. Usually after 3-5 days the noise subsides.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator made one loud bang and went silent?
Most likely, it was a power surge or the compressor protection tripped. If after that it turns on and freezes, there is no danger. If it is silent, you need to diagnose the relay.
Can the sound of a shot be associated with freon gas?
Freon itself is silent. However, if there is a sudden change in pressure in the system (water hammer) or if there is a leak through a microcrack, a hissing or clicking sound may occur, but this is rare.
How to distinguish the sound of a broken fan from a relay click?
The fan makes a cracking or noise only when the door is open (in some models) or constantly if it is No Frost. The relay clicks rhythmically when you try to start the motor (once every few minutes).
Do you need to turn off the refrigerator if it starts to sound strange?
If the sound is accompanied by a burning smell, smoke or sparks, turn it off immediately. If it’s just an unusual noise, observe, but if it happens again, it’s better to turn off the power until the technician arrives.