Suddenly appearing stranger The sound in a household refrigerator is always alarming. Many owners immediately begin to panic, imagining expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit. However, it does not always crackling indicate a serious breakdown. In some cases, this is normal operation of the equipment, especially if the equipment is new or has just been defrosted.
Before calling a technician, you need to conduct an initial diagnosis yourself. It is important to listen to the nature of the sound: it can be sharp, periodic or constant. Often the cause is thermal expansion materials or incorrect installation of the housing. Understanding the physics of the process will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of crackling, from harmless to critical. You will learn how to distinguish normal operation compressor from signs of malfunction and in which cases the intervention of a specialist is really necessary.
Natural physical processes during operation of the refrigerator
The most common and absolutely safe cause of cracking is thermal expansion. The inner walls of the camera evaporator and the back panel are made of plastic and metal. With a sharp change in temperature, these materials contract or expand, producing characteristic clicks.
This effect is especially often observed after loading a large amount of warm food or immediately after defrosting. The system tries to restore the temperature regime faster, which causes active movement of the refrigerant and a change in the geometry of parts. If the refrigerator is new, this process may be more pronounced due to the grinding in of materials.
Usually such sounds occur at certain intervals, for example, every 15–20 minutes of operation. They are not accompanied by a violation of the cooling function. Products remain frozen, and excess moisture does not appear on the walls. This is the normal operating mode for most modern models, including Indesit i Atlant.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling sound is accompanied by the smell of burnt wiring or a buzzing sound that stops abruptly, immediately unplug the device from the network and check the outlet.
It is important to distinguish between quiet clicks and loud crackling sounds. Natural sounds are usually quiet and do not irritate the ear. If the sound becomes loud, similar to gunshots or metal friction, you should pay attention to other components. Perhaps it vibrates capacitor or touches the fan.
Problems with installation and vibration of the case
Often the cause of banal noise lies in improper installation of the unit. If the refrigerator is unstable, vibrations from the running motor are transmitted to the body and intensified. This causes rattling and crackling, especially when the compressor reaches maximum speed.
It is necessary to check the horizontalness of the installation using a building level. The legs of the refrigerator should be pressed firmly to the floor. Height adjustment is made by tightening or unscrewing the support screws. It is also worth moving the equipment away from the wall to prevent contact of the rear grille with the surface.
☑️ Installation diagnostics
Another factor is proximity to other objects. Vibration can be transmitted to kitchen furniture, shelves or a nearby microwave. In this case, the illusion is created that the refrigerator itself is cracking. Check that bottles or cans do not touch the walls of the chamber, as they can also be a source of resonance.
If you have a model with the system No Frost, make sure that the fan does not touch ice or foreign objects. Sometimes, during transportation, the internal fasteners may have shifted, which leads to contact of the rotating parts with the evaporator body.
Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay
If natural causes and installation problems are excluded, it is worth considering more serious failures. One of the main sources of noise is compressor. When internal parts wear out or the shock absorbers are damaged, the motor begins to make loud sounds.
A frequent problem is the failure of the starting relay. This element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay contacts are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, you may hear a loud click followed by a buzzing sound and another click. The compressor tries to start, but cannot.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Degree of danger | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loud clicking and silence | Faulty starting relay | High | Replace the relay |
| Constant metal clanging | Piston group wear | Critical | Replacing the compressor |
| Crackling sound at startup | Loose motor mounts | Medium | Tightening the bolts |
| Intermittent crackling | Wiring problems | High | Electrical diagnostics |
In some cases, a cracking sound occurs due to the fact that the refrigeration circuit tubes are in contact with the compressor housing. During operation, the motor vibrates and metal rubs against metal. This can be corrected by carefully bending the tubes or installing additional rubber gaskets.
Is it possible to change the relay yourself?
Replacing the start relay is a technically simple procedure, requiring only a screwdriver and a new element that matches the markings. However, it is important to completely de-energize the device before starting work and make sure that the reason is in the relay, and not in the motor windings.
Noise in the No Frost and defrosting system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost the fan is responsible for air circulation. If ice forms on the blades or a foreign object gets into the mechanism, a characteristic cracking sound occurs. This usually happens in the freezer.
Also the source of the sound can be the defrost system. The heating element heats the evaporator, and melting ice can drip onto the hot elements, causing hissing and crackling. This is a normal process, but if the drain hole is clogged, water may freeze in unintended places, creating noise as the ice expands.
Check the condition of the fan. To do this, you will need to remove the back panel in the freezer. If the blades are deformed or difficult to rotate, the assembly requires replacement. It is not recommended to lubricate fan bearings in domestic conditions - they are usually not serviceable.
⚠️ Attention: When working with internal components of the system No Frost be careful with plastic parts. In the cold, plastic becomes brittle and breaks easily.
Deformation of plastic parts and seals
Internal shelves, drawers and plastic panels may crack when the temperature changes. This is especially true for models with a large amount of plastic in the decoration. Cheap types of plastic compress unevenly when cooled, creating a background sound.
The rubber seal on the door can also be a source of noise. If it is dry or dirty, a rubbing or slamming sound may occur when the door opens and closes. Regular cleaning and lubrication with silicone prolongs the life of the seal.
Sometimes glass shelves make a cracking noise if they do not fit tightly in the grooves. The vibration from the compressor causes the glass to move slightly. Check that all elements inside the chambers are secure. It may be worth placing thin pads made of soft material under the shelves.
When you need to call a technician
There are situations when independent repair is impossible or dangerous. If the cracking sound is accompanied by a complete cessation of cooling, swelling of the rear wall, or the appearance of oil under the refrigerator, professional diagnostics are needed. These are signs of a leak in the circuit or failure of the compressor.
A technician is also needed if the refrigerant needs to be replaced or pipes soldered. These works are performed with special equipment. Attempts to independently interfere with the refrigeration circuit can lead to final breakdown of the unit and loss of warranty.
If your refrigerator is under warranty, it is better to entrust any repairs to an authorized service. Opening seals or replacing parts yourself will void the manufacturer's warranty. Keep receipts and documents for equipment.
Noise prevention and proper care
In order for the refrigerator to operate quietly for many years, it is important to properly care for it. Regularly defrost the equipment (if it is not No Frost), wipe the rear grille from dust and check the tightness of the door. A clean condenser works more efficiently and heats up less.
Do not place the refrigerator close to the wall and do not overload the shelves with food. Even weight distribution reduces stress on the frame and reduces vibration. Also avoid installing equipment near heat sources such as radiators or ovens.
Monitor the condition of the electrical network. Voltage surges can damage the start relay and compressor, resulting in abnormal sounds. Using a voltage stabilizer will help protect the electronics of the refrigerator.
Why does a new refrigerator crack in the first days?
New equipment goes through an adaptation period. The materials are compressed, the refrigerant circulates through new tubes, (the compressor) grinds in. Usually, after 3-5 days of operation in normal mode, extraneous sounds disappear.
Is it dangerous to ignore the crackling sound in the compressor?
Yes, it is dangerous. If the rattling noise is caused by worn valves or bearings, ignoring the problem will lead to the motor jamming. In the best case, the relay will burn out, in the worst case, the entire unit will need to be replaced, since repairing an old compressor is often not economically feasible.
Can ice crack in the freezer?
Yes, with the system No Frost the ice crust on the evaporator can crack during cycles defrost. If the ice layer is too thick due to a malfunction of the defrost sensor, the sounds become louder and the cooling efficiency decreases.
How to distinguish a plastic crack from a breakdown?
A plastic crack is usually quiet, infrequent and does not depend on the phase of operation of the compressor. Mechanical failure produces loud, rhythmic sounds, often coinciding with the start of the motor, and can be accompanied by vibration of the case.