The refrigerator “sighs”: why does this happen and what to do?

You are standing in the kitchen, and suddenly the refrigerator makes a strange sound - as if someone took a deep breath. The sound repeats at intervals of several minutes, sometimes accompanied by a light stream of air from under the door. What is this: a feature of the equipment or a sign of an impending breakdown? In 90% of cases, “sighing” of the refrigerator is a normal phenomenon associated with the operation of the cooling system. But in 10% they can signal problems that are better solved before the equipment fails.

In this article we will analyze all possible reasons such behavior of the refrigerator - from harmless to critical. You will learn how to distinguish a normal sound from a malfunction, which models Samsung, LG, Indesit and Atlant “sigh” more often than others, and what to do if the sound has become too loud or frequent. And also - why refrigerators with the No Frost system “sigh” louder than usual, and how this is related to the humidity in the chamber.

1. What does the “sigh” of a refrigerator mean from a technical point of view?

What we perceive as a “sigh” is actually pressure equalization inside the refrigerator or freezer compartment. When the compressor stops, the temperature in the chamber begins to slowly rise and the air inside expands. To avoid excess pressure, modern refrigerators are equipped with pressure relief valves (or drain holes). It is through them that excess air comes out, creating a characteristic sound.

In models with a system No Frost "sighs" can also be associated with the operation of the fan and defrost cycle. For example, when the ice on the evaporator thaws, moist air is forced out through the drain - this is accompanied by more noticeable air flow and sound. In refrigerators Atlant i Beko this effect is often enhanced due to the design of the drainage system.

• 🔧 Compressor models: “sighs” are heard when the motor stops (once every 10–20 minutes).
• ❄️ No Frost: sound may appear every 4-8 hours during automatic defrosting.
• ⚙️ Inverter refrigerators (for example, Samsung RB30A3200SA): "sigh" less often due to smooth power adjustment.

2. 5 reasons why the refrigerator “sighs” - and when it’s normal

If the sound appears periodically and is not accompanied by other symptoms (for example, an increase in temperature in the chamber or puddles under the refrigerator), most likely it is associated with one of these reasons:

1. Relieving excess pressure (the most common reason). The air in the chamber heats up when the compressor is turned off and exits through the valve. The sound may be louder if the door is tightly closed or the refrigerator is loaded with food.
2. Operation of the No Frost system. During the defrost cycle, warm air displaces cold air through the drainage channels. In models LG GA-B489YDQZ i Samsung RL38T6007SA this is often accompanied by a relay click.
3. Temperature fluctuations. If you have recently opened the door or loaded warm food, the compressor works harder and the “sighs” become more frequent.
4. Humidity in the chamber. In refrigerators without No Frost condensation can accumulate in the drainage tube, and when evaporating, create an “exhalation” effect.
5. Design of the door seal. In some models (for example, Indesit DF 4180 W), the seal allows air to pass through when there is a pressure difference, which enhances the sound.

To understand whether this is normal or not, pay attention to the frequency and volume sound. If the refrigerator “sighs” less than once every 10 minutes and the sound is quiet (like a light exhalation), there is nothing to worry about. But if the sound becomes loud, frequent or appears suddenly, this is a reason for diagnosis.

3. When is a refrigerator “sighing” a sign of a malfunction?

There are 4 situations when strange sounds indicate problems. If you notice at least one of them, it is better to diagnose:

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator “sighs” and at the same time does not cool (the temperature in the chamber is above +8°C), immediately disconnect it from the network. This may be a sign of a freon leak - continued operation will lead to breakdown of the compressor.

4. How to diagnose the problem yourself?

Before calling a technician, go through this checklist. It will help identify obvious problems that can be eliminated without repair:

Check whether the door is tightly closed (try closing it with force).

Inspect the seal for cracks or deformations.

Make sure that the refrigerator is level (check the level or shake).

Clean the drainage hole at the bottom of the chamber (use a cotton swab or a special brush).

Check the temperature settings (optimally: +4°C in the refrigerator, −18°C in the freezer).

Turn off the refrigerator for 10 minutes, then turn it on again - sometimes this resets the electronic board errors.-->

If after these steps the sound has not changed, proceed to deeper diagnostics:

1. Sealant test: Take a sheet of paper, close the door, holding it. If the sheet is pulled out without effort, the seal is worn out and allows air to pass through.
2. Checking the drainage: Pour a little water into the drainage hole. If it does not go away or flows back, the tube is clogged.
3. Temperature control: Place the thermometer in a glass of water on the middle shelf. If after 2 hours the temperature is above +5°C, there is a problem in the cooling system.

For refrigerators with No Frost add one more item: check the fan. If when the freezer door is open it does not rotate or makes strange noises, perhaps ice is blocking the blades or the motor is worn out.

What to do if the refrigerator “sighs” and does not freeze?

If the compressor is running, but the temperature in the chamber does not drop, this may be:

1. Freon leak (refill required).

2. The capillary tube is clogged (needs cleaning or replacement).

3. Breakdown of the thermostat (part replacement).

Do not try to repair it yourself - without special equipment you risk worsening problem.

5. Models of refrigerators that “sigh” more often than others

Some brands and series of refrigerators are prone to more noticeable “sighs” due to design features. Here is a list of models whose owners most often complain about this sound:

• 🔹 Samsung RB30A3200SA, Samsung RL38T6007SA - due to the system Twin Cooling Plus and individual cooling circuits.
• 🔹 LG GA-B489YDQZ, LG GB-B459SLQZ - "sighs" are associated with the operation of the inverter compressor and system DoorCooling+.
• 🔹 Atlant XM 4021-000, Atlant XM 4626-100 - due to the characteristics of the drainage system and sealant.
• 🔹 Indesit DF 4180 W, Indesit ITF 118 W — “sighs” intensify with high humidity in the chamber.
• 🔹 Beko GNE 114620 X —the sound often appears after defrosting due to the design of the evaporator.

Owners of these models note that the sound becomes less noticeable 1-2 weeks after purchase, when the equipment “gets used” to operating conditions. If the “sighs” do not go away, you should contact a service center - perhaps this is a defective seal or drainage system.

⚠️ Attention: In refrigerators Samsung with a system SpaceMax (thin walls), the “sighs” may sound louder due to reduced thermal insulation. This is not a defect, but if the sound is annoying, try moving the refrigerator away from the walls.

6. How to reduce or eliminate the “sighs” of the refrigerator?

If the sound is not associated with a breakdown, but is disturbing, use these tips:

1. Adjust the temperature: Set the refrigerator compartment to +5°C instead of +4°C. The compressor will turn on less often, and the “sighs” will become less frequent.
2. Check ventilation: Make sure that the rear grill of the refrigerator is not blocked by furniture. Overheating of the compressor increases the load on the system.
3. Use a voltage stabilizer: Voltage surges cause the compressor to operate unstably, which can increase sounds.
4. Defrost the refrigerator: In models without No Frost ice in the drainage tube can increase the “sighs”. Complete defrosting for 12–24 hours often solves the problem.
5. Replace seal: If the test with a sheet of paper shows a loose fit, buy a new seal (for example, for Atlant suitable UPL-4021).

For refrigerators with No Frost additional advice: clean the drainage hole every 6 months in the freezer compartment. The accumulation of ice and dirt can interfere with air circulation and increase sounds. cocktail. CleanFix) or a cocktail straw.

7. When should you call a specialist?

It is worth contacting the service center if:

• 🔧 "Sighs" are accompanied by constant operation compressor (it does not turn off for more than an hour).
• ❄️ In the refrigerator compartment ice appeared on the back wall (for models without No Frost).
• 💧 Under the refrigerator water accumulates, although there is a drainage hole clean.
• 🔥 The refrigerator body heats up more than usual (especially in the compressor area).
• 📉 Temperature in chamber does not correspond to the specified one (for example, +10°C with the set +4°C).

The average cost of diagnostics in 2026 is from 1,500 to 3,000 rubles (depending on the region). If the problem is in the seal or drainage, repairs. will cost 2,000–5,000 rubles. Refilling freon or replacing the compressor costs more - from 6,000 to 15,000 rubles.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator is under warranty, do not disassemble it yourself. Opening the case or attempting to repair the drainage system may result in denial of warranty service.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about refrigerator “sighs”

Why does the new refrigerator “sigh” louder than the old one?

Modern models use more sealed chambers and powerful compressors that create a greater pressure drop. In addition, the systems No Frost and Multi Air Flow increase air circulation, which increases the sound. After 1-2 weeks of operation, the “sighs” usually become quieter.

Can the “sighing” of a refrigerator be dangerous?

The sound itself is not dangerous, but if it is accompanied by other symptoms (increased temperature, puddles under the refrigerator, hot body), this may indicate a freon leak. data-i="218">overheating of the compressor freon leak or compressor overheating. In this case, the refrigerator needs to be turned off and checked.

How to distinguish a “sigh” from the sound of a freon leak?

The sound of a freon leak usually higher and hissingis similar to the release of gas from a can. “Sigh” is a low, dull sound, often accompanied by a light flow. If in doubt, turn off the refrigerator and listen: if there is a leak, the sound may persist even after it is turned off.

Why does the refrigerator “sigh” only at night?

At night, the room temperature is usually lower and the humidity is higher. This leads to the compressor turning on less often, but. pressure changes become more noticeable. In addition, in silence, any sound seems louder. Try increasing the temperature in the chamber by 1°C or plugging the refrigerator into a separate outlet (sometimes interference from other devices affects the operation of the compressor).

Do you need to defrost the refrigerator if it “sighs”?

If you have model without No. Frost, defrosting every 3-6 months will help eliminate ice in the drainage system, which can amplify the sound. For refrigerators with No Frost it is enough to clean the drainage hole once every six months. Complete defrosting is only necessary if the “sighs” are accompanied by other problems (for example, ice on the walls).