Has your refrigerator Indesit started making suspicious sounds - humming, crackling, knocking or vibration? Don’t rush to panic: in 80% of cases it’s not a breakdown, but the operating features of the equipment. However, noise cannot be ignored either - it can signal an imminent malfunction or simply interfere with comfort. In this article we will analyze in detail why the Indesit refrigerator is noisywhich sounds are considered normal and which require intervention, and what to do in each case.
Manufacturer Indesit (part of the group Whirlpool Corporation) produces refrigerators with different types of compressors: traditional piston and inverter. The latter are quieter, but even they are not silent. It is important to distinguish working noises (refrigerant circulation, fan turning on) from emergency (compressor knocking, bearing grinding). We have collected all possible causes - from trivial misalignment to serious breakdowns - and give clear instructions on how to diagnose and fix the problem.
If you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to contact a specialist. But many causes of noise can be eliminated yourself - just know where to look. Let's start with the simplest.
1. Normal noises from an Indesit refrigerator: when there is no need to worry
Not every sound from the refrigerator is a cause for concern. The manufacturer Indesit indicates in the instructions that the equipment can produce the following operating noise:
- 🔄 Compressor hum —a uniform buzzing sound at startup and during operation (level up to 40–45 dB). Inverter models (Indesit EWT 21061 W, Indesit ITF 118 W) are quieter, but still audible.
- 💨 Fan noise - slight crackling or whistling in models with
No Frost(for example, Indesit BIAA 13). The fan distributes the cold throughout the chambers and can briefly increase the noise when the door is opened. - 🌡️ Thermostat clicks - sharp sounds when the compressor is turned on/off. This is normal: the relay is activated, closing the circuit.
- 💧 Gurgling or hissing —refrigerant (freon) circulation through the tubes. It is especially audible in the first hours after switching on or when the temperature changes.
These sounds should not be constant. For example, the compressor operates in cycles: 10–20 minutes of activity, then a pause. If the refrigerator hums continuously more than an hour or the noise has become louder than usual, this is a reason to check its condition.
Pay attention to noise level in decibels (dB). For Indesit norm:
- 📢 38–42 dB - standard models with a linear compressor (Indesit BIA 18, Indesit ST 167).
- 📢 35–39 dB - inverter models (Indesit EWT 21062 W).
- 📢 Up to 45 dB - models with
No Frostdue to the operation of the fan.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit began to make a noise louder than 50 dB (comparable to the operation of a vacuum cleaner), this is definitely not the norm. Problems are possible. compressor, fan or shock absorbers.
2. The Indesit refrigerator hums and vibrates: check the installation
Most often the cause of the noise is incorrect installation. Even a slight misalignment can increase the vibration of the compressor several times. data-i="94">incorrect installation
- 📏 Floor levelness. The refrigerator must be on a solid, horizontal surface. Use a level or leveling app on your smartphone.
- 🔧 Leveling feetIf the floor is uneven, adjust the front legs (most models). data-i="98">they are screw-type). data-i="102">. If the refrigerator is new or has been transported, check whether the bolts securing the compressor have been removed. They are located on the rear panel (usually 3-4 pieces). Indesit they are screw). The rear ones are usually not adjustable.
- 🧲 Touching walls or furniture. There must be a gap of at least 5 cm between the refrigerator and the walls/cabinets. When vibrating, the cabinet may knock on the furniture.
- 📦 Transport bolts. If the refrigerator is new or has been transported, check that the bolts securing the compressor have been removed. They are located on the back panel (usually 3-4 pieces).
Adjust the legs to the level|
Check the gaps with the walls (minimum 5 cm)|
Make sure that the transport bolts are removed|
Place the refrigerator away from heat sources (battery, stove)|
Check whether the power cord is touching the back wall (may vibrate)-->
If the refrigerator stands unevenly, the compressor begins vibrating more stronglywhich increases the hum and can lead to premature wear of parts. This is especially noticeable in models with an overhead compressor (Indesit TS 167, Indesit BIA 16).
Another common cause of vibration is overloading the shelves. If there are heavy cans or bottles on the top shelves, they can resonate with the vibration of the compressor. Try to redistribute the products.
3. The compressor is louder than usual: possible malfunctions
The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its noise can indicate normal. operation and breakdown. Let's consider typical scenarios:
| Type of noise | Possible cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Loud hum with vibration | Wear of shock absorbers compressor or its misalignment | Adjust the position of the compressor, replace the rubber gaskets |
| Sharp knocking or clanging | Breakage of the piston group (in linear compressors) | Replacement required compressor |
| Continuous hum without pauses | Thermostat malfunction or freon leak | Master diagnostics, refueling or replacing the thermostat |
| Clicks with pauses | Problems with the start-up protection relay | Replacement of the relay (the part costs ~1000–1500 rubles) |
If the compressor hums without stopsthis may indicate:
- 🔥 Overheating due to poor ventilation (dust on the rear grille, close to the wall).
- ❄️ Lack of refrigerant (freon) - the compressor is working for wear, trying to catch up with cold.
- 📉 Thermostat malfunction —it does not turn off the compressor when the desired temperature is reached.
In models Indesit with an inverter compressor (EWT 21061 W, ITF 118 W) there should be a hum even and quiet. If you hear jerking or a change in tone, this is a sign of a malfunction of the control board or sensors.
4. Fan noise in Indesit No Frost refrigerators
Models with the system No Frost (Indesit BIAA 13, Indesit DF 5200 Sare equipped with a fan for air circulation. Its noise can increase for several reasons:
- ❄️ Icing of the blades. If ice blocks the fan, it begins to grind or crack. (minimum 10–12 hours).
- 🌀 Ingress of foreign objects. Pieces of food, packaging or ice may get stuck in the blades. Careful cleaning is required.
- 🔧 Bearing wear. Over time, the lubricant dries out and the fan begins to creak. The solution is to replace the bearing or the entire fan.
To check the fan:
- Unplug the refrigerator.
- Remove the back panel in the freezer (usually secured with latches or screws).
- Turn the fan blades by hand - they should rotate easily, without jamming.
- Make sure there is no ice or debris on the blades.
If the noise does not go away after defrosting, it may be faulty defrost timer or evaporator heater. In this case, you cannot do without a specialist.
How to defrost the Indesit No Frost refrigerator correctly?
1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Take out all the products and shelves.
3. Leave the doors open for 10–12 hours (you can speed up the process by placing a pan of hot water inside).
4. After defrosting, wipe all surfaces dry.
5. Turn on the refrigerator and let it reach temperature for 2-3 hours before loading food.
Do not use sharp objects to remove ice - this will damage the system No Frost!
5. Cracking, clicking and other suspicious sounds
Not all noises are related to the compressor or fan. Let's consider other possible sources:
- 🧊 Plastic cracking. In new refrigerators (Indesit no exception), plastic parts may crack when the temperature changes. This is not dangerous and usually goes away after 1–2 weeks of use.
- 🔌 Relay clicks. Normal sound when turning the compressor on/off. But if the clicks are frequent and chaotic, the relay clicks may be faulty start-protection relay.
- 💦 Gurgling or gurgling. Freon circulation through the tubes. It intensifies when turned on for the first time or after defrosting.
- 🔩 Knocking or rattling. May indicate loose compressor or pipe connections. Check if they are touching the back wall.
If the refrigerator is Indesit crackling when opening the door, it may be:
- 🧲 Magnetic seal. Over time, it loses elasticity and can make sounds when separated from the body.
- 🔄 Pressure drop. In models with
No Frostwhen the door is opened, air is sucked into the chamber, which is sometimes accompanied by a bang.
Pay attention to the frequency of sounds:
- If there is a cracking or clicks are repeated every 5-10 minutes, this is normal operation of the thermostat.
- If the sounds are chaotic and accompanied by a change in temperature in the chamber, this is a reason for diagnosis.
6. The Indesit refrigerator makes noise at night: why does this happen?
Many users notice that the refrigerator Indesit begins to make more noise at night. There are several reasons:
- 🌙 Reducing the room temperature. The compressor works longer to maintain the set mode, since cold air from the street cools the kitchen.
- 🔇 Lack of background noise. During the day, the noise of the refrigerator is drowned out by other sounds (TV, conversations), and at night it becomes more noticeable.
- 💡 Change in voltage in the network. At night, the voltage in the electrical network may drop or jump, which affects the operation of the compressor.
- 🛏️ Vibration on the floor. If the refrigerator is on a wooden or laminate floor, vibration may increase at night due to the lack of daytime load on the coating.
To reduce night noise:
- Check operating mode. It may be turned on
Super FreezeorFast Cool, which causes the compressor to work without stopping. - Make sure that the refrigerator do not stand next to the radiator or stove. The heat from them causes the compressor to turn on more often.
- Try rearrange the refrigerator on a rubber mat or special shock-absorbing feet.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator Indesit makes noise at night louder than 45 dB (interferes with sleep), this may be a sign of a malfunction. Do not delay diagnostics - long-term operation of the compressor for wear and tear reduces its service life.
7. When to call a repairman: signs of serious damage
Some noises are a signal of something that cannot be fixed on your own. Contact a specialist if: malfunctions, which cannot be eliminated on your own. Contact a specialist if:
- 🔥 The compressor hums non-stop more than a day, and the chamber does not cool.
- ⚡ Refrigerator the machine knocks out when turned on (electrical problems).
- 💥 You can hear metallic knocks inside the compressor (piston group failure).
- 🧊 In models
No Frostfan stopped working, but the noise remained (maybe ice blocking or motor failure). - 📉 Temperature in chamber does not correspond to the specified one, despite the constant operation of the compressor.
The cost of repair depends on the malfunction:
| Breakage | Approximate cost of repair (2026); data-i="252">Refilling freon |
|---|---|
| Replacing the start-protection relay | 1,500 – 2,500 rub. |
Fan repair or replacement No Frost |
2,000 – 4,000 rub. |
| Refilling freon | 3,000 – 5,000 rubles. |
| Replacement of the compressor | 6,000 – 12,000 rubles. (depending on the model) |
Before the technician’s visit:
- Write down refrigerator model (located on the sticker inside the chamber or on the back).
- Describe the nature of the noise (hum, knocking, grinding) and when it appeared.
- Check whether the freezer is working (if any).
FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the noise of Indesit refrigerators
❓ Why is the new Indesit refrigerator noisier than the old one?
Modern models Indesit are often equipped with inverter compressors that are quieter, but some users perceive their noise as more intrusive due to a uniform hum. In addition, new refrigerators may make noise due to:
- 🆕 Grinding in parts (takes place after 1-2 weeks).
- 📦 Unremoved transport bolts (be sure to check!).
- 🔄 Adaptation to room temperature.
If the noise does not decrease after a month, contact the service center.
❓ Is it possible to reduce the noise of an Indesit refrigerator with your own hands?
Yes, in most cases. Try:
- Adjust the legs to the level.
- Put the refrigerator on a rubber mat or special shock absorbers.
- Check whether the body is touching furniture or walls.
- Defreeze the refrigerator (if the model is with
No Frost). - Clean the rear grille from dust (with a vacuum cleaner or brush).
If these measures do not help, the cause may be a malfunction.
❓ Why does the Indesit refrigerator click and does not turn on?
Most often this indicates faulty start-up relay or problems with the compressor. Other possible reasons:
- 🔌 Electrical problems (check the socket and plug).
- 📉 Control board failure (reset or replacement needed).
- ❄️ Capillary tube freezing (defrost required).
If the compressor does not start after the clicks, do not try to turn it on repeatedly - this may damage the winding.
❓ What noise of the Indesit refrigerator is considered dangerous?
Immediately turn off the refrigerator and call a technician if you hear:
- 💥 Metal knocking inside compressor (piston failure).
- 🔥 Loud buzzing with a burning smell (overheating or short circuit).
- 🌀 Fan grinding (if it does not go away after defrosting).
- ⚡ Crackling with sparking (electrical problems).
❓ How many decibels should an Indesit refrigerator emit?
Normal noise level for refrigerators Indesit:
- 📢 35–39 dB - inverter models (EWT 21061 W, ITF 118 W).
- 📢 38–42 dB - standard models with a linear compressor (BIA 18, ST 167).
- 📢 Up to 45 dB - models with
No Frost(BIAA 13, DF 5200 S).
For comparison: whisper - 30 dB, conversation - 60 dB. If the noise exceeds 50 dB, this is abnormal.