A sudden noise in the refrigerator Indesit can disturb the peace of any owner. Just yesterday the unit worked almost silently, but today it makes humming, clicking or strange gurgling sounds that prevent you from sleeping at night. Understanding the nature of these sounds is the first step to solving the problem, be it a simple adjustment of the legs or the need for complex repairs.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of the equipment of the Italian brand and explain which noises are normal for cooling cycleand which ones signal a serious breakdown. We will not use complex technical terms without explanation, so that you can independently carry out initial diagnostics of your device Indesit C 138 G or any other model.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear a sharp, loud cracking sound, accompanied by a burning smell or sparking inside the case, immediately disconnect the refrigerator from power supply and call a technician. Operating a faulty appliance is dangerous.
Natural sounds of refrigeration equipment
Before sounding the alarm, it is worth remembering that a working refrigerator is a complex mechanism in which physical processes are constantly occurring. Quiet refrigerant rumblingflowing through the evaporator tubes is considered the norm. This happens because freon changes its state of aggregation from liquid to gaseous and back, which is inevitably accompanied by acoustic effects.
Especially often, owners encounter noise immediately after switching on or, conversely, after defrosting. During this period, the system reaches operating mode, and the compressor operates at maximum load, creating a characteristic hum. For models Indesit with the system No Frost the sound of a running fan is also typical, which drives cold air through the chambers.
- 🔊 Quiet gurgling or liquid overflow is a sign of freon circulation in the circuit.
- 🔊 Rare clicks (once every 30-60 minutes) - activation of the thermal relay or compressor start relay.
- 🔊 Uniform low-frequency hum - normal operation of the motor-compressor.
It is important to understand the difference between background noise and an anomaly. If the sound does not change depending on the operating mode and does not increase over time, most likely everything is in order with your Indesit everything. However, if the nature of the sound has changed dramatically, it is necessary to conduct a deeper check.
Installation problems and external factors
One of the most common causes of extraneous vibrations and hum is improper installation of the unit. If the refrigerator Indesit is not on a flat surface or is skewed, the compressor begins to vibrate, transmitting these vibrations to the body and floor. This creates a resonance effect that enhances any sound, even the quietest.
Check the distance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. If the gap is too small, the hot air from the condenser cannot circulate freely, causing the motor to run harder and louder. Also pay attention to objects standing nearby: microwave ovens or shelves can resonate with the vibration frequency of the compressor.
☑️ Checking the installation of the refrigerator
To eliminate noise from vibration, it is often enough to simply tighten the adjustable supports. Use a spirit level to ensure the cabinet is perfectly level. If the floor in the room is uneven, place special anti-vibration pads or a piece of thick rubber under the legs.
Diagnostics of the No Frost system and fan
Refrigerators Indesit with the system No Frost are equipped with fans that circulate cold air. Over time, the lubricant in the fan bearings may dry out, or an ice crust may build up on the blades, which will lead to whistling, humming, or friction.
If you hear an increasing noise that appears and disappears, most likely the evaporator is freezing. In this case, the fan hits the ice with its blades. The solution may be to completely defrost the refrigerator during the day with the doors open. If after defrosting the sound returns after a few days, you will need to replace the fan or check the defrost sensors.
⚠️ Attention: When disassembling the internal panel yourself to access the fan, be sure to disconnect the device from the mains. Damage to the wiring or heating element can lead to a short circuit.
It is also worth checking the condition of the rubber seals on the doors. If they are worn out or dirty, warm air enters the chamber, forcing the system No Frost to work in increased mode, which increases the noise level.
How to check the fan without disassembling?
Turn on the refrigerator and listen. If when you open the door (when the fan should stop according to the design) the sound disappears, then the problem is in it or in the airflow.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator Indesit. If it starts making loud knocking, clanging or metallic grinding noises, this is a bad sign. Such sounds often indicate that the internal parts of the motor are worn out or that it is running “dry” due to a freon leak.
The starting relay deserves special attention. If, when you try to start, you hear a loud click followed by silence or a hum that ends abruptly, then the relay cannot start the engine. This can lead to overheating of the windings and combustion of the compressor.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Degree of danger | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loud knocking when startup | Malfunction of the starting relay | High | Replacement of the relay |
| Metal clanging inside | Destruction of the motor mount | Critical | Replacement of the compressor |
| Whistling or squeaking | Problems with the fan | Average | Defrost or replacement |
| Strong vibration of the case | Improper installation | Low | Alignment of legs |
In some cases, the compressor may hum louder than usual due to old age. If the refrigerator has been in service for more than 10 years, increased noise may be normal wear and tear, but requires temperature control. If the products begin to deteriorate, repairs are inevitable.
The influence of pipelines and fasteners
Often the source of irritating rattling is copper tubes suitable for the compressor. During engine operation, they can vibrate and hit each other or the walls of the housing. The vibration is transmitted throughout the metal frame, creating the feeling that the entire refrigerator is humming.
You don’t need to be an engineer to fix this problem. It is enough to carefully (with the device turned off!) bend the tubes so that they do not touch each other and the body. Also check all visible mounting bolts and panels - they may become loose over time.
Pay attention to the condensation tray located above the compressor at the rear. If it is poorly secured, it will resonate when the motor is running. It can be fixed additionally or vibration-isolating material can be laid.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of symptoms for which self-repair not only will not help, but will also worsen the situation. If you notice that the refrigerator Indesit stopped freezing, but at the same time makes strange sounds, or if oily spots appear on the back wall, these are signs of depressurization of the system.
It is also worth contacting specialists if, after defrosting and checking the installation, the noise does not disappear, and the nature of the motor operation has changed. Professional diagnostics using pressure gauges and leak detectors will allow you to accurately determine the pressure in the system and the presence of leaks.
⚠️ Attention: Replacing a compressor yourself or sealing pipes requires special equipment and skills. An attempt to do this without experience can lead to the final failure of the equipment.
Remember that timely contacting a service center can extend the life of your refrigerator. Modern models Indesit equipped with complex electronics, and diagnostic errors can be expensive.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why is the new Indesit refrigerator loud in the first days?
This is normal. The new seals have not yet settled in, and the compressor is going through a break-in period. Also, new models may use more powerful motors that seem louder than older counterparts. The noise should decrease after 1-2 weeks.
Can the noise level depend on the amount of food inside?
Yes, it can. An empty refrigerator is louder because food acts as acoustic absorbers and temperature stabilizers. Loading the chambers helps smooth out temperature changes, causing the compressor to turn on less often.
What to do if the refrigerator hums only at night?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and the operation of the refrigerator becomes more noticeable. Also, at night, the voltage in the network may drop, which makes the engine hum more. Check the voltage at the outlet or use a stabilizer.
Is the sound of ice breaking inside dangerous?
The sound of cracking ice is usually harmless and is associated with the defrosting process of the evaporator in the No Frost system. However, if the cracking sound is accompanied by the knocking of the fan, it means that the ice crust is interfering with its operation, and defrosting is necessary.
How long can a faulty compressor work?
There is no exact time limit, but the operation of a faulty compressor (with knocking or overheating) can lead to its complete combustion in a few days or even hours. It is not recommended to risk an expensive component.