Extraneous sounds coming from the kitchen often become a source of concern for owners of household appliances. This is especially true for situations when the refrigerator is crackingit makes clicks or buzzes louder than usual. For many users, these acoustic signals are the first sign of a serious breakdown that requires expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit. However, there is no need to panic ahead of time, since the nature of the noise can be absolutely harmless.
Modern models of climate control equipment, be it Indesit, LG or Atlant, work on the basis of complex physical processes, accompanied by the movement of refrigerant and the operation of electrical circuits. Understanding exactly how the defrosting system functions allows you to distinguish normal operation from a real malfunction. In this article, we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of crackling and determine when a technician’s intervention is really necessary. compressor and defrost system, allows you to distinguish normal operation from a real malfunction. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of crackling and determine when intervention by a specialist is really necessary.
It is important to note that ignoring truly dangerous symptoms can lead to failure of expensive components. On the other hand, calling a specialist because of the natural sounds of the equipment is a waste of time and budget. Let's figure out what exactly is happening inside the body of your refrigeration cabinet.
Physics of the process: natural sounds of a working unit
Before looking for a breakdown, you need to understand the basic principle of operation of the refrigeration circuit. Freon circulates in the system, which constantly changes its state of aggregation, moving from liquid to gaseous and back. This process is accompanied by characteristic gurgling and slight hissing, which are the norm for working equipment. Cracking is most often associated with thermal expansion of materials. refrigerant (freon), which constantly changes its state of aggregation, moving from liquid to gaseous and back. This process is accompanied by characteristic gurgling and slight hissing, which are the norm for working equipment. Cracking is most often associated with thermal expansion of materials.
The internal walls of the chamber, the evaporator and the plastic elements of the housing are subject to constant temperature changes. When cooled, materials contract, and when heated (during compressor idle time or defrost operation), they expand. It is this process that causes a characteristic cracking sound, reminiscent of the sound of plastic bursting or wood rubbing. This is especially often observed in new models or after defrosting.
⚠️ Attention: If a cracking noise is heard immediately after the compressor is turned off or before it starts, this is with a 99% probability a consequence of thermal expansion of the plastic and does not require repair.
The intensity of such sounds may vary depending on the quality of the plastic used by the manufacturer Bosch or Samsung, and design features of the camera. Some users note that the loudness of the cracking depends on the humidity in the room and the tightness of the internal panels.
Thermal expansion of the housing and evaporator materials
One of the most common reasons why the refrigerator clicks or cracking is banal physics. The plastic from which the internal shelves and chamber lining are made has a certain coefficient of thermal expansion. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example, immediately after loading warm products or turning on the mode Super Freeze, the material reacts with sound signals.
Similar processes occur with a metal evaporator hidden behind the back wall. Aluminum tubes and plates shrink faster when cooled than the surrounding foam or plastic. This microscopic displacement of the layers causes a sound that users often describe as “crackling.”
It is worth considering that in budget models the quality of the plastic may be lower, which makes the sounds louder and more frequent. Premium brands, such as Siemens or Liebherr, use composite materials with additives that reduce noise levels when deformed.
Does the location of the refrigerator affect the noise level?
Yes, if the refrigerator is close to a wall or furniture, sound waves can resonate, amplifying apparent loudness of the crack. Vibration can also be transmitted to neighboring objects, causing them to rattle.
If you notice that the crackling intensifies when the motor turns off, this confirms the theory of thermal expansion. At this moment, heating of the evaporator begins (even minimal) or the vibration that masked the sounds of plastic deformation simply stops.
Operation of the No Frost system and fan
Owners of units with the system No Frost often encounter additional sources of noise. Unlike the drip system, air is forced to circulate here, for which a special fan is responsible. If the fan blades touch ice or a foreign object, a rhythmic cracking or knocking noise may occur.
Ice on the fan is formed when the door seal is broken or the defrost heating element is faulty. Ice builds up on the walls of the duct, and the rotating blades begin to touch ice crystals. The sound in this case is more like a rattle or an intermittent hum, which can appear and disappear.
You can diagnose this problem by listening to the nature of the sound:
- 🌀 A rhythmic crackling sound that coincides with the fan speed.
- ❄️ The sound appears only during certain operating cycles (when the airflow is turned on).
- 📉 Gradual increase in noise over time (ice builds up).
- 🌬️ Change in sound when the door is opened (in some models the fan stops).
To eliminate the problem, it is often necessary to completely defrost the refrigerator within 24 hours. If after this the sound returns after a few days, then the problem lies in a malfunction of the defrost sensor or heater.
Problems with the starting relay and compressor
The situation becomes more serious if the crackling noise comes directly from the motor-compressor located in the lower rear part of the unit. Often a loud click followed by a hum and subsequent silence indicates an attempt to start the engine. If start relay faulty, it cannot properly switch the motor windings.
In this case, a characteristic metallic click is heard (protection or relay tripping), followed by the hum of the compressor trying to start, and then a click again (shutdown). The cycle may repeat every few minutes. This indicates that the compressor cannot reach operating mode.
The main symptoms of a faulty start relay:
- 🔌 A loud click every 3-10 minutes.
- 🔥 Strong heating of the compressor when the refrigerator is not working.
- ⚡ Lack of cold in the chambers when the engine is running (trying to work).
- 🔊 The sound is similar to the impact of metal on metal or the crackling of an electric arc.
Replacing the start relay is a relatively inexpensive and quick procedure. However, if you ignore this symptom, it compressor may burn out due to constant starting currents and overheating of the windings. In models Indesit i Ariston this is a fairly common problem.
⚠️ Attention: If you smell burning conductivity or see sparking in the compressor area, immediately unplug the refrigerator and call a technician. Operation in this mode is a fire hazard.
The influence of improper installation on the noise level
Sometimes the cause of the crackling noise lies not in the internal components, but in the operating conditions. Incorrect installation of the refrigerator leads to misalignment of the case, which causes stress in the structural elements and increases vibration. Even a microscopic tilt can cause the door to not fit tightly or internal parts to rub against each other.
In addition, if the refrigerator is too close to a wall or furniture, vibration from the compressor is transmitted to adjacent surfaces. This can cause a resonant hum or rattling noise that the user perceives as a crackling sound inside the unit.
To check the correct installation, use a building level:
- Check the horizontalness of the front panel on the left and right.
- Check the horizontal depth (front and back).
- Make sure that the legs of the refrigerator are firmly on the floor.
- Check the gap to the wall (minimum 5-10 cm).
☑️ Diagnostics of refrigerator installation
Adjusting the legs often helps eliminate extraneous sounds. In some cases, vibration-isolating pads are placed under the compressor or vibrating parts, but this requires disassembling the rear panel.
Comparison table: Normal or broken?
To make it easier for you to navigate, we have prepared a summary table to help classify sounds. Remember that a single loud click every 30-60 minutes most often indicates the operation of the thermostat, which is the norm.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Status | Required actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quiet crackling of plastic | Thermal expansion | Normal | Observation |
| Gurgling, hissing | Freon movement | Normal | No action |
| Loud click + silence | Fault relay/compressor | Failure | Call a technician |
| Ratchet in the freezer | Fan touches ice | Failure | Defrost/repair |
| Metallic ringing | Vibration of tubes on the body | Normal/Nuance | Adjust the tubes (carefully) |
Sound analysis is the first stage of diagnosis. If you hear sounds corresponding to the "Breakage" column, do not delay solving the problem. At the same time, sounds from the “Normal” column should not cause alarm, even if they seem loud to you.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a new refrigerator crack more loudly than the old one?
New models often have more sealed chambers and use new types of plastic that can make noise. more sonorous sounds with thermal expansion. In addition, the new units have not yet developed natural play, which in older models could dampen vibration. Usually, after 1-2 months of operation, the sounds become quieter.
Can a refrigerator crack if there is not enough food in it?
Yes, it can. Empty shelves and lack of food (which serve as cold and mass accumulators) can lead to more frequent compressor on-off cycles. This causes more frequent thermal expansion of the plastic. In addition, an empty chamber holds the temperature worse, and the unit works more intensely.
Is cracking noise dangerous for food in the refrigerator?
The sound itself is not dangerous for food. The cause of the sound is dangerous. If the cracking sound is caused by a malfunction of the compressor or defrost system, the temperature in the chamber may no longer be maintained at the desired level, which will lead to food spoilage. Therefore, it is important to control the temperature regardless of the presence of noise.
Do you need to lubricate rubbing parts if you hear a crackling sound?
It is strictly not recommended to lubricate internal moving parts (fans, dampers) yourself with household lubricants. They may freeze in cold temperatures or be toxic. To maintain the No Frost system, special food-grade lubricants and disassembly skills are required.