The refrigerator cracks and clicks at night: dangerous sounds or normal operation?

Do you wake up in the middle of the night from a sharp cracking sound or rhythmic clicks coming from the kitchen? A refrigerator that operates almost silently during the day suddenly turns into a source of mysterious sounds at night? This problem is familiar to many - and it is not always associated with a breakdown. The fact is that at night silence enhances the perception of even standard operating noiseswhich during the day are drowned out by household sounds.

In this article we will figure out what sounds are considered normal for refrigerators of different types (No Frost, drip, inverter), and which ones should be wary. You'll learn how to distinguish natural thermal expansion of plastic from a compressor malfunction, why the start relay clicking may become louder at night, and what to do if the crackling noise is accompanied by other symptoms - for example, insufficient cooling or constant engine running. We will also give a unique table of correspondence of sounds and their causes for popular models of refrigerators (Atlant, Samsung, LG, Indesit, Beko).

Spoiler: in 80% of cases, night clicks and crackles do not require repair. But if you notice that the sounds steel cyclical (repeated every 5-10 minutes) or accompanied by vibration, this may indicate wear of parts. Next is a detailed analysis of each possible cause with diagnostic instructions.

1. Thermal expansion of plastic: why the refrigerator “shoots” at night

The most a harmless cause of cracking - temperature change inside and outside the refrigerator. During the day, the door opens frequently, the temperature in the chambers fluctuates slightly. At night, when the refrigerator operates in a stable mode, the differences between the internal compartments and the external environment become more dramatic. data-i="68">change in temperature inside and outside the refrigerator compress/expand, making sounds similar to:

• 🔥 Crunch or crackling - as if someone is crushing a bag of chips (most often heard in the freezer).
• 💥 Clicking - single and sharp, usually in the first 1–2 hours after going to bed (when the compressor turns on after a long period of inactivity).
• 🌡️ Crackling - if the refrigerator is located next to the radiator or the kitchen is hot.

These sounds are a variant of the norm for all modern refrigerators, regardless of the brand. They are especially noticeable in models with thin walls (for example, Beko RCNE 520E20 or Indesit DF 4160) or with the first time you turn on a new device (plastic “gets used” to temperature conditions within 1-2 weeks).

⚠️ Attention: If a cracking sound is accompanied deformation of the door seal (rubber comes off, gaps appear), this can lead to ice lining of the rear wall increased load on the compressor. Check the tightness of the Door Seal Test: clamp a strip of paper between the door and the body - if it falls out, the seal needs to be replaced.

To reduce noise from thermal expansion:

Make sure the refrigerator is on a level surface (adjust the legs)

Do not place it close to a wall or furniture (at least 5 cm gap)

Check that the internal shelves do not touch the back wall (rearrange them)

Avoid sudden changes in temperature (do not open the door for a long time)-->

2. Compressor operation: clicks of the start and protection relay

The compressor is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and its operation is always accompanied by sounds. At night they seem louder due to the silence. Normally, you can hear:

• 🔌 Click when turned on — it works start relay (closes the circuit to start the motor). There is a single sound, followed by a slight hum.
• ⚡ Click when turning off —triggered thermal protection relay (turns off the compressor when overheated). If the refrigerator inverter (Samsung RB30A3200SA, LG GA-B409SLGL, there will be fewer clicks - the motor runs smoothly.
• ⏱️ Cyclic clicks (every 5-15 minutes) - if they rhythmic are accompanied by a short pause, this is normal mode defrosts in systems No Frost.

When clicks become a problem:

• 🚨 Compressor does not start after a click (only a click is heard, but no humming). Reason: the relay is faulty or the motor is burned out.
• ⏰ The clicks are repeated more than once every 3-5 minutes —the protection relay may be broken or the compressor is overheating.
• 🔥 Clicks are accompanied burnt smell —urgently unplug the refrigerator!

For diagnostics:

1. Listen if there is humming after the click (if yes - the compressor is working).
2. Touch the motor housing (lower part at the back) - if it is scalding hotyou need to check.
3. Shine the light flashlight on the capacitor (grid at the back) - if it is dusty or deformedit can cause overheating.

3. No Frost system: crackling fan and defrost

Refrigerators with No Frost (Atlant XM 4021-000, Bosch KGE39XW2AR, Liebherr CNef 4315) have a fan and an automatic defrost system that can produce specific sounds:

If there is a crackling sound in No Frostthe refrigerator has become permanent, check:

1. Evaporator (hidden behind the back panel of the freezer) - if it is frozen, the fan will touch the ice.
2. Defrost sensor —if it breaks, the heater does not turn on, the ice builds up, and the sounds intensify.
3. Air duct damper —if it is jammed, the air flow is disrupted, and the refrigerator “crunches” when you try to open.

⚠️ Attention: Never try break off the ice with a knife in the system No Frost! This will damage the evaporator. The correct way is to defrost for 12–24 hours. disconnect from the power supply.

What happens if you ignore the crackling sound in No Frost?

If the cause is not eliminated (for example, a faulty defrost sensor), the ice will block the fan and the refrigerator will stop cooling. In the freezer the temperature will rise to -5...-10°C, and in the main chamber - to +10...+15°C. This will lead to food spoilage and compressor overload.

4. Drip system: gurgling and crackling during defrosting

In refrigerators with drip system (Indesit BIAA 13, Gorenje RK 4191 E), crackling is often associated with the thawing process. When the compressor turns off, the frost on the back wall melts and water flows into the drain hole. At the same time, you can hear:

• 💧 Gurgling —water passes through the drainage tube.
• 🧊 Crackling —ice coming off the wall (especially loud in the freezer).
• 🔊 Clicks —the thermostat is activated, turning the compressor on/off.

These sounds are the absolute norm, but they can become excessively loudif:

• Drain hole clogged (water accumulates and “gurgles” louder).
• Refrigerator skewed (water flows unevenly, making squelching sounds).
• Temperature in the chamber too low (a thick layer of ice forms on the back wall, which cracks more when thawed).

To reduce noise:

1. Clean the drainage hole a cotton swab or a syringe with warm water.
2. Adjust the legs of the refrigerator to the level.
3. Check the temperature settings - in the main chamber there should be +4…+5°C, in the freezer - -18°C.

5. External reasons: vibration, fastenings, socket

Sometimes the source of night noise becomes external factorsnot associated with a breakdown of the refrigerator. It’s easy to check them:

Vibration problems occur especially often if the refrigerator is standing on uneven floor or wooden covering (it amplifies sounds). Solution:

• 📏 Level the refrigerator (adjust the front legs).
• 🔧 Place it under the legs rubber gaskets (sold in hardware stores).
• 🔌 Check the socket - if it loose, the plug may spark, creating clicks.

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator connected via extension cord, this can cause voltage surges and relay clicks. Samsung and LG the instructions directly prohibit the use of extension cords - only a direct socket!

6. Breakdowns requiring repair: when the cracking is dangerous

If the refrigerator not only cracks, but also:

• 🔴 Does not cool (the temperature in the chambers is above normal),
• ⏳ Works without stopping (the compressor does not turn off),
• 💨 Warm air blows from the freezer (No Frost),
• 🔥 Smells burning or plastic,

are signs serious malfunctionsLet's consider the most common:

What to do in such cases:

1. Unplug the refrigerator.
2. Defreeze it for 12–24 hours (if there is ice).
3. Call the service center official dealer (for warranty models) or an independent technician.

⚠️ Attention: Do not try to repair compressor or electronicsin refrigerators, and improper handling is dangerous to health. The exception is replacing the seal or. cleaning the drainage. freon, and improper handling is dangerous to health. An exception is replacing the seal or cleaning the drainage.

7. How to reduce night noise: practical tips

If diagnostics show that crackling and clicking noises are normal operation refrigerator, but they interfere with sleep, use these tips:

• 📍 Move the refrigerator away from the bedroom (for example, in the hallway or closet).
• 🔇 Install sound insulation:
  • Place a rubber mat under the legs data-i="290">Attach to the back wall.
  • Attach to the back wall polyurethane foam panels (sold in hardware stores).
• ⏱️ Set the operating mode:
  • In some models (LG Instaview, Samsung Family Hub) yes night mode (reduces fan noise).
  • Set the temperature 1-2°C higher than standard (this will shorten the compressor operating time).
• 🛠️ Check the fastenings:
  • Tighten the bolts on the compressor (they may loosen over time).
  • Seal the loose plastic parts inside the chamber with tape.

For models with No Frost additional advice: defrost the refrigerator every 6 monthseven if the manufacturer claims that this is not necessary. This will prevent ice accumulation and reduce fan noise.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about night noises from the refrigerator

❓ Why is crackling heard only at night, but not during the day?

At night the apartment is quieter, and background sounds (compressor operation, thermal expansion of plastic) become more noticeable. Also at night the refrigerator is opened less often, so it works in stable mode, and the compressor turns on less often, but with sharper relay clicks.

❓ Could the cracking sound be associated with a new refrigerator model?

Yes. Modern refrigerators (inverter compressors, No Frost) have more electronic components that can click when switching modes. For example, in Samsung RB37A5200 or LG GB-B509SLQZ fans. and the dampers work more actively than in older models.

❓ Is it dangerous if the refrigerator cracks when you first turn it on?

No, this is normal when you first start it the plastic adapts to temperature conditions, but the compressor can. work more intensively. The cracking should disappear after 1-3 days. If not, check installation level and fastening the parts.

❓ Why do the clicks occur? louder in winter?

In winter, the difference between the temperature in the apartment and outside is greater, therefore the refrigerator body cools. strongerWhen the compressor is turned on, the plastic heats up faster, and expansion sounds become more noticeable. Also in winter air drier, which increases the resonance of sounds.

❓ Is it possible to repair the clicking relay yourself?

Theoretically yes, but not recommended. A relay is an electronic component and replacing it requires electrical knowledge. An error may lead to short circuit or damage to the compressor. It’s better to call a technician.