The sudden appearance of extraneous sounds in kitchen appliances always causes alarm, because we are accustomed to the silence that is usually provided by working the device The refrigerator clicks or makes a cracking noise for various reasons, and not all of them mean a critical breakdown of the unit. Sometimes this is simply a consequence of the physical processes of expansion of materials or the peculiarities of the No Frost system, and in other cases immediate intervention by a specialist is required.
Understanding the nature of sound helps save money and time, as it allows you to immediately eliminate false alarms. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the operation of the units, explain why the refrigerator is cracking during operation and at rest, and draw up a clear algorithm of actions for the owner. You will learn to distinguish between the normal functioning of the equipment and signs of a serious malfunction of the compressor or start relay.
Natural physical processes: plastic cracking and movement of refrigerant
Most often, a frightening crackling or clicking noise has nothing to do with electrical failure parts. This is explained by the laws of physics: with a sharp change in temperature, materials change their linear dimensions. Plastic panels the internal chamber, evaporator and even metal walls contract when cooled, and expand when heated (during defrosting). This process is accompanied by a characteristic sound reminiscent of a crackling or clicking sound, especially noticeable in the silence of the night.
In addition, freon circulates in the system. As the gas passes through the capillary tube and evaporator, it may make gurgling, hissing, or short clicking sounds. This is especially typical for modern models with inverter compressors or systems refrigerant (freon). As the gas passes through the capillary tube and evaporator, it may make gurgling, hissing, or short clicking sounds. This is especially true for modern models with inverter compressors or systems Full No Frostwhere the refrigerant moves under a certain pressure. If the refrigerator has just been turned on after defrosting, such sounds may be more intense in the first hours of operation.
⚠️ Attention: Natural crackling is usually not accompanied by loss of cold. If the chamber freezes in normal mode, and sounds appear periodically, most likely the equipment is working properly.
It is important to consider that new models are often assembled using harder polymers, which can “sound” louder than older analogues. Intense crackling in the first 24-48 hours after purchase or defrosting is considered the norm for adaptation of materials.
Problems with the starting relay and compressor
If the clicking sounds become rhythmic, loud and repeated at regular intervals (for example, every 3-5 minutes), this indicates a problem with starting the engine. In such a situation compressor tries to start, but the starting relay opens the circuit, making a loud click. After some time, the cycle repeats. This condition is dangerous because the motor is idling and can burn out from overheating.
The cause is often wear and tear of the starting relay small device that supplies the starting impulse to the motor windings. In older models, relays can be thermal, in modern ones they can be electronic. The problem may also lie in an interturn short circuit of the compressor windings or a voltage drop in the network, due to which the engine does not have enough power to start.
- 🔊 The sound is loud, a metallic click, followed by silence or humming.
- 🔥 The compressor is very hot to the touch, although the cold in the chamber does not accumulate.
- ⚡ The light in the apartment may blink when you try to start the motor.
- 🛑 The refrigerator works with long interruptions or does not turn on at all.
In some cases, the compressor itself is to blame if its internal mechanical parts worn out. However, most often replacing an inexpensive relay will solve the problem. Self-replacement is only possible if you have electrical skills, since access to the rear of the unit is required.
Malfunctions of the No Frost defrost system
In refrigerators with a system No Frost or Frost Free, regular formation and melting of ice is part of the operating cycle. If you hear crackling, crunching or loud clicking noises about once every 8-12 hours, this may be the work of the defrost timer or heating element (heating element). When switching between the “cooling” and “defrosting” modes, the mechanical switches make sounds. defrost timer or heating element (heating element). When switching between cooling and defrosting modes, the mechanical switches make sounds.
However, if the crackling noise has become a constant companion to the operation, the ice may have frozen unevenly on the evaporator. A fan blowing air can touch the ice crust with its blades, producing a characteristic crackling or knocking sound. This happens if the drainage is clogged or the defrost sensor is faulty, and the water does not drain away, but freezes in unintended places.
Diagnostics of the No Frost system requires partial disassembly of the rear wall of the freezer. It is necessary to check:
- ❄️ Condition of the evaporator (presence of a fur coat or ice blocks).
- 💧 Patency of the drainage hole.
- 🌀 Freedom of rotation of the fan blades.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to pick out the ice with a knife or sharp objects! Damage to the evaporator will lead to freon leakage and expensive repairs.
What will happen if you ignore ice in No Frost?
The fan may jam completely, the fan motor will burn out, and the circulation of cold air will stop. Products will begin to deteriorate.
Mechanical damage and vibration of the housing
Sometimes the source of noise is trivial - the refrigerator simply stands unevenly or vibrates from the operation of the compressor, transmitting vibrations to the floor and furniture. Vibration causes the housing walls, condenser tubes, or shelves inside to touch, causing rattling and clicking noises. Check whether the unit is stable and does not wobble.
It is also worth inspecting the back of the device. The radiator pipes must not touch each other or the cabinet walls. When the compressor operates, they vibrate, and if the gap is minimal, the metal will ring. It is enough to carefully (with the device turned off!) separate the tubes with your hands or place a piece of foam rubber between them.
Inside the chamber, the source of sound can be glass shelves or bottles that vibrate in their place. Take out all the food and listen to the operation of the empty refrigerator. If the noise disappeared, the problem was in the contents.
☑️ Vibration diagnostics
Table: Diagnostics of refrigerator sounds
To quickly navigate the nature of sounds, use the following table. It will help classify the problem before the technician arrives.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Degree of danger | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare crackling, clicking | Plastic expansion, movement of freon | Safe | Observation |
| Rhythmic clicks (every 3-5 minutes) | Malfunction of the starting relay or compressor | High | Turn off, call a technician |
| Loud crackling, grinding | Fan touches ice (No Frost) | Medium | Defrosting, checking drainage |
| Humming with vibration | Incorrect installation, touching tubes | Low | Align, move away |
| Whistling or hissing | Freon leakage (rarely), capillary operation | Medium/High | Tightness check |
When an urgent call to the technician is necessary
There are situations when independent experiments can lead to final breakdown of the unit. If you notice that the refrigerator clicks and does not turn on, but it gets warm inside - this is a direct signal to action. Delay in the case of a faulty compressor can lead to its complete combustion, the replacement of which is often not economically feasible.
You should also be wary if the clicks are accompanied by the smell of burning or melted insulation. This is a sure sign of an electrical problem in the wiring or starter. In such cases, you must immediately disconnect the device from the network and unplug the plug from the socket.
Do not try to repair a sealed circuit or compressor yourself without special equipment. Evacuating the system and refilling with freon requires professional skills. Errors at this stage will lead to moisture entering the system, which will cause the formation of ice plugs and failure of the new compressor as soon as possible.
Noise prevention and equipment care
To extend the life of the refrigerator and minimize noise, it is important to provide it with the correct operating conditions. Regular defrosting (even for the No Frost system, complete defrosting is recommended once a year) helps to avoid ice accumulation on internal components. Cleaning the condenser from behind from dust also improves heat transfer and reduces the load on the compressor.
Make sure that the refrigerator is not standing close to a wall or furniture. A gap of 5-10 cm is necessary for free air circulation and to prevent vibration resonance. If the floor in the kitchen is uneven, use adjustable supports to align the cabinet strictly horizontally.
Proper loading of the chambers also affects acoustics. Do not place dishes close to the back wall where the evaporator is located. Make sure that products do not block the air flow from the fan. Compliance with these simple rules will make the operation of the equipment quiet and unnoticeable.
⚠️ Attention: The characteristics and design of models may vary. Always check the instructions (user's manual) for your specific model before disassembling or complex diagnostics.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does a new refrigerator crack on the first day?
This is a normal process. New materials (plastic, metal) undergo primary heat shrinkage. When they first cool, they shrink and make sounds. Usually after 1-2 days the noise subsides.
Is it possible to use the refrigerator if it clicks?
If the clicks are rare and there is cold, you can. If the clicks are rhythmic, loud and the refrigerator has stopped freezing, operation is prohibited, as this can lead to a fire or burnout of the motor.
How much does it cost to replace the start relay?
The relay itself is inexpensive, but the price consists of the cost of the part and the work of a technician to diagnose and replace it. The exact amount will be announced by the service center after inspection.
Why does the refrigerator click when it is turned off?
If it is unplugged, only melting ice (drops of water) or cooling/heating plastic can click. Electrical clicks are impossible when the power is turned off.