The sudden appearance of extraneous sounds from household appliances always causes alarm, especially when it comes to such an important unit as refrigerator. Cracking, clicking or periodic shots can frighten any owner, making them think about an imminent breakdown or freon leak. However, these sounds do not always indicate a critical malfunction.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physical and mechanical causes of noise. You will find out in which cases there is a cracking normal workflowand when immediate intervention by a specialist is required. Understanding the nature of sound is the first step to preserving your products and budget.
Before you panic, listen to the nature of the sound. It can be dull, ringing, periodic or constant. Diagnostics It begins with the analysis of the acoustic signs that your unit produces.
Natural physical processes: expansion and contraction
The most common and safest cause of crackling is physics of materials. The inner walls of the refrigerator and freezer chambers, as well as the evaporator, are made of plastic and metal. During operation, the temperature of these elements is constantly changing.
When the compressor cools the chamber, the materials are compressed. When the motor stops or the mode is turned on defrosting heating and expansion occurs. This process is accompanied by a characteristic crackling sound, reminiscent of the sound of a car cooling down or the cracking of ice.
Usually such sounds are heard in the first minutes after turning the unit on or off. If the refrigerator is new, this adaptation period can last several days until all the components rub against each other.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking sound is accompanied by a strong buzz, vibration or burning smell, this is not just thermal expansion of the materials. It is necessary to check the fastenings and electrical connections.
The intensity of the sound depends on the quality of the plastic and the thickness of the metal. In budget models ABS plastic it can react to temperature changes more loudly than in premium series. The volume is also affected by the level of humidity in the room.
Problems with the fan: ice and foreign objects
Modern refrigerator systems No Frost are equipped with fans for air circulation. If you hear a crackling sound that turns into a hum, or a sound as if something has gotten into the mechanism, the problem most likely lies here.
One of the common reasons is ice freezing on the fan blades or on the walls of the air duct. When rotating, the blades touch the ice, creating a characteristic crackling sound. Over time, this can lead to damage to the fan motor.
Also, a small object, for example, a piece of food packaging that has been pulled in by the air flow, can get inside. The rotating parts begin to hit the obstacle, making loud clicks.
How to check the fan without disassembling it?
Turn on the refrigerator and open the door. Hold down the door sensor button (so that the motor thinks the door is closed). If after a couple of minutes the fan starts and you hear a crackling sound, this is the problem.
To eliminate the problem, it is often necessary to completely defrost the unit for 10–12 hours. If after this the sound returns, it means that the tightness of the seal is broken or faulty Defrost heating elementwhich does not have time to melt the water.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The heart of the refrigerator is compressor - during normal operation it emits a smooth hum. However, if you hear loud clicks accompanied by an attempt to start, followed by silence, this is an alarming signal.
A common cause is failure start relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. When it breaks, the contacts do not close correctly, an electrical discharge (click) occurs, and the motor stalls, unable to start.
Another option is wear and tear on the internal parts of the compressor. If the piston group has exhausted its service life, metal-on-metal knocking occurs. This sound is usually accompanied by strong vibration of the case.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Loud click and silence | Faulty start relay | Replacing the relay |
| Metallic knock inside | Wear of the compressor | Replacing the compressor |
| Crackling during operation | Vibration of tubes | Pipeline adjustment |
| Whistling and crackling | Freon leakage | Looking for leaks and refilling |
It is important not to ignore problems with the compressor. A motor that operates intermittently consumes more electricity and may burn out completely, which will require expensive repairs.
Vibration and touching system elements
Sometimes the source of noise is not the mechanism itself, but its interaction with the body. During operation or after transportation, the cooling system tubes may shift.
When the compressor operates, vibration occurs, which is transmitted to the entire housing. If the copper tubes come too close to each other or touch the cabinet walls, a loud metallic crackling sound occurs.
You can fix this problem by carefully straightening the tubes with your hands (with the device unplugged!). It is necessary to ensure a gap between the system elements and the walls.
⚠️ Attention: Copper tubes are very thin and fragile. Do not use excessive force to avoid pinching or breaking them, otherwise refrigerant will leak.
Also check that the refrigerator is not touching the back of a cabinet or furniture. Even a slight misalignment can increase vibration, turning a quiet hum into a loud rattling sound.
The influence of ice and defrosting mode
In refrigerators with manual defrosting or a drip system, the formation of an ice crust is a natural process. However, if the layer of ice becomes too thick, it begins to interfere with the operation of the dampers or fans.
When the automatic defrost mode is turned on, the ice begins to actively melt and break off in pieces. Blocks of ice falling onto glass shelves or plastic elements create a loud crash and rumble.
If you haven't defrosted your refrigerator in a while, a layer of frozen ice can block air movement. In this case evaporator begins to work with overload, which may also be accompanied by unusual sounds.
☑️ Action plan for icing
Regular maintenance helps to avoid such situations. Do not allow the formation of a “coat” thicker than 5-7 millimeters, this reduces operating efficiency and increases the load on the components.
Installation and operation defects
Correct installation is the key to quiet operation. If the refrigerator is not level, the door may not fit tightly, and the compressor may not operate normally, causing misalignment and vibration.
Use a building level to check the level. Adjustable legs allow the unit to be positioned perfectly level. Also check that it is stable on the floor.
Do not place the refrigerator too close to the wall or other objects. For normal air circulation around the motor and capacitor, a gap of at least 10 centimeters is required.
Pay attention to the products inside. Glass jars or bottles placed close to each other can rattle from the vibration of the shelf, creating the illusion of a breakdown of the refrigerator itself.
When you need to call a specialist
There are situations when independent repair is impossible or dangerous. If the cracking sound is accompanied by a lack of cold, the appearance of puddles under the refrigerator or the smell of burnt wiring, call a specialist.
Complex electronic control boards can also make quiet clicks when switching modes, but if the clicking is frequent and chaotic, the temperature sensor or thermostat may have failed.
Professional diagnostics using pressure gauges and testers will allow you to accurately determine the cause of the noise and avoid unnecessary expenses on replacing serviceable parts.
Why does the refrigerator crack only at night?
At night the apartment is quieter, so you can hear sounds that are drowned out during the day household noise. In addition, at night the voltage in the network may drop, which makes it difficult to start the compressor, causing louder clicks of the relay.
Is it dangerous to continue to use a cracking refrigerator?
If the cracking is caused by thermal expansion - no. If you hear the crackling sound of an electric arc, smell something burning, or see sparks, operation is dangerous and can lead to a fire. In the case of mechanical knocking of the compressor, working “to wear” will lead to its complete failure.
Can a new refrigerator crack?
Yes, new refrigerators often make more sounds in the first weeks of operation. The parts are being ground in, the plastic is adapting to temperatures and the refrigerant circulation system is being adjusted.
What to do if the cracking intensifies after defrosting?
You may have damaged the fan mounts or did not completely dry the chamber, and water got into the electrical contacts. Let the unit stand turned off for a few more hours. If the sound does not disappear, diagnostics is needed.