The appearance of a new household appliance in the house is always an event accompanied by the expectation of ideal silence and flawless operation. However, when you first start up a newly purchased unit, you may be alarmed by an extraneous sound that is more reminiscent of clicks, crackling or periodic tapping. A reasonable question arises: is this a sign of a malfunction that requires immediate service intervention, or is the equipment simply “getting used to” new operating conditions? In the vast majority of cases, clicks in a new refrigerator do not pose any threat and relate to normal physical processes.
The sound palette of a working refrigerator can be surprisingly varied, and for an untrained user, some of them may seem alarming. Engineers of modern brands, such as Bosch, LG or Atlant, are constantly improving cooling systems, making them quieter, but it is impossible to completely eliminate the sounds of expansion of materials or operation of valves. Understanding the nature of these sounds will help you distinguish normal from breakdown and avoid unnecessary calls to the service center, saving nerves and time.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside the chamber and explain why the compressor or the walls of the housing make characteristic sounds. We will consider situations when the noise really indicates a problem with thermostat or start relayand when you can calmly exhale. It is important to learn to hear your device, as this is the first step to competent operation of any complex equipment.
Physics of the process: thermal expansion of materials
The most common reason why a new refrigerator clicks, especially in the first days or even weeks of operation, lies in banal physics. The inner walls of the chamber, plastic shelves, metal evaporators and the outer casing are made of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. When there is a sudden change in temperature, such as when first turned on or after loading a large amount of warm food, these materials begin to expand or contract at different rates. This process is inevitably accompanied by sound effects, which we hear as clicks, crackling or even ringing.
Plastic used for internal panels and containers makes such sounds especially often. Unlike metal, which deforms more evenly, plastic can produce sharper and louder clicks. This is absolutely normal and only indicates that the refrigerator has begun active work to cool the internal space. Over time, when the materials “grind” to each other and temperature changes become less sharp due to the stable operation of the automation, the frequency of such sounds will decrease significantly.
The intensity of the crackling sound may depend on the temperature in the room where the device is installed. If the room is hot, the difference between the temperature of the walls and the internal air will be greater, increasing the effect of thermal expansion. The design of the model also affects the volume: in some budget series or, conversely, in models with reinforced insulation, sounds can be heard more clearly. Do not worry if the clicks occur periodically and are not accompanied by other signs of malfunction.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking sound is accompanied by the smell of burning plastic or the humming becomes intermittent and very loud, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or melting of the insulation, which requires urgent repairs.
Operation of the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor, and it is its starting and stopping that is often accompanied by characteristic clicks. In older models with conventional linear compressors, this sound was more pronounced and harsh. In modern inverter systems, such as Digital Inverter ot Samsung or Inverter Linear Compressor ot LG, the startup process occurs more smoothly, but a characteristic click when changing operating modes is still present. This is the sound of opening or closing contacts in the starting relay, which supplies voltage to the motor windings.
A click when the compressor starts is a normal situation. The relay mechanism must physically switch to start the motor, and this mechanical shock can be heard even through the soundproofing of the housing. If the refrigerator clicks at the exact moment when you hear the motor “humming”, or immediately after it stops talking, then with a 99% probability this is normal operation of the electrical control circuit. The frequency of these clicks depends on the thermostat setting and the current temperature in the chambers.
It is worth paying attention to the nature of the sound. A normal relay click is a single, clear sound. If you hear a series of rapid clicks, rattling or a sound reminiscent of a typewriter, this may indicate a malfunction of the relay itself or problems with the compressor windings. In this case, the engine may try to start, but not gain speed, which is dangerous for its longevity. However, for a new refrigerator this situation is extremely rare and is usually a manufacturing defect, which is repaired under warranty.
No Frost system and dripping sound
Owners of refrigerators with the system No Frost or Total No Frost often encounter Another specific type of sounds that can be mistaken for clicks. We are talking about the sounds made by the defrost system. Unlike older models, where the ice had to be defrosted manually, here the automation itself controls the process of removing moisture. Periodically, usually several times a day, the defrosting heating element turns on, and the ice accumulated on the evaporator begins to melt.
At this moment, you can hear not only the gurgling of melting water, but also characteristic crackling or clicking sounds. This happens because the ice crust bursts, cracks and falls to the bottom of a special tray. The sound of falling pieces of ice or drops of water flowing down plastic channels can be quite loud, especially at night, when extraneous noise in the apartment is minimal. For new models, this is an absolutely normal situation, indicating the correct operation of the automatic defrosting system.
In addition, No Frost refrigerators have fans that circulate cold air. The fan blades may make a slight noise or intermittent clicking noise if they are exposed to ice particles or if the bearing has not yet developed. Usually, after a few days of operation, such sounds disappear. If the fan begins to hum or click constantly and loudly, it may be touching ice or a foreign object, which requires checking.
How to distinguish the sound of defrosting from a breakdown?
The sounds of defrosting (No Frost) are always cyclical and last a limited time (15-30 minutes). They are accompanied by gurgling and quiet cracking of ice. If the clicks occur chaotically, are very loud, or are accompanied by vibration of the housing, this may be a sign of a malfunction of the fan or compressor.
Solenoid valve and refrigerant in the system
Another source of sounds that is often overlooked is the movement of refrigerant (freon) through the system tubes and the operation of solenoid valves. Modern dual-compressor or dual-circuit models (for example Siemens or Beko with a system Twin Cooling) use special valves that redirect the refrigerant flow between the freezer and refrigerator compartments. Switching of these valves is always accompanied by a distinct click.
In addition, the refrigerant itself, circulating under pressure, can make sounds resembling a quiet hiss or rare clicks, especially with a sharp change in pressure in the system. This often occurs immediately after the compressor is turned off, when the pressure in the circuits equalizes. The sound may sound like someone blowing into a straw in a glass of water, or like occasional metallic sounds. This phenomenon is known as “freon boiling sounds” and is not a defect.
It is important to understand that in a new refrigerator the system is sealed and filled with refrigerant at a certain pressure. Any changes in temperature conditions (loading products, opening a door) force the automation to rearrange the operation of the circuits, which entails the activation of the valves. If clicks occur approximately once every 20-40 minutes and last a couple of seconds, this is a normal operating cycle.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Status | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare loud click | Thermal expansion of plastic/metal | Normal | No |
| Click + buzz start | Start relay actuation | Normal | No |
| Crackling and gurgling | No Frost system operation (defrost) | Normal | No |
| Frequent clicks | Relay or compressor malfunction | Anomaly | Yes |
| Loud knocking during operation | Vibration, contact of tubes with the body | Anomaly | Desirable |
External factors: vibration and installation
Sometimes the source of clicks lies not inside the refrigerator, but in its interaction with surrounding space. A new refrigerator may not be installed perfectly level, or one of its legs may not sit flush against the floor. The vibration that occurs when the compressor operates is transmitted to the housing and causes the device to move slightly. If at this moment it touches the wall, kitchen furniture or nearby dishes, you will hear a knock or click.
It is also worth checking the back wall of the device. There is a condenser grill and a motor-compressor located there. If the shipping bolts (if they were on the compressor) are not removed, or if the cooling system pipes touch each other or the housing, vibration will cause them to collide. This may sound like metallic clanging or rapid clicking. In new models, the tubes are usually securely fastened, but due to careless transportation, the fasteners could become loose.
Check whether there are any equipment or heavy objects on the top panel of the refrigerator. Even a light vase or a stack of books can resonate with the vibration of the body and make sounds. Make sure the refrigerator is stable and does not wobble when lightly pressed on a corner. Adjusting the support legs often helps eliminate the problem of resonance and extraneous knocks.
☑️ Diagnosis of external causes of noise
When clicks indicate a malfunction
Despite the fact that most sounds are harmless, there are situations when clicks of a new refrigerator really indicate a problem. First of all, the combination of clicking sounds and lack of cold should cause alarm. If you hear the compressor trying to start (a click is heard), it hums for a couple of seconds, then clicks again and goes silent, but it is warm inside - this is a sign faulty start relay or the compressor itself. In this case, the motor cannot return to operating mode and constantly restarts.
Another alarming symptom is a continuous series of clicks, reminiscent of the operation of an electric discharge or ratchet. This may indicate problems with the electrical wiring inside the device, oxidation of the contacts, or a faulty control board. If the clicks are accompanied by blinking indicators on the control panel or the appearance of errors on the display, you must immediately stop operating.
⚠️ Attention: It is strictly forbidden to open the compressor casing yourself or try to repair the electrical part of a new refrigerator. This will void your warranty. If you suspect an electrical fault, contact an authorized service.
You should also be wary if clicks appear suddenly after a long period of quiet operation and are accompanied by a burning smell or smoke. This may be a sign of a short circuit or overheating of the insulation. This rarely happens in new refrigerators, but manufacturing defects in electronics cannot be ruled out. In this case, the device must be immediately de-energized.
What to do and how to help the equipment adapt
If you are convinced that the refrigerator is new, installed correctly, the cold is produced, and the clicks are periodic, then the best thing you can do is be patient. Give the technique time to adapt. Typically the “grinding in” process takes from 3 to 7 days. During this period, it is not recommended to load the chambers with products in excess of the norm, so as not to create additional heat load on the compressor.
Check the temperature settings. If you set the temperature to the minimum (for example, mode Super Freeze or -24°Cimmediately after switching on, the compressor will work at its maximum capacity, which may increase the sounds of valves and expansion of materials. It is recommended to set the average values (about +4°C for the refrigerator compartment and -18°C for the freezer) and let the appliance enter the mode.
Make sure that there is sufficient space for ventilation around the refrigerator. If the device is moved close to a wall or cabinets, heat will not be effectively removed from the condenser, which will lead to more frequent starts of the compressor and, accordingly, more frequent clicks of the relay. A distance of at least 5-10 cm from the back wall will ensure better air circulation and quieter operation.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the refrigerator click only at night?
At night, the apartment becomes quiet and background noise is minimal, so all the operating sounds of equipment can be heard, which are drowned out by household noise during the day. In addition, at night the room temperature may be lower, which affects the operation of the thermostat and the frequency of switching on.
Is it normal for the refrigerator to click immediately after purchase?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. The new refrigerator undergoes primary cooling, the materials of the body and interior experience a maximum temperature difference, which causes active thermal expansion and corresponding sounds.
Can an inverter compressor click?
Inverter compressors operate quieter and smoother, but there are still clicks in them. They are not associated with frequent starting of the motor (there is none), but with the operation of solenoid valves that redirect the refrigerant and thermal expansion.
What to do if the clicks become louder after a month?
If the noise increases over time, this may indicate loosening of fasteners, a foreign object entering the fan area, or the beginning of wear of parts. In this case, it is recommended to call a technician for diagnostics.
Does the flatness of the floor affect the appearance of clicks?
Yes, it does significantly. If the refrigerator is not level, vibration from the compressor is transmitted unevenly to the body, causing rattling and knocking on the floor or its own structural parts. Be sure to adjust the support legs.