A sudden hum or obsessive knocking in kitchen appliances can unsettle any owner. Ariston refrigerator, known for its reliability, in some cases can produce extraneous sounds, signaling the need for attention. This does not always mean a critical breakdown, but such “signals” cannot be ignored.
In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the unit’s operation and identify the true causes of acoustic discomfort. Understanding the nature of the sound will help you decide whether you should call a repairman or you can handle it yourself.
There is a fine line between normal engine operation and signs of an incipient malfunction. Users often confuse normal refrigerant bubbling with serious problems, which leads to unnecessary expenses for diagnostics. Let's learn to distinguish between these nuances.
Normal operating noise versus pathology
Modern models Ariston are equipped with compressors that inevitably produce sound during operation. However, it is important to distinguish between a smooth, monotonous hum and sharp, intermittent knocks. It is considered normal a quiet hum, which intensifies when the engine is turned on and subsides as the temperature rises.
The physics of the process is such that the refrigerant, moving through the pipes of the system, can create sounds reminiscent of water pouring or a slight hiss. This is absolutely natural for a working device. If you hear metal grinding on metal or loud clicks accompanied by the lights turning off, this is an alarming symptom.
Particular attention should be paid to the nature of the sounds in models with the system No Frost. There, a fan blowing on the evaporator may make noise. If the blades are hit by ice or foreign objects, the hum will become intermittent and loud. In conventional drip systems, the main source of noise is the compressor unit.
⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator makes a loud bang, like a gunshot, and immediately stops freezing, immediately unplug the appliance. This may indicate a breakdown of the starting relay or a break in the winding.
Installation errors as the cause of hum
Often the answer to the question “why does the Ariston refrigerator make noise” lies not in the internal parts, but in the operating conditions. Incorrect installation is the most common cause of vibration. If the housing is skewed, the compressor works with increased load, and the doors may not fit tightly, creating whistling sounds.
The first thing to do is to check the horizontal installation. To do this, use a building level. Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. Vibration of the case transmitted to the floor and intensified if the equipment is on an uneven surface or touches furniture.
It is also important to ensure the necessary clearance between the back wall of the device and the wall of the room. If the condenser tubes touch the wall, the vibration is transmitted to the building structure, creating a resonance effect throughout the room. The minimum distance should be 5-7 centimeters.
Another nuance is contact with the kitchen unit. Even a millimeter touch to the side wall of a cabinet can turn a quiet hum into a loud rattling sound. Move the unit and make sure that it is free-standing.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is the compressor. If this unit is worn out, it begins to hum louder than usual. In older models Ariston over time, the engine shaft bearings break, which leads to a metallic clang. Compressor wear this is the most expensive repair scenario.
Often the source of loud clicks and subsequent humming (or silence) becomes start relay. This small element is responsible for starting the engine. If the relay contacts are oxidized or burnt, the engine cannot start the first time, producing a characteristic “ding-honk-click” sound.
The table below shows the main symptoms of engine compartment malfunctions:
| Symptom | Possible cause | Difficulty of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Loud metallic knocking | Broken compressor bearings | High (assembly replacement) |
| Frequent clicks and buzzing for 2-3 seconds | Malfunction of the starting relay | Low (replace the relay) |
| Constant strong hum | Wear of the piston group | High |
| Vibration housing | The motor mounting bolts are loose | Low (tightening) |
Is it possible to change the compressor yourself?
Replacing the compressor requires special equipment for evacuating the system and filling it with freon. Without the skills and tools, it is dangerous and impractical to undertake this.
If you hear the motor humming, but does not start, and after a while it clicks and goes silent - this is a classic sign of a “wedge” of the motor or failure of the starting equipment. In this case, further attempts to turn on may lead to complete combustion of the windings.
Ventilation and No Frost system
In models with automatic defrosting (No Frost), a fan is responsible for circulating cold air. Over time, ice can accumulate on the blades, especially if the door seal is broken. Ice crust creates an imbalance, and the fan begins to make noise, touching frozen snow.
Dried grease in the fan bearings can also become a source of noise. In this case, the sound will be shrill and whistling. The blades can become deformed from time to time or from inaccurate defrosting, which will also lead to beating and noise.
Diagnosing this problem often requires partial disassembly of the freezer. It is necessary to remove the back panel and visually assess the condition of the impeller. If ice is frozen, the unit will require complete defrosting within 24 hours.
☑️ Diagnostics of the ventilation system
Sometimes a foreign object that gets into the fan compartment when loading products causes a loud crash. Check to see if there is any packaging stuck there or a piece of ice that has broken off from the evaporator.
The influence of refrigerant and tubes on sound
The movement of freon through the tubes is a process that cannot be completely silent. However, if you hear a loud gurgle, similar to boiling water, this may indicate problems. Excess refrigerant or the presence of air in the system (if the repair was carried out poorly) amplifies these sounds.
The pipes leading to the compressor should not touch each other or the housing. When the motor is running, they vibrate, and metal on metal makes a loud rattling sound. Often it is enough to simply separate the tubes with your hands (with the device turned off!) or install rubber gaskets to eliminate the noise.
⚠️ Attention: Never try to bend copper tubes with sharp objects or with strong force. Copper is very soft and breaks easily, which will lead to an immediate release of freon and expensive repairs.
If the refrigerator, after defrosting, began to make sounds that were not there before, moisture may have entered the system. When it freezes, it forms ice plugs that interfere with the free circulation of gas, creating whistling sounds when passing through the capillary.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent repair is not only useless, but also dangerous. If you have checked the installation, are convinced that there is no ice on the fan, but Ariston refrigerator continues to make noise, emit a burning smell, or has stopped freezing - it’s time to call the specialists.
It is especially critical to contact professionals if you suspect a freon leak. Although the gas itself is often odorless, added odorants can be. The leak is accompanied by a quiet hiss and a complete absence of cold, even if the motor is running without stopping.
Help is also needed if a compressor replacement or complex troubleshooting of electronics is required. Modern inverter models Ariston have complex control boards, the diagnosis of which cannot be carried out without a special tester.
Prevention of noisy operation of equipment
To make your refrigerator serve for a long time and quietly, follow simple operating rules. Regularly, at least once every six months, check the cleanliness of the condenser grille at the back. Dust and animal hair clog the cells, causing the motor to work harder and louder.
Do not place hot foods in the chamber. This causes a sharp increase in load on the system, abundant steam formation and subsequent freezing of ice, which will cause fan knocking. Let the food cool to room temperature.
Keep an eye on the door seals. If the rubber has lost its elasticity or becomes dirty, warm, moist air enters the chamber. This leads to the formation of a “fur coat” on the evaporator, which inevitably leads to the appearance of extraneous sounds during system operation. No Frost.
How to check the seal?
Pinch a sheet of paper with the refrigerator door. If it is pulled out easily and without resistance around the entire perimeter, the seal requires replacement or adjustment.
Timely defrosting (for drip systems) and cleaning the drainage hole will also prolong the life of the unit. Do not allow a situation where water stands in the pan and begins to rot or freeze, blocking the operation of the mechanisms.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Why does the new Ariston refrigerator make noise in the first days?
This is normal. New compressors require lapping of parts. In addition, during transportation, oil may have entered the circuit, and it takes time for it to drain back into the crankcase. Usually, after 3-5 days of operation, the sound becomes quieter.
Can an empty refrigerator make more noise?
Yes, an empty refrigerator works at longer intervals, but more intensely. In addition, the lack of products (which serve as cold accumulators) leads to more frequent switching on. Filling the chambers helps stabilize the temperature and reduce the frequency of starts.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator hums but freezes?
If the freezer is operating normally and the temperature of the food is normal, most likely there is no threat. However, an increased hum may be a harbinger of a breakdown. It is recommended to carry out preventive maintenance: defrost, check the installation level and clean the rear grille.
How to reduce vibration if the floor is uneven?
Use rubber anti-vibration pads under the legs. They are sold in hardware stores. You can also place a piece of thick rubber or linoleum under the supports to level the position and dampen vibrations.