Buying a new refrigerator is always a joyful event, promising freshness of food and order in the kitchen. However, euphoria often gives way to anxiety when, after installation, you discover that the unit makes unpleasant extraneous sounds. Instead of the expected silence or the usual smooth hum of the compressor, a sharp creaking sound is heard, which can be annoying and cause concern for the serviceability of expensive equipment.
In most cases, creaking of a new refrigerator is not a sign of a serious breakdown. Modern equipment, especially with inverter compressors, operates on complex physical principles, and adaptation of the mechanisms takes time. Understanding the nature of sounds will help you distinguish a normal operating process from a real malfunction that requires specialist intervention.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside the case, consider typical installation errors and give clear instructions for eliminating noise. It is important to understand that 90% of creaking cases are associated with improper installation or transportation elements, and not due to the breakdown of internal components.
Physics of the process: why does sound occur at all
To effectively deal with the problem, you need to understand its source. Refrigerator compartment is a complex thermodynamic system. Inside it, processes of expansion and contraction of materials constantly occur under the influence of temperatures. When the refrigerant circulates through the tubes, changing its state of aggregation, the walls of the pipelines may be slightly deformed, producing characteristic clicks or creaks.
This is especially often observed in models with the system No Frost. Air circulation, operation of fans and periodic activation of defrost heaters create a whole range of acoustic effects. The new materials from which the body and internal lining are made have not yet gone through the “shrinkage” cycle and can rub against each other at the slightest vibration.
⚠️ Attention: If the creaking is accompanied by a burning smell or visible sparking, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate a short circuit or overheating of the wiring.
In addition, compressor the heart of the refrigerator creates vibration when starting. If this vibration is transmitted to the body or objects standing nearby, a resonating sound occurs. In new models, compressors are mounted on shock absorbers, but during transportation they could have shifted, which leads to contact of metal parts.
How to distinguish an operating sound from a breakdown?
Operating sounds are usually rhythmic and die down after the temperature rises. The sounds of breakdown are often chaotic, increasing in nature or accompanied by malfunctions (ice, lack of cold).
Transportation elements: the main cause of noise
The most commonplace, but also the most common reason is forgotten transportation bolts or fasteners. During transportation, the compressor is rigidly fixed to the frame so that inertia does not damage the suspension springs. If these clamps are not removed before the first start-up, the compressor will work “tightly”, producing a terrible grinding and creaking sound.
Also inside the chamber there may be foam inserts or paper tape holding shelves and drawers in place. When the fan is running, these light objects can become caught in the air flow or touch moving parts, creating a high-pitched squeak. Carefully inspect all corners and fastenings.
Check the back wall of the refrigerator. Sometimes there are pieces of packaging tape or protective film left there, which, when the condenser (grids at the back) heat up, begin to melt or rustle. Removing all foreign objects is the first step towards silence.
☑️ Inspection after delivery
Installation problems: level floor and gaps
Installation geometry plays a critical role. If The refrigerator is not level, body distortion occurs. This leads to the fact that the doors may not fit tightly, and the internal frame experiences tension, which “shoots” sound effects when opening or closing.
Use a building level to check. Height adjustment is carried out using the front support legs. Rotation of the legs allows you to set the body strictly horizontally. Often the creaking occurs precisely because one of the legs does not reach the floor, and the body vibrates when the motor is running.
The second important aspect is the distance to the walls and furniture. The rear condenser grill heats up and expands during operation. If the refrigerator is pushed close to a wall or cabinet, the plastic or metal may rub against the surface, producing an unpleasant squeaking sound. The minimum gap should be 5-7 cm.
Internal filling and accessories
Sometimes the sound source is right in front of your eyes. Plastic shelves, egg containers or bottle containers may not fit completely into the grooves. When vibration from the compressor occurs, they begin to rattle or creak against the guides.
Check No Frost system. An ice block may form in the freezer if the drainage hole is clogged. The fan, trying to expel air, touches this ice with its blades, creating a rhythmic creaking or crackling sound. This can be solved by complete defrosting within 24 hours.
Also pay attention to the contents. Glass bottles placed close to each other can emit a high-pitched ringing or friction creaking sound at the slightest vibration of the shelf. Arrange the products so that they do not touch.
| Type of sound | Probable cause | Nature of action |
|---|---|---|
| Sharp metal creaking | Transport bolts | Constant, increases during startup |
| Quiet crackling of plastic | Thermal expansion | Periodic, after switching on |
| Whistling or squeaking | Fan or belt (in old ones) | Continuous or cyclical |
| Gurgling | Freon movement | Normal operating sound |
Features of inverter compressors
Modern refrigerators are often equipped with inverter compressors. Unlike older models, which operated at full power or switched off, inverters smoothly regulate speed. This can generate sounds that are new to the ear: high-frequency buzzing or whistling, especially when the rotation speed changes.
Many users mistake these sounds for a malfunction. However, for branded equipment LG, Samsung, Bosch this is the norm. Electronics control the magnetic field in the engine, and sometimes this is accompanied by an acoustic effect that can be heard in the silence of the night.
If the creaking appears only in the first minutes after opening the door (when the compressor picks up speed for rapid cooling) and then subsides, there is no need to worry. This is the normal operating mode of the temperature maintenance system.
When you need to call a repairman
Despite the fact that many sounds are natural, there are situations when the problem cannot be ignored. If the creaking intensifies over time, and does not subside, this is an alarm signal. Also, a reason to contact the service is the appearance of foreign odors or a change in the nature of operation (the refrigerator has stopped freezing).
A dangerous symptom is a creaking accompanied by strong vibration of the case, which can be felt by hand. This may indicate a damaged compressor suspension or problems with the fan bearings. In such cases, independent repairs can lead to permanent breakdown of the unit.
⚠️ Warning: Do not attempt to disassemble a sealed circuit or change a compressor yourself unless you are licensed and equipped. This is life-threatening and will void the warranty.
The warranty card is your main document. If the refrigerator is new and makes strange sounds, it is better to play it safe and call a specialist from an authorized center. Diagnostics are often free, and you will have confidence in the serviceability of the equipment.
Prevention and proper care
To extend the life of the equipment and maintain silence in the kitchen, it is important to properly care for refrigerator. Regular defrosting (if the model is not No Frost) prevents the build-up of excess load on the compressor. Cleaning the condenser from behind from dust also reduces the noise level, since it is easier for the motor to work.
Make sure the doors fit tightly. If the seal is dirty or deformed, the refrigerator will work more often to try to compensate for the loss of cold, which increases the number of sounds. Wipe the seal with a soft cloth.
Do not overload the shelves. Excess weight can cause deformation of the plastic fastening elements, which over time will lead to squeaks when opening the door or vibration. Distribute the food evenly.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it normal for a new refrigerator to crack when cooling?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. Plastic and metal have different coefficients of thermal expansion. When suddenly cooled or heated, they contract and expand at different rates, producing characteristic clicks and crackles. This goes away after a few weeks of use.
Does the refrigerator squeak if it is empty?
An empty refrigerator may seem noisier, since the food inside acts as sound absorbers. In addition, empty compartments require less time to cool, so the compressor cycles can be more frequent, but shorter.
Can the floor under the refrigerator squeak?
Yes, if the floor is wood or laminated, a heavy operating unit can cause the floorboards to squeak. In this case, rearranging the refrigerator or placing harder or, conversely, softer shock-absorbing pads under the legs will help.
What to do if the creaking appears a month after purchase?
First, check whether you forgot to defrost the refrigerator (if required). If the model No Frost, check if something is touching the fan. If simple methods do not help, contact the service department, as grease may have leaked from the fan bearing.