Buying new household appliances is always a joyful event, which, however, can be overshadowed by unexpected sounds in the first hours of operation. The owner, expecting perfect silence, often encounters the following: clicks, crackling or buzzing. A natural question arises: is this normal or evidence of a manufacturing defect? the unit makes strange noises: Clicking, crackling or buzzing sounds. A natural question arises: is this the norm or evidence of a manufacturing defect?
The answer to this question depends on many factors, including the type of refrigerant, design features of the model and installation conditions. Modern refrigerators work on complex physical principles, and many sounds that frighten an inexperienced user actually In fact, they are normal processes of thermoregulation. However, you should not ignore obvious signs of malfunction either.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside the chamber and help you determine when to sound the alarm and when to just wait. Understanding the operating principles of compressor and the heat removal system will allow you to avoid unnecessary panic and unnecessary calls to the service center.
Natural physical processes during the operation of the refrigerant
The most common cause of crackling noise in a new refrigerator is circulation refrigerant through the system pipes. Modern models increasingly use Freon R600a (isobutane), which has excellent cooling properties, but moves through the system under high pressure with characteristic gurgling and crackling. These sounds may intensify when the engine is started or stopped.
When the compressor builds up pressure, the gas turns into a liquid state, passing through the capillary tube. It is at this moment that substances occur, which is accompanied by sound effects. If you listen, you will notice that the crackling occurs cyclically, coinciding with the operation of the motor. sharp change in the state of aggregation substances, accompanied by sound effects. If you listen, you will notice that the crackling noise occurs cyclically, coinciding with the operation of the motor.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling is accompanied by vibration of the housing, which is transmitted to the floor or furniture, it is necessary to check the stability of the unit. Excessive vibration can damage the tubes.
It is important to understand that thermostat continuously monitors the temperature inside the chambers. As soon as it reaches the set value, the system gives a command to stop or reduce power. At this point, the pressure in the system drops sharply, which can also cause a short series of clicks or a quiet crackling sound that lasts a few seconds.
Thermal expansion and contraction of housing materials
Another absolutely normal reason for cracking is the physical property of materials. The interior of the refrigerator is made of plastic (ABS plastic or polystyrene), and the outer casing is often made of metal. When rapidly cooled, these materials compress at different rates. and expansion coefficient.
In the first few days, and sometimes weeks of operation, you will hear distinct clicks, reminiscent of the crackling of cooling plastic. This is especially noticeable in models with the No Frostsystem, where temperature changes are sharper. Sounds can occur both when first turned on and after each defrost cycle.
Over time, when the materials “get used” to operating temperatures and compression-expansion cycles, the noise intensity should decrease. However, it may never completely disappear, since it continues constantly. The main thing is that the crackling sound is not accompanied by loud blows. cooling cycles continue constantly. The main thing is that the cracking sound is not accompanied by loud blows.
- 🔊 Loud clicks immediately after the compressor is turned off - a sign of cooling of the plastic.
- ❄️ Cracking noise during fan operation - possible freezing of the blades (requires defrosting).
- 🏗️ The sounds of panels deforming are normal for new devices during the break-in period.
Why does plastic crack more loudly at night?
At night the room is quieter, and the contrast between the temperature in the room and inside the refrigerator may be higher if the apartment was heated by the sun during the day. This enhances the effect of thermal expansion.
Features of operation of inverter compressors
The modern market of household appliances is filled with models with inverter compressors. Unlike older linear motors that operate on an on-off basis, an inverter motor continuously regulates its output. This allows you to save energy and maintain a more stable temperature, but creates a specific acoustic background.
Such compressors can emit a low-frequency hum that turns into a crackling sound with a sudden change in load. For example, if you have just loaded a large amount of warm food into the chamber, the system inverter will sharply increase speed, which may be accompanied by the sounds of the mechanical parts of the engine.
It is worth noting that inverter systems are very sensitive to voltage drops in the network. Unstable power supply can cause failures in the operation of electronicswhich leads to chaotic starts and stops, accompanied by relay clicks and crackling of the starting equipment.
The influence of incorrect installation on the noise level
Often the cause of extraneous sounds does not lie in the insides unit, but in how it is installed. If the refrigerator is not level, vibration from the running compressor is transmitted to the floor and walls, causing resonance. This may create the illusion of a loud cracking or buzzing sound.
It is critical to ensure the correct clearance between the back of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. To effectively remove heat, the condenser requires free air circulation. If the distance is less 5-7 cm, the temperature in the compressor area increases, causing the motor to work with overload, which causes increased noise and crackling.
Also check whether the internal shelves or products are touching the walls of the chamber. Vibration can be transmitted to loose objects, causing them to rattle, which can easily be confused with a malfunction of the equipment. Pay special attention containers for vegetables and bottles.
☑️ Installation diagnostics
Table: Normal noise or malfunction?
To make it easier for you to navigate situations, we have prepared a comparison table. It will help differentiate normal sounds from signs of breakdown.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Quiet gurgling, overflow | Freon movement through the tubes | Normal |
| Single clicks when cooling | Thermal compression of plastic | Normal |
| Uniform humming | Compressor operation | Normal |
| Loud metal clanging | Destruction of the compressor suspension | Repair required |
| Intermittent crackling and lack of cold | Malfunction of the starting relay | Repair required |
Pay attention to the nature of the sound. If the crackling sound is rhythmic and repeats every 15-20 minutes, this is most likely the work of thermostat or the defrost timer. If the sound is chaotic, loud and is accompanied by a cessation of cooling, this is a reason to contact the service.
⚠️ Attention: If you hear the smell of burning or burning plastic along with a crackling sound, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or melting of the insulation.
Problems with the No Frost defrosting system
In refrigerators with the system No Frost a heating element (heating element) is hidden behind the evaporator, which is periodically turned on to defrost the ice. When the heating element is turned on or off, thermal expansion of the bimetallic plate of the sensor may occur, which causes a loud click.
Sometimes a cracking sound occurs due to the fact that the ice accumulated on the evaporator begins to melt and fall onto the heater or into the pan. If the drainage system is clogged or frozen, water may drip onto hot elements, causing hissing and popping noises. This is rare in a new refrigerator, but it is possible during assembly defect or transportation.
It is also worth checking the fan. If ice has formed on its blades (due to the door not closing tightly), it will touch the ice, making a characteristic cracking sound. In this case, it is recommended to completely defrost the unit for 24 hours with the doors open.
When to call masters
Despite the fact that many sounds are natural, there are situations when the intervention of a professional cannot be avoided. If a new refrigerator is constantly cracking, without stopping, and this sound differs from a quiet liquid pouring, this is an alarming symptom. Especially if the cracking sound is accompanied vibration of metal parts inside the case.
You should also be alert if after a click the refrigerator does not start or, conversely, cannot stop. This may indicate sticking relay contacts or breakdown starter. In such cases, independent repairs can lead to the compressor burning out.
Remember that the new unit is under warranty. Any attempt to open the technical compartment or replace parts yourself will void the warranty. It is better to spend time on diagnostics in an authorized center than to risk expensive repairs.
- 🛠️ A loud knocking sound that sounds into the housing is a sign of mechanical destruction of the compressor.
- 🔥 The smell of burnt rubber is an electrical problem or overheating of the motor.
- 📉 Lack of cooling when the motor is running - freon leak or blockage.
Is it possible to independently eliminate the crackling sound in a new refrigerator?
You can only check the installation yourself: align the legs, provide a gap against the wall, defrost the unit. Opening the technical compartment or repairing the cooling system is prohibited if you want to maintain the warranty.
How long can a new refrigerator make extraneous sounds?
The period of “grinding in” of materials and stabilization of the system usually takes from 3 to 7 days. If after a week the intense cracking has not decreased, you should contact the manufacturer.
Does the type of refrigerant affect the noise level?
Yes, refrigerators using R600a (isobutane) may work a little noisier during gas circulation compared to older models using R134a, but the difference is usually small and within the range norms.
Why does the refrigerator crack only at night?
At night, the general background of silence in the apartment is lower, so the normal sounds of the unit (thermostat cycling, plastic cooling) become more noticeable to the ear.
Do I need to turn off the refrigerator if it is cracking?
If the crackling is quiet and looks like clicks or transfusion - no. If the sound is loud, metallic, accompanied by sparking or a burning smell, immediately unplug the appliance.