The appearance of extraneous sounds in kitchen appliances always causes concern for the owner. Especially if it crackling in the refrigeratorthat can disturb the peace at night or simply irritate the ears. A refrigerator is a complex unit where physical and chemical processes constantly occur, accompanied by sounds of different nature. Understanding whether the noise is normal or a signal of malfunction will help you avoid unnecessary panic or expensive repairs.
In most cases, periodic crackling does not require the intervention of a technician. However, there are situations where ignoring the problem can lead to the failure of expensive components. In this article we will analyze in detail the mechanics of the occurrence of sounds, methods for diagnosing them and methods for eliminating them. Accurate diagnosis is the first step to solving the problem.
It is important to distinguish the nature of the sound: it can be a loud click, a quiet crack of ice or a resounding blow. Each of these sounds indicates a specific process within the system. Correct identification The source of the noise allows you to quickly determine whether the help of a specialist is needed or whether it is enough to simply straighten the dishes on the shelf.
Physics of the process: natural causes of cracking
The most common reason for cracking refrigerator lies in the physical properties of materials. The inner walls of the chamber and the evaporator are made of plastic and metal, which have different coefficients of thermal expansion. When the compressor is turned on, the temperature drops sharply, and when it is turned off, it rises. This cycle causes deformation of materialswhich we hear as a cracking sound.
This sound is especially common in new models or after defrosting. The plastic “sits” or, conversely, expands, making characteristic clicks. This is an absolutely normal phenomenon and does not require repair. If your Bosch refrigerator or LG makes such sounds rarely and irregularly, there is no need to worry.
The intensity of the sound depends on the quality of the plastic and the design of the evaporator. In modern systems No Frost air circulation is more active, which can enhance the acoustic effect. Usually, after several months of use, the sound becomes quieter as the materials go through adaptation cycles.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling sound is accompanied by a burning smell or smoke, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or melting of the insulation.
Natural causes also include the sound of operating refrigerant. Liquid flowing through the system tubes may gurgle or make hissing sounds. This is part of the normal cooling cycle. However, if the sound becomes similar to a loud crack of metal on metal, you should listen more carefully.
Problems with the compressor and starting relay
The compressor is the heart of the refrigerator, and its operation is rarely completely silent. However, a strong crackling sound, especially when starting or stopping the engine, may indicate wear of parts. Often the sound source becomes start relay. If the contacts inside the relay are burnt or the mechanism is stuck, a loud click or a series of cracking sounds will occur when you try to start.
In some cases, the compressor may make a metallic clanging noise due to wear on the internal pistons or valves. This is typical for older models, such as Atlant or Indesit early years of production. If the engine hums smoothly, but is accompanied by periodic hard crackling, this is a bad sign. Wear of the compressor often leads to its complete failure.
It is also worth checking the fastening of the compressor itself. If the vibration mounts (dampers) are dry or broken, the motor housing may touch metal tubes or the cabinet body. When the engine is running, resonance occurs, which is perceived as a crackling sound. Replacing the rubber gaskets often solves the noise problem.
If you notice that the refrigerator began to crack just at the moment of startup, and after that the light in the chamber goes out or the motor does not turn on, most likely the protection has tripped. repeated attempts to start can damage the compressor windings. In such a situation, replacement of the start-up relay is required.
The influence of the defrosting system on acoustics
In refrigerators with a system No Frost and drip defrosting, defrosting processes may be accompanied by specific sounds. The ice formed on the evaporator begins to crack and break off when the heating element is heated. Falling pieces of ice may hit plastic parts or the bottom of the chamber, creating a noise similar to a crack.
Sometimes the cause is a malfunction of the defrost timer or defrost sensor. If the system “sticks” in defrost mode or, conversely, cannot exit it, the ice builds up unevenly. During the subsequent cooling cycle, this ice mass cracks with great force. Regular ice on the back wall is a sign of a malfunction in the defrosting system.
In models with manual defrosting, a cracking noise may occur if the user opens the door too often, letting in moist air. Moisture instantly freezes on the walls, forming a crust of ice, which makes sounds when the temperature changes. Compliance with operating rules will help minimize this effect.
| System type | Sound character | Probable cause | Is repair needed |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drip | Quiet plastic cracking | Thermal expansion | No |
| No Frost | Ice crunch, clicks | Fan operation, defrosting | No (if not loud) |
| Old models | Loud metallic clanging | Compressor wear | Yes |
| Any | Sharp click at start | Relay malfunction | Yes |
What to do if the cracking intensifies after defrosting?
If you defrosted the refrigerator and after turning it on it began to crack more than usual, let it work for 2-3 hours. It is possible that residual moisture in the drainage system has frozen and is causing noise when the refrigerant flows. If the sound does not subside after a day, check to see if ice has frozen to the fan blades.
Fan and air circulation
In systems No Frost the fan is responsible for circulating cold air. If its blades become dirty or ice freezes on them, an imbalance occurs. The rotating fan begins to touch ice or foreign objects, producing a rhythmic crackling or knocking sound. This sound often intensifies when you open the door, since in many models the fan changes operating mode.
Fan bearings also tend to wear out. Over time, the lubricant dries out and the bushing begins to make a dry cracking noise when rotating. This is especially noticeable in silence. Replacing a fan is a simple procedure, but it requires access to the evaporator, which requires partial disassembly of the internal panel of the chamber.
Sometimes the noise is caused by the air damper itself, which regulates the flow of cold air. If the damper mechanism jams or a small object (for example, a piece of label) gets into it, when you try to close or open it, you will hear a characteristic crack of plastic. Cleaning the air ducts can eliminate this defect.
⚠️ Attention: Before checking the fan, be sure to turn off the power refrigerator. Rotating the blades with your fingers while the power is on is dangerous, and access to the unit often requires removing plastic panels.
You can check the operation of the fan by opening the door slightly and listening to changes in the sound. If, when you press the door sensor button (simulating closing), the cracking noise intensifies or its tone changes, the problem most likely lies in the blowing system.
External factors and incorrect installation
The source of the crackling noise is not always located inside the unit. Often the cause is incorrect installation. If the refrigerator is not level, the housing may experience stress, which manifests itself in the form of squeaks and crackles when the compressor operates. Check the horizontal installation using a building level and adjust the legs.
It is also worth paying attention to the proximity to walls or furniture. Vibration from a running motor can be transmitted to nearby objects. If the back of the tubes touches a wall or cabinet, they will make a metallic rattling sound. It is necessary to provide ventilation gap at least 5-10 cm on all sides.
Utensils inside the chambers can also be a source of noise. Glass bottles or plastic containers that come into contact with each other or with the walls may jingle and crackle due to the vibration of the shelves. Try emptying the refrigerator of food for a short time to eliminate this factor.
☑️ Diagnosis of external causes of noise
Another nuance - the floor. If the floor is wood or laminate, the vibrations of a heavy appliance can resonate with the flooring, creating a loud cracking sound. In such cases, it is recommended to place special anti-vibration pads or a piece of thick rubber under the legs.
When you need to call a specialist
Despite the many natural causes of noise, there are situations when professional repairs are indispensable. If a cracking sound in the refrigerator is accompanied by a loss of cold, this is a clear sign of a freon leak or compressor failure. Tightness diagnostics The system requires special equipment.
An alarming signal is the appearance of a smell of burning wiring along with a crackling sound. This indicates a short circuit or overheating of the electrical contacts. Operating such a device is dangerous to life and property. A technician is also needed if the crackling noise has become a constant companion to the operation of the unit and its volume is increasing.
In cases where the refrigerator begins to “shoot” sparks (rarely, but it happens when the compressor breaks down on the housing) or knocks out plugs in the panel, calling a specialist should be done immediately. Independent repair of components under high pressure or voltage is prohibited.
If you doubt the nature of the sound, it is better to be safe. The technician will carry out diagnostics in 15-20 minutes and tell you exactly whether the cracking is a feature of your model Samsung or Stinol, or is it a harbinger of a breakdown.
Is it normal if a new refrigerator cracks on the first day?
Yes, this is absolutely ok. New materials undergo initial adaptation to temperature changes. The plastic contracts and expands, making sounds. Usually, after 2-3 days of operation in normal mode, the noise subsides.
Can a refrigerator crack due to power surges?
Yes, unstable voltage in the network can cause humming and crackling of the compressor, which is trying to start, but cannot gain the required speed. In such cases, it is recommended to use a voltage stabilizer.
Why does it crack only at night?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and you begin to hear sounds that were invisible during the day. In addition, night power surges or silence in ventilation shafts can increase resonance.
Is it dangerous to ignore a crackling noise in a compressor?
If the crackling noise is mechanical (valve wear), then ignoring it will lead to complete failure of the motor. If it is thermal expansion, then there is no danger. You can distinguish them by volume and regularity: mechanical crackling is usually louder and more rhythmic.
How to reduce the noise of an old refrigerator?
Check the tightness of all visible bolts, place rubber pads under the legs, make sure that the device does not touch the walls. If the compressor is noisy, sometimes installing an additional soundproofing casing helps, but this requires consultation with a specialist.