Extraneous noise from household appliances always causes alarm, especially if it loud cracklingresembles impacts or friction of metal on metal. When the refrigerator starts making such sounds, owners are often lost, not knowing whether this is a sign of an imminent breakdown or an acceptable feature of the system.
The intensity of the sound can vary from the quiet crackling of plastic to deafening clicks that can be heard in the next room. It is important to understand that refrigerant a compressor is a complex mechanism where even a slight change in pressure or vibration can lead to noise.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes occurring inside the chamber and determine in which cases you will need to call a specialist, and when you can do it yourself adjustment or simple change of operating habits.
Natural sounds: when noise is the norm
Do not panic ahead of time, because many modern models, especially those equipped with a system No Frost, emit specific sounds during normal operation. Cracking can occur due to thermal expansion and contraction of plastic elements of the case and internal shelves with a sudden change in temperature.
Users often confuse a normal operating hum with a malfunction. For example, the sound of bursting bubbles or overflowing liquid is the movement of freon through the evaporator tubes. If the crackling sound is rare and is not accompanied by other symptoms (heating of the walls, lack of cold), then most likely the equipment is working properly.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling noise is accompanied by vibration that is transmitted to the furniture or floor, check whether the unit is level. Incorrect installation amplifies any, even quiet, operating sounds.
However, you should be wary if the nature of the sound has changed. Instead of the usual hum, sharp metal clanging or frequent blows appeared. This may indicate that some fastening element has become loose and has begun to hit adjacent parts of the case.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
The heart of any refrigerator is compressor, and it is this that most often becomes the source of problems if the cracking is mechanical in nature. When the piston group is worn out or it runs out of oil, metal begins to rub against metal, creating a characteristic knock.
Another common reason is a malfunction. starting relay. This small block is responsible for starting the engine. If the contacts inside the relay are burnt or the mechanism is jammed, you will hear a loud click, followed by an attempt to start and a click again (the cycle can be repeated).
- 🔨 Mechanical wear: Motor parts have exhausted their service life, the unit needs to be replaced.
- ⚡ Power surges: Damaged the winding or relay contacts, causing sparking and crackling.
- 🌡️ Overheating: The compressor is operating at maximum capacity due to a dirty capacitor at the rear.
Diagnostics compressor requires caution. If you hear that the motor is humming, but does not start, and then there is a click and the hum stops, this is a clear sign compressor wedge or failure of the starter.
What will happen if you ignore the knocking of the compressor?
If you do not fix it problem at an early stage, the compressor may burn out completely. Replacing a compressor is an expensive repair, which is often comparable to buying a new refrigerator.
The influence of the defrosting system on the sound background
In refrigerators with an automatic defrosting system (No Frost), sounds may be associated with the operation of heaters or falling ice. Periodically, usually once every 8-12 hours, the heating element of the evaporator is turned on, which may be accompanied by the hissing or crackling of melting ice.
Sometimes large pieces of ice, having thawed, fall onto the heating element or the bottom of the chamber with a loud knock. This is absolutely normal, but if the ice crust builds up too much, it can interfere with operation fan, causing it to beat on the ice.
If you notice that a cracking noise occurs precisely at moments when the refrigerator is “silent” (the compressor is not working), check the water drainage system. A blockage in the drainage hole can lead to freezing of water and subsequent cracking of ice when it expands.
Fan malfunctions
In models with forced air circulation, fanis responsible for cooling. If its blades are covered with ice or a foreign object (for example, a piece of packaging) is wrapped around them, a rhythmic crackling or knocking sound will occur during rotation.
A worn fan motor bearing can also become a source of noise. In this case, the sound will increase gradually: first a quiet hum, turning into a grinding and crackling sound. Often this sound intensifies when the door is opened, since in many models fan stops when the door is open.
To test this hypothesis, you do not need to disassemble the entire unit. Just open the freezer door and listen. If the sound disappears or changes, the problem lies precisely in the air circulation system.
External factors and improper operation
Often the cause of the crackling sound lies not inside, but outside. Check whether the walls of the refrigerator are touching furniture, curtains or other objects. The vibration of a running motor is transmitted to the body and causes resonant knock about nearby objects.
Another factor is the contents of the chambers. Glass bottles or jars placed close to each other or to the wall may jingle and crackle due to microvibrations of the shelves. Move objects away from the walls and check if the noise has disappeared.
⚠️ Attention: Never place hot pots in the refrigerator. A sharp change in temperature causes deformation of plastic trays and shelves, which leads to constant cracking when cooling.
It is also worth checking the installation level. If the legs of the refrigerator are not adjusted, the body may warp, creating tension in the structure, which “shoots out” with a cracking sound with each on-off cycle.
☑️ Diagnosis of external causes
Comparison of symptoms: diagnostic table
To make it easier for you to determine the source of the problem, we have systematized the main symptoms. Compare your observations with the data in the table to narrow down the search for a malfunction.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Urgency of repair |
|---|---|---|
| Rare cracking of plastic | Thermal expansion | Not required |
| Loud metallic clanging | Compressor wear | High |
| Frequent clicks and humming | Start relay | Average |
| Rhythmic knocking during operation | Fan or ice | Average |
| Hissing and gurgling | Refrigerant movement | Normal |
Using this table, you can approximately assess the condition of the equipment. However, remember that an accurate diagnosis can only be made by a specialist using diagnostic equipment.
When you need to call a specialist
There are a number of situations when independent repairs are not only useless, but also dangerous. If you hear a crackling sound, and at the same time the refrigerator has stopped freezing or a “coat” of ice has appeared on the back wall, this is a signal of a serious breakdown.
A technician is also needed if the crackling noise comes directly from the compressor and is accompanied by the smell of burning or melted wiring. Attempts to replace start relay or a compressor without skills and tools can lead to complete failure of the unit.
Do not forget that intervention in the refrigerant circulation system requires a license and special equipment. Independent depressurization of the circuit will lead to a freon leak and the need for complex refilling.
⚠️ Attention: Before any inspection of the internal components, be sure to disconnect the refrigerator from the power supply. Working with electrical appliances under voltage is deadly.
Preventing noise and extending service life
To ensure that your refrigerator operates quietly and for a long time, follow simple operating rules. Regularly check the tightness of the sealing rubber bands door. If the rubber has dried out, warm air enters the chamber, causing the compressor to work harder and noisier.
Once every six months, it is recommended to move the refrigerator and clean the condenser (grid at the back) of dust and animal hair. A clogged heat exchanger forces the motor to work at its limit, which accelerates its wear and increases noise levels.
Make sure that food does not touch the back wall of the refrigerator compartment, especially in models without No Frost. This will prevent freezing and subsequent cracking during defrosting.
How to extend the life of the compressor?
Do not place the refrigerator close to the wall. Leave a gap of at least 10 cm for free air circulation. This will reduce the operating temperature of the motor.
Why does the refrigerator crack immediately after turning on?
A crackling sound at the moment of turning on is most often associated with the operation of the starting relay, which sends an impulse to start the compressor. If the sound is single and loud, this is normal. If the cracking noise continues, the relay may be faulty or the compressor cannot start.
Is it dangerous if the refrigerator is crackling and does not freeze?
Yes, this is a critical situation. The combination of extraneous noise and lack of cold indicates a compressor breakdown, a freon leak, or a malfunction of the defrost system. Products may deteriorate, so urgent repairs are required.
Can you continue to use the refrigerator if it is cracking?
If the crackling is quiet and rare (thermal), you can use it. If the sound is loud, metallic and repetitive, it is better to turn off the device before the technician arrives to avoid a fire or permanent breakdown of expensive components.
Does the amount of food inside affect the crackling sound?
Indirectly - yes. An empty refrigerator cycles more frequently, which may increase the frequency of thermal expansion sounds. In addition, loose objects inside may rattle. A full refrigerator operates more stable, but it is important not to overload the shelves.
How to distinguish the sound of a compressor from the sound of a fan?
The sound of a compressor is usually low-frequency, comes from below from the back and is accompanied by vibration of the case. The sound of the fan is higher frequency, similar to the noise of the wind or the beating of blades, and often comes from the depths of the freezer.