The situation when a refrigerator Atlant makes extraneous sounds is familiar to many owners of this popular Belarusian equipment. Instead of the usual uniform hum of the motor or silence in standby mode, the unit begins to make sharp, clicking or crackling sounds. Noise It can be barely noticeable or so loud that it interferes with sleep at night. Understanding the nature of these sounds is the first step to solving the problem and preventing more serious damage.
Most often, a cracking sound does not indicate a fatal malfunction that requires replacement of the entire unit. However, it is impossible to ignore the signals that refrigeration equipmentgives. In this article we will examine in detail the physics of the processes that cause noise and methods for eliminating them. You will learn to distinguish harmless operating sounds from signs of a breakdown that requires the intervention of a technician.
Natural physical processes and expansion of materials
The most common reason why a refrigerator Atlant cracks, especially if it is new or recently defrosted, lies in the laws of physics. The internal elements of the chamber, such as the plastic lining, shelves and evaporator, are made of materials with different coefficients of thermal expansion. With a sharp change temperature compression or expansion of plastic and metal occurs, which is accompanied by a characteristic crackling sound.
This process is most intense immediately after turning on the unit in the network or after the automatic defrosting cycle. At this moment, the evaporator temperature drops to sub-zero values and then rises again. If you hear a sound similar to the crackling of polystyrene or plastic, and it occurs periodically, then this is a normal situation. Thermoregulator This has nothing to do with it, this is pure physics of materials.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking is accompanied by the appearance of an unpleasant smell of burnt plastic, immediately unplug the device. This may indicate overheating of the wiring or melting of the insulation, which is a sign of a short circuit.
The intensity of such sounds may depend on the quality of the plastic used in a particular model. Atlant. Over time, as materials “break in” to temperature conditions, the frequency of clicks usually decreases. However, in older models, the plastic may become more brittle (fragile) and crack more often.
Problems with the defrost system and evaporator
In models with a system No Frost or drip defrosting, a situation often occurs when ice accumulating on the evaporator starts to crack. This is due to the fact that the ice layer has different densities and when the defrost heating element heats up or when the compressor vibrates, the ice crust bursts. The sound can be very loud, reminiscent of a shot or a strong crunch.
If the refrigerator Atlant cracks during operation of the defrost system (usually this happens when the compressor is turned off), then the problem may lie in a malfunction of the defrost timer or heating element. The ice may not have time to completely melt, accumulate and then break off with a bang in large pieces, falling to the bottom of the chamber or hitting the fan.
- 🧊 Accumulation of excess ice on the back wall due to a loose fit of the door.
- ❄️ Malfunction defrost sensor, due to which the ice does not have time to melt before turning on the compressor.
- 💨 Ice gets into the fan blades (in No Frost systems), which causes a loud crackling and hum.
For diagnostics, you need to defrost the refrigerator completely (within 10-12 hours) and check if the situation repeats. If, after complete defrosting, the cracking stops for several days, and then resumes with renewed vigor, it means that the melt water removal system or sensors are not working correctly.
Vibration and contact of refrigerant tubes
One of the technical reasons why a refrigerator cracks Atlantis the vibration of copper tubes through which it circulates refrigerant. When the compressor operates, vibration is created, which is transmitted to the entire circuit. If the tubes are located too close to each other or touch the body, the metal of the back wall or other elements, rattling and cracking occurs.
This is especially common in models that were transported improperly or simply stood on an uneven floor. The vibration can dislodge the tubes and cause them to touch. The sound is usually metallic, sonorous in nature and synchronized with the operation of the motor-compressor. As soon as the motor stops, the cracking noise also stops.
You can fix this problem yourself if you have access to the rear of the unit. It is necessary to carefully straighten the tubes by hand (be sure to with the device unplugged!) to ensure a gap between them and the body. It is also worth checking the fastening of the compressor itself.
Malfunctions of the compressor and start relay
If the refrigerator Atlant makes a loud metallic crackling or clicking sound when trying to start, and after that the light in the chamber goes out and the motor is silent, this is an alarming signal. Most likely, either starting relay or the compressor itself has failed. The relay may click, trying to start the engine, but not coping with the task, which is accompanied by a crackling sound from the contacts.
In more serious cases, the compressor itself makes a cracking noise. This can happen when the internal motor suspension (valves) breaks or when running “dry” due to a freon leak. This sound is difficult to confuse with something else - it is dull, shock-like and comes from the lower part of the unit where the motor is located.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|
| Rhythmic crackling sound during operation motor | Vibration of tubes | Minimal (correct tubes) |
| Loud click and silence | Faulty start relay | Medium (replace relay) |
| A loud knock inside the motor | Destruction of the compressor | High (compressor replacement) |
| Periodic crunching | Temperature expansion | Not required (norm) |
Diagnostics of a compressor requires special skills and tools (pressure gauges, testers). If you hear that the motor is humming, but does not start, accompanied by a crackling noise, it is better not to experiment with repeated switching on, so as not to completely burn out the motor windings.
Third-party objects and incorrect installation
Sometimes the answer to the question why the refrigerator is cracking Atlantlies on the surface. Vibration transmitted from the compressor can cause objects placed on or near the refrigerator to rattle. Bottles, jars, and dishes in cabinets located close to the equipment can create the illusion of a breakdown of the unit itself.
It is also worth checking the internal space of the cameras. If the egg trays or trays do not fit securely in the grooves, they will vibrate and make cracking sounds when the motor is running. Pay special attention to the system air circulation: if any element is poorly secured in the No Frost freezer, the air flow from the fan will cause it to beat.
- 🍾 Check the top cover of the refrigerator - remove all items.
- 🥚 Make sure that egg trays and containers fit snugly against the walls.
- 📏 Check the gap between the back wall of the refrigerator and the furniture (at least 5-7 cm).
Incorrect installation is another factor. If the legs of the refrigerator are not adjusted and the unit is not stable, the vibration will increase, causing the body to rattle. Use a building level or just shake the refrigerator - it should stand solidly.
☑️ Diagnosis of extraneous sounds
When a cracking sound indicates a freon leak
There is a specific type of sound that a refrigerator makes when there is a refrigerant leak. If a hole has formed in the system (often in the foamed part of the evaporator or at soldering points), the gas escapes under pressure. This may be accompanied by hissing or a characteristic crackling sound, especially if the freon passes through a microcrack in the sealed tube.
In such cases, the crackling sound is often accompanied by a complete lack of cold in the chambers. The compressor may work without stopping, trying to gain temperature, and overheat. A critical sign is the combination of extraneous sound with a complete lack of cooling when the engine is running. This requires immediate intervention.
⚠️ Attention: Freon itself has no odor in low concentrations, but in high concentrations The leak may have a chemical taste. Do not try to look for a leak using an open flame - some types of freon form toxic compounds when in contact with fire.
It is almost impossible to repair a leak in the foamed part of the housing on your own. You need to call a specialist who will open the thermal insulation, find the fistula, seal it and fill the system with new gas. Operating a refrigerator with a freon leak leads to rapid failure of the compressor due to overheating.
Noise prevention and care of equipment
In order for the refrigerator Atlant to serve for a long time and quietly, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular defrosting (even for No Frost systems, preventive defrosting once a year is recommended) helps to avoid the formation of ice plugs that cause cracking. Keeping the rear condenser grill clean also improves heat transfer and reduces the load on the motor.
Monitor the condition of the door seals. If the rubber is dry or dirty, the door does not fit tightly. This leads to a constant flow of warm air, freezing of the evaporator and, as a result, cracking ice and increased compressor operation. Wipe the seals with a soft cloth and soapy water.
How to extend the life of the compressor?
To reduce the load on the compressor, do not put hot foods in the refrigerator and do not open the door unless necessary. It is also important that the refrigerator is kept away from heat sources (radiators, stoves), which reduces the frequency of motor starts.
Check the noise level periodically. If the nature of the sounds has changed, a new shade of crackling or hum has appeared - this is a signal for action. Early diagnosis allows you to replace a cheap part (for example, a relay or fan) instead of an expensive compressor.
Is it normal for a new Atlant refrigerator to crack in the first days?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. New materials (plastic, metal) undergo a process of adaptation to temperature changes. During the first week of operation, thermal expansion sounds may become more frequent and louder. If the cracking sound is not accompanied by loss of cold or a burning smell, there is no need to worry.
Is it possible to eliminate cracking pipes yourself?
Yes, if you have access to the back wall. When the refrigerator is unplugged, you can carefully (with your fingers, without tools!) straighten the tubes so that they do not touch each other and the body. The main thing is not to overdo it and not damage the thin walls of the tubes, otherwise freon will leak.
Why does the refrigerator only crack at night?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and the sounds of equipment operation become more noticeable. In addition, the power supply voltage may drop at night, which affects the operation of the compressor. Also at night, an automatic defrosting cycle occurs more often, accompanied by cracking ice.
What to do if a cracking sound appears after defrosting?
If a cracking sound appears immediately after turning on after defrosting, this is most likely thermal expansion. Let the refrigerator run for several hours. If the sound does not pass and is accompanied by a lack of cold, the evaporator may have been damaged during defrosting (for example, pierced with a knife when chipping ice), which led to a leak.
Does the evenness of the installation affect the appearance of crackling?
Yes, it does directly. If the refrigerator is not level, vibration from the compressor is distributed unevenly, causing rattling of the housing and internal elements. Adjusting the legs so that the unit tilts slightly backwards (for self-closing of the door) and checking the horizontal stability will help reduce noise.