Owners of household appliances are often faced with a situation when Atlant refrigerator begins to make extraneous sounds that were not previously observed. Instead of the usual humming of the engine, crackling sounds, clicks, or even sounds reminiscent of gunshots appear. This is a natural concern, since the refrigerator is the central element in the kitchen, ensuring the safety of food. Understanding the nature of these sounds is the first step to preserving expensive equipment.
It is important to immediately note that not all noises indicate a breakdown. The design of modern units, especially models with the No Frostsystem, assumes the presence of various mechanical and thermal processes, which may be accompanied by acoustic effects. However, sudden changes in the operation of the device cannot be ignored. Diagnostics must begin with an analysis of the nature of the sound and the conditions for its occurrence.
In this article we will analyze in detail the physics of the processes that cause the crackling noise, and determine when the owner should sound the alarm, and when it is enough to just wait. You will learn the differences between normal defrost system operation and signs of impending compressor failure. A competent approach will save time and money on calling a technician.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking sound is accompanied by a lack of cold in the chambers or continuous operation of the motor without shutting down, operation of the device should be stopped immediately to avoid complete failure of the cooling system.
Natural physical processes and thermal expansion
The most common and an absolutely safe cause of cracking is thermal expansion materials. The internal chamber of the refrigerator, its walls and the evaporator are made of plastic and metal, which have different expansion coefficients. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example, after turning on the compressor or the end of the defrosting cycle, the materials compress or expand, producing characteristic clicks and crackles.
This effect is especially often observed in models with the system No Frost. The cyclic switching on of the defrost heating element heats the evaporator, and the subsequent sudden cooling when the compressor starts causes stress on the materials. The sound may be quite loud, similar to gunshots or cracking plastic. This is a normal phenomenon that does not require intervention.
The intensity of such sounds depends on the quality of the plastic used in production and the amplitude of temperature changes. Over time, when the parts get used to it, the noise may become less noticeable, but will not disappear completely.
Why does a new refrigerator crack more loudly?
New models often make more sounds in the first weeks of operation. This is due to the fact that the internal plastic elements have not yet taken their final operating positions and react to temperature fluctuations more acutely.
There is also the concept of “refrigeration crackling” at the first start-up. If you just bought Atlant and brought it home, let it sit for a few hours before turning it on. A sharp start after shaking in transport can increase internal stresses in the structure, which will lead to louder expansion sounds.
Problems with the compressor and start relay
If a crash is heard immediately when the engine starts or is accompanied by a hum that ends abruptly, the problem may lie in electrical part. Start relay is a device that provides an impulse to start the engine. If its contacts are burnt or the mechanism is jammed, a loud click is heard, followed by an attempt to start and a click again.
In more serious cases, a cracking sound inside the compressor indicates mechanical wear of the piston group or valves. Metal clanging and vibration indicate that the resource unit is coming to an end. Unlike thermal expansion, this sound has a clear connection to the operation of the motor and is often accompanied by strong vibration of the housing.
A frequent cause of a crackling sound at start-up is a voltage drop in the network or a weak starting torque. The engine tries to start, but cannot turn the shaft, making a strained crackling sound. This is dangerous for the electric motor windings and can lead to their burnout in a matter of minutes.
⚠️ Attention: Repeated attempts to start with a characteristic crackling sound from the relay can damage the compressor. If the refrigerator clicks and does not start more than 3-5 times in a row, unplug it and call a technician.
Noise of the defrost system and fan (No Frost)
In refrigerators Atlant with a system No Frost the fan is responsible for air circulation. If you hear a crackling noise that sounds like a propeller hitting an obstacle, it means the fan blades are touching ice or a foreign object. This often occurs when the defrost system malfunctions, when too much ice accumulates on the evaporator.
Ice can break off in pieces and get into the fan rotation zone, causing an intermittent crackling sound. Also, the fan motor itself may fail: the bushings dry out and the shaft begins to rotate misaligned, producing a dry metallic crackling sound. In such cases, it is usually necessary defrosting or replacing the fan.
Another source of sound in the system No Frost is dripping water. After defrosting, the water flows into the drain pan. If the flow is too strong or water falls on hot elements, hissing and crackling noises may be heard. This is normal, but if the sound is too loud, the geometry of the gutters for water drainage may be broken.
☑️ Diagnostics of the No Frost system
The influence of improper installation and vibration
Sometimes the source of the crackling sound is not inside the refrigerator, but outside. Incorrect installation is one of the most common causes of extraneous sounds. If Atlant refrigerator stands unevenly, the vibration from the operating compressor is transmitted to the body, floor and nearby objects, causing resonating crackling and rattling.
Check whether the legs of the refrigerator fit tightly to the floor. A gap of even a few millimeters can create a “tuning fork” effect, amplifying any operating noise. Vibration can also be transmitted to nearby furniture, dishes on shelves or objects lying on the top cover of the unit.
Transport bolts and clamps are another hidden enemy of quiet operation. If during installation you have not removed all fasteners that secure the compressor or internal units during transportation, they will cause severe vibration and crackling noise during operation.
Sound diagnostic table
To quickly determine the nature of the malfunction, use the following table. It will help classify the sound and determine the probable cause.
| Sound type | When it occurs | Probable cause | Need for repair |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loud clicking, crackling plastic | When turning the motor on/off | Thermal expansion of materials | Not required |
| Metal clanging, humming | Constantly during operation | Compressor wear | Diagnostics required |
| Series of clicks, motor does not start | At the moment of starting attempt | Faulty start relay | Replacing the relay |
| Propeller noise, friction | Periodically, cyclically | Ice on the fan (No Frost) | Defrosting or repair |
| Rattling, resonance | Continuously or when touched | Incorrect installation, objects nearby | Installation adjustment |
Malfunctions of the refrigeration circuit and refrigerant
A more rare, but possible cause of the crackling noise is problems with the circulation of the refrigerant. If a plug has formed in the system or the patency of the capillary tube is impaired, freon can pass through a narrow hole with a characteristic whistling or gurgling sound, which is sometimes perceived as a crackling sound. This is often accompanied by insufficient cooling of the chambers.
It is also worth mentioning microcracks in the soldering of the circuit. When the pressure in the system changes (on-off cycles), the defect site can “breathe”, making quiet clicks. Over time, this leads to leakage refrigerant and complete loss of cooling capacity.
Methods of elimination and prevention
If you determine that the crackling is caused by unnatural causes, you can try to fix the problem yourself. Start with the simplest thing: check the stability of the refrigerator. Tighten the adjustable supports so that the body stands solidly. Remove all objects from the top cover and move the unit away from the wall and furniture by at least 5-7 cm.
In case of suspicion of the system No Frost (ice on the fan), the best method is complete defrosting. Unplug the refrigerator, open the doors and leave it for at least 24 hours. This will allow the ice to completely melt and the water to evaporate. After turning on, the sound of the fan should become quiet and even.
⚠️ Attention: Do not use a hair dryer or hot water to speed up defrosting! Sudden heating can damage the plastic evaporator and lead to expensive repairs.
If the problem lies in the start relay, you can replace it yourself with minimal electrical skills. The relay is put on the contacts of the compressor and secured with a bracket. However, if you are not confident in your abilities, it is better to entrust this operation to a professional, since the work is carried out under voltage.
Is it possible to drive a cracking refrigerator?
Short-term operation during thermal cracking is safe. If the relay or compressor cracks, prolonged operation will lead to burnout of the motor windings and the need to replace the entire unit.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of symptoms in which self-repair will not only not help, but will also aggravate the situation. If, after defrosting and checking the installation Atlant refrigerator continues to crack, and at the same time there is a loss of cold, you need to call a specialist. This may indicate a freon leak or a blockage in the system.
A technician is also needed if the crackling sound is accompanied by a burning smell, smoke or sparking in the compressor area. These are signs of electrical breakdown or short circuit that create a fire risk. In such cases, you need to act immediately.
Professional diagnostics will allow you to accurately determine the source of the sound using a stethoscope and multimeter. The technician will check the compressor current consumption, the pressure in the system and the integrity of the electrical circuits. Only after this can you make a decision about replacing components or repairs.
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 mains voltage often drops at night, which can make it difficult to start the compressor and cause the relay to crackle. Also, at night, a defrost cycle occurs more often, accompanied by expansion sounds.
Is it dangerous to ignore the noise of the fan?
Yes, it is dangerous. If the fan blade rubs against the ice or chassis, the fan motor may burn out. In systems No Frost this will lead to a cessation of air circulation, the formation of an ice plug in the evaporator and eventual failure of the compressor due to overheating.
Can a new refrigerator crack?
Yes, a new refrigerator can make sounds of thermal expansion, since the materials have not yet “got in.” However, loud mechanical knocks or clanging in a new device are unacceptable and may indicate a defect during transportation or a manufacturing defect.
How to distinguish cracking ice from a breakdown?
Cracking ice (breaking off pieces) is usually chaotic and is often heard after a defrost cycle. The sound of a breakdown (compressor or fan) is rhythmic, tied to the operation of the motor and is often accompanied by vibration or temperature changes.
Do you need to change a compressor if it is cracking?
Not always. If the rattling noise is caused by chassis vibration or improper installation, replacement is not necessary. If the sound comes from inside the sealed motor casing (metallic knock), then the compressor requires replacement, since it is impossible to restore its internal mechanical parts.