The situation when a new or habitually working the refrigerator begins to crack.often causes panic among the owners. The sound may be similar to wood cracking, clicking or crackling of plastic. In most cases, these sounds are a consequence of natural physical processes occurring inside the case and do not require the intervention of a technician.
However, there are situations when compressor noise or the defrost system signals an emerging problem. To distinguish normal from breakdown, you need to listen carefully to the nature of the sound and its frequency. This article will help you conduct an initial diagnosis and understand when it’s time to call a specialist and when you can continue to sleep peacefully.
You should not ignore changes in the acoustic profile of your equipment. If buzzing, vibration or a burning smell is added to the crackling sound, this is a sure sign that refrigeration unit it is working in emergency mode. Let's look at the main causes of extraneous sounds and methods for eliminating them.
Natural causes of crackling
The most common reason the refrigerator makes a crackling noise is thermal expansion and compression of materials. The inner walls of the chamber, plastic shelves and the evaporator are made of different materials that have different expansion coefficients. When there is a sudden change in temperature, for example, after turning off the compressor or turning on the mode No Frost, the parts begin to “walk”.
This process is absolutely normal for any modern household appliances. The sounds usually occur cyclically: after the engine has stopped, or, conversely, before it starts. If you hear rare clicks or crackling sounds, reminiscent of a hot iron cooling down, then refrigerator design simply adapts to temperature changes.
It is important to note that the intensity of such sounds may depend on the humidity in the room and the tightness of the plastic elements to each other. Over time, when the parts “grind in,” the noise may become less noticeable, but will never completely disappear.
- 🔊 A cracking sound is heard immediately after the engine is stopped.
- 🔊 The sound resembles the cracking of ice or plastic.
- 🔊 Clicks occur irregularly, without a clear rhythm.
Operation of the defrost system and compressor
If your refrigerator is equipped with a system No Frost, then periodic crackling noise may be associated with the operation of the defrost heater. As the evaporator defrosts, the ice melts, and melting pieces of ice can fall into the pan or hit the plastic elements of the air ducts, creating a characteristic ringing or crackling sound. This is a normal situation, confirming the serviceability of the system.
The sound source can also be itself compressor. When the piston group starts or stops, a sharp pressure drop occurs in the cylinder, which is accompanied by a click. If the refrigerator is old, this sound may be louder due to worn valves. Modern inverter models are quieter, but they can also make specific sounds when power changes.
⚠️ Attention: If the crackling sound is accompanied by a buzzing sound that does not stop, and the motor is hot and does not turn off, this may indicate a jammed compressor or problems with the starting relay. In this case, the equipment must be de-energized.
It is necessary to distinguish between operating noise and emergency noise. The operating cycle usually looks like this: start (click), hum, run, stop (click), silence, plastic crackling. Violation of this sequence or the appearance of a metal clang requires attention.
Problems with compressor mounting and fan
Sometimes the source of sound lies not inside the chambers, but at the back, in the compressor compartment. If mounting bolts the motor is weakened or the rubber shock absorbers are worn out, the compressor housing may vibrate against the metal casing or frame of the refrigerator. This creates a low-frequency rattling crackling sound, which can easily be confused with an internal malfunction.
In models with the system No Frost a fan is responsible for air circulation. If a piece of ice or a foreign object gets on its blades, or if the motor bearings are broken, you will hear a rhythmic cracking or grinding sound. This sound often gets louder when you open the door, since many models stop the fan when you open the compartment.
Diagnosing this problem often requires removing the back panel in the freezer. A visual inspection can detect ice on the fan or foreign objects. It is also worth checking whether the tube freon pipe touches the refrigerator body, transmitting vibration.
☑️ Diagnostics of the compressor compartment
The effect of incorrect installation on noise
One of the banal but common causes of vibration and subsequent crackling is incorrect installation of the unit. If The refrigerator is not level, housing misalignment leads to uneven distribution of load on the supports and compressor. This causes resonance, amplifying any operating sounds.
Check the distance between the back wall of the refrigerator and the wall of the room. It should be at least 5-7 cm to ensure normal air convection. If the refrigerator is moved close, the vibration is transmitted to the wall, which begins to resonate, creating an enhanced cracking effect.
Also pay attention to the objects standing on the top cover of the refrigerator. Vases, jars or boxes may rattle due to body vibration. Remove all foreign objects from the roof and check that the products inside the chambers are not touching each other.
- 📏 Adjust the height of the front legs for leveling.
- 📏 Move the equipment away from the wall at least 5 centimeters.
- 📏 Remove all objects from the top panel unit.
How to set the level correctly
Use a building level, placing it on the shelf inside the refrigerator. Adjust the front legs with a wrench or by hand (depending on the model) until the bubbles of the level are exactly in the center. In this case, the door should close on its own from a slight push.
Comparative table of noise sources
To systematize knowledge and quickly determine the cause, use the table below. It will help to compare the nature of the sound with a probable malfunction.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Danger | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare clicks | Thermal expansion of plastic | Safe | Observation |
| Loud crackling sound when starting | Start relay or compressor | High | Call a technician |
| Metallic ringing | Tubes touching the body | Medium | Adjust the tubes |
| Rhythmic grinding | Fan No Frost | Medium | Defrost/Repair |
As can be seen from the table, not every sound requires urgent repair. However, if you hear metal clanging or smell burning, you should not hesitate. In such cases, independent intervention can aggravate the situation.
Pay attention to the model of your refrigerator. Some brands, for example Indesit or Atlant, are characterized by certain operating sounds, which are described in the instructions. If you Bosch or LG, acoustics may vary. Always check the technical documentation.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of signs when operating the refrigerator becomes dangerous or can lead to complete breakdown of the unit. If a cracking sound is accompanied lack of cold, this indicates a freon leak or compressor failure. In this case, there is no point in continuing to operate the refrigerator - the food will spoil.
Another alarm signal is the frequent turning on and off of the motor (clocking). If the refrigerator hums for 1-2 minutes, then there is a loud click or crackling sound and it goes silent, and after 10-15 minutes the cycle repeats, it means that it cannot start the engine, or the compressor is jammed. Attention: Do not attempt to disassemble the sealed circuit or change the compressor yourself without special tools. This requires evacuation of the system and refilling with freon, which is only possible at a service center. start protection relay cannot start the engine, or the compressor is jammed.
⚠️ Attention: Do not try to disassemble the sealed circuit yourself or change the compressor without special tools. This requires evacuation of the system and charging with freon, which is only possible at a service center.
A technician is also needed if you notice blackening of the tubes at the back, swelling of the refrigerator wall, or if a cracking sound appears after a power surge. Professional diagnostics using testers and pressure gauges will take a little time, but will save your equipment.
Prevention and proper care
To minimize the risk of extraneous noise and extend the life of the refrigerator, it is important to follow the operating rules. Regular, but not too frequent defrosting (for drip systems) helps to avoid the formation of a thick crust of ice, which, if broken off, can damage the evaporator or create noise.
Keep the back of the condenser grill clean. Dust and animal hair accumulated between the coils impair heat transfer. The compressor is forced to work longer and harder, which increases the load on the components and increases the likelihood of knocking and cracking noises.
Do not overload the shelves or place hot foods inside. The sudden change in temperature puts extreme stress on the plastic and tubing, causing severe cracking and deformation of the seals. Following these simple rules will help your appliances work quietly and for a long time.
- ❄️ Defrost the refrigerator as needed.
- ❄️ Wipe the back grill from dust every six months.
- ❄️ Do not load hot foods into the chamber.
The secret of quiet operation
Once a year, check the tightness of the rubber door seals. If the magnet is loose, the door will not fit tightly, warm air will enter the chamber, causing the compressor to turn on frequently and increase the noise.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it normal for a new refrigerator to crack in the first days?
Yes, this is absolutely normal. New materials (plastic, metal) undergo a process of primary “shrinkage” and adaptation to temperature conditions. The crackling should become quieter or disappear after 3-5 days of active use.
Why does the refrigerator crack only at night?
At night, the overall noise level in the apartment decreases, and you simply begin to notice the normal sounds of the appliances, which during the day were drowned out by household noise. Also at night, the voltage in the network may be more stable, which affects the operation of the compressor.
Can an empty refrigerator make noise?
An empty refrigerator may operate noisier, since products act as acoustic buffers and heat accumulators. Without a load, the compressor can turn on more often, and the absence of objects inside allows the sound to travel better through the chamber.
Is cracking noise dangerous for stored products?
Sound itself is not dangerous for products. The cause of the sound is dangerous. If the cracking noise is caused by a compressor failure or a freon leak, the temperature in the chamber will begin to rise and the food may spoil. Monitor the temperature.