The appearance of extraneous sounds in the operation of household appliances always causes concern, especially if this is the main source of cold in the kitchen. When refrigerator cracking, the owner immediately begins to think through scenarios for expensive repairs or complete replacement of the unit. However, a characteristic cracking sound does not always indicate a critical breakdown of internal mechanisms.
In most cases, sounds resembling clicks or crackling are the result of natural physical processes. The materials from which the body and internal chambers are made react to temperature changes by contracting and expanding. Understanding the nature of these sounds will help you distinguish normal from malfunction and avoid unnecessary panic.
In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of noise, from harmless to those requiring the intervention of a specialist. You will learn how to independently diagnose the condition compressor, check the defrost system and determine when it is time to sound the alarm.
Natural causes of crackling noise during operation
The most common reason why a working unit makes sounds is the thermal expansion of materials. The inner walls of the chamber, plastic shelves and metal elements of the evaporator are constantly exposed to low temperatures. When turned on and off compressor a sharp change in temperature occurs, which causes the parts to contract or expand, producing a characteristic crackling sound.
These sounds are most often heard in new models or immediately after defrosting. The plastic has not yet gone through the full “grinding in” cycle and reacts to temperature fluctuations more loudly. If your refrigerator LG or Samsung makes such sounds in the first months of operation, this is considered normal.
⚠️ Attention: If the cracking is accompanied by a strong hum, vibration or burning odors, this is no longer a natural process. Immediately unplug the device.
The intensity of the sounds may depend on the quality of the plastic used by the manufacturer. Cheap polymers may crack louder and more frequently. Over time, when the material stabilizes, the frequency of occurrence of such sounds usually decreases.
Problems with the No Frost system and ice freezing
In units with the system No Frost the process of ice formation and melting occurs automatically. A special heating element (TEN) is periodically turned on to melt the frost on the evaporator. At this moment, you can hear the hissing, gurgling or crackling of melting ice. This is an absolutely normal operating cycle.
However, if the ice layer becomes too thick due to faulty sensors or poor door seals, the defrosting process may not proceed properly. Chunks of ice falling on a heater or fan create a loud crash. In such cases, it is necessary to check the condition of the door seal and make sure that it fits tightly to the body.
A clogged drainage hole can also lead to the accumulation of excess moisture, which freezes and subsequently makes sounds when it thaws. Regular preventive defrosting even for the system No Frost (at least once a year) helps to avoid these problems.
☑️ Checking the No Frost system
If ice freezes unevenly, it can block the fan blades. As the fan rotates, it touches the ice crust, which causes a rhythmic crackling or knocking sound. This requires defrosting the refrigerator within 24 hours to completely remove ice jams.
Faults of the compressor and start relay
The situation becomes more serious if the source of the sound is the motor-compressor. This unit is the “heart” of the refrigerator, and any changes in its sound require attention. Often a cracking noise is heard when the engine starts or stops. The starting relay is responsible for this process, which opens and closes the electrical circuit.
If the relay has failed or carbon deposits have formed in its contacts, you can hear a loud click, followed by an attempt to start and a second click. The compressor may hum but not start, making a metallic sound. In such cases, it is necessary to replace start relay.
| Sound type | Probable cause | Degree of danger | Actions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rare quiet crackling | Thermal expansion | Safe | Observation |
| Loud clicks when starting | Start relay | Medium | Replacement of relay |
| Metallic knock inside | Compressor wear | High | Call a technician |
| Crackling + buzzing | Problems with fastening | Medium | Checking fastenings |
Internal knocking or clanging inside the compressor itself indicates mechanical wear piston group or valves. This is a critical fault and often requires replacement of the entire compressor. Operation of such a unit can lead to complete failure of the system.
Vibration and external factors
Sometimes the cause of the crackling noise lies not inside the mechanism, but in external factors. The vibration of a running compressor is transmitted to the housing and can cause resonance with nearby objects. Check whether the refrigerator is touching the wall, furniture or nearby bottles.
Improper installation also plays a role. If the legs of the refrigerator are not adjusted and the body is skewed, vibration increases. This leads to the fact that the plastic elements of the case rub against each other or against the floor, making unpleasant sounds. Use a building level to check the horizontal position.
How to check the stability of the refrigerator?
Try to slightly rock the body. If it wobbles, you need to unscrew or tighten the adjustable supports until they are completely stable. Also check whether the floor is sagging under the weight of the unit.
Particular attention should be paid to the shipping bolts if they were not removed after purchase (although they are less common in refrigerators than in washing machines; fasteners may be on the compressor). Any loose part will vibrate and knock.
Diagnostics of the electrical part and wiring
It is rare, but it happens that the cracking is of an electrical nature. Sparking in the thermostat contacts, wiring or control unit may be accompanied by a characteristic sound. This is a dangerous situation that can result in a short circuit or fire.
If you hear a crackling sound similar to an electrical discharge and smell burning insulation, turn off the power immediately. Do not attempt to repair the electrical part yourself without the appropriate skills and tools.
Check the outlet into which the refrigerator is plugged in. Poor contact between the plug and the socket can also cause sparking and crackling noises. Try switching the device to another outlet to eliminate this cause.
When you need to call a technician
There are a number of signs that cannot be ignored. If a cracking noise has become a constant companion to the operation of the refrigerator, the temperature in the chambers has ceased to correspond to the set temperature, or ice has appeared on the back wall, this is a signal of a malfunction.
Independent repair of complex components, such as a compressor or an electronic module, requires special equipment and knowledge. An attempt to repair a sealed circuit with your own hands often leads to final breakdown of the unit.
The technician will be able to accurately determine the source of the noise, using a stethoscope to listen to the operation of the mechanisms, and diagnose the electrical circuits. Professional repairs will extend the life of your equipment and ensure safe operation.
⚠️ Attention: By opening the sealed circuit or trying to replace the freon yourself, you will lose the product warranty. Entrust this work to certified specialists.
Do not delay calling a specialist if you notice that the refrigerator has begun to operate in cycles: long periods of downtime are replaced by short but noisy operation. This may indicate loss of refrigerant or problems with thermoregulation.
Noise prevention and service life extension
To minimize the risk of problems and noise, it is important to follow operating instructions. Regularly clean the condenser (grid at the back) of dust. A condenser clogged with dust causes the compressor to work overload, which increases vibration and noise.
Do not put hot food in the refrigerator. The sudden heating of the internal chamber forces the system to work at its limit, causing intense thermal expansion of materials and, as a result, cracking. Allow the food to cool to room temperature before putting it on the shelf.
Keep an eye on the amount of food in the chamber. An overloaded refrigerator or, conversely, an empty one, works less efficiently. Optimal loading ensures stable temperature conditions and reduces the frequency of compressor starts.
Comparison of models and noise level
Different manufacturers use different sound insulation technologies. European brands such as Bosch or Siemensoften focus on quiet operation using inverter compressors. Chinese and some other brands may be noisier due to design features and materials.
When choosing new equipment, pay attention to the noise level indicated in the passport. A value of up to 40 dB is considered quiet, above 45 dB is already noticeable for small kitchens. Inverter motors operate smoother and quieter than classic ones.
Remember that even the quietest refrigerator will make sounds due to thermal expansion. The main thing is the nature of these sounds. A rhythmic, monotonous hum or rare clicks are less dangerous than sharp, chaotic knocks and crackles.
Is it normal if the refrigerator cracks immediately after turning on?
Yes, this is normal. At the moment the compressor starts and cooling begins, the most intense compression of materials occurs. Also at this moment, the fan or defrosting system may turn on, which is accompanied by sounds.
Can a new refrigerator crack?
New models often make more sounds in the first weeks of operation. There is a “grinding in” of parts, shrinkage of insulating materials and adaptation of the plastic to temperature conditions. If the sound does not turn into clanging or buzzing, there is no need to worry.
What to do if a cracking sound appears after defrosting?
After defrosting, moisture remains in the system, which can freeze in the drainage channels or on the elements. Let the refrigerator run idle for several hours. If the cracking noise does not stop, check to see if the ice in the fan area has frozen.
Is the cracking sound dangerous for the food inside?
The sound itself is not dangerous for the food. However, if the crackling noise is caused by a compressor malfunction or a freon leak, the temperature in the chambers may no longer be maintained. Monitor the temperature with a thermometer.
How to distinguish plastic cracking from breakage?
Plastic cracking usually sounds like clicks or crackles, it is not rhythmic and often depends on on/off cycles. Mechanical failure is often accompanied by vibration, humming, metal clanging or a change in the nature of the motor.