The refrigerator cracks when turned on: we understand the reasons and solutions

Have you noticed that your refrigerator has started making cracking, clicking or crackling noises when turned on? This sound can range from a subtle creaking sound to a loud bang that can be heard even in the next room. Before you panic and call a technician, it’s worth figuring out: in most cases, such sounds are a normal part of the job modern compressor refrigerators. However, sometimes they signal malfunctions that require intervention.

In this article we will analyze in detail all the possible causes of the crackling sound - from harmless thermal expansion of plastic to serious problems with the start-up relay or compressor. You will learn how to diagnose the problem yourself, when you can get by with prevention, and when it’s time to contact a service center. We will pay special attention to models with the No Frostsystem, which often “shoot” when defrosting, and refrigerators with inverter compressors, where clicking sounds may indicate specific problems.

Important: if the crackling sound is accompanied by other symptoms - for example, the refrigerator does not freeze, gets too hot or turns off a few seconds after starting - this is a reason for more deep check. We have collected checklists and step-by-step instructions that will help you act confidently, even if you have never repaired equipment before.

1. Normal causes of crackling noise: when there is no need to worry

Most modern refrigerators (Samsung, LG, Indesit, Atlant etc.) make certain sounds when turned on. This is due to the physical processes that occur inside the device. Here are the three most common “safe” causes of cracking:

• 🔥 Thermal expansion of materials. Plastic body parts, door seals and even metal circuit tubes become slightly deformed when the temperature changes. This is especially noticeable in new refrigerators or after defrosting, when the temperature difference between inside and outside is maximum.
• ❄️ Thawing of the No Frost system. In models with automatic defrosting (No Frost or Frost Free), the heater is periodically turned on to remove frost. In this case, the ice cracks, and the fan can touch the melted ice - this creates characteristic clicks.
• ⚡ Operation of the start-up relay. When the compressor starts, the relay closes its contacts with a characteristic click. In inverter refrigerators (Samsung Digital Inverter, LG Inverter Linear Compressor) this happens more smoothly, but is still audible.

How to distinguish a normal crackling sound from a malfunction? Pay attention to regularity and volume sound:

• ✅ Normal: short clicks at the beginning of operation (1-2 times), quiet crackling when the temperature changes, periodic defrosting sounds (every 8–12 hours).
• ❌ Problem: loud pops, repeated clicks (the compressor tries to start repeatedly), crackling is accompanied by vibration or a burning smell.

2. Cracking due to malfunctions: when repairs are needed

If the refrigerator is cracking stronger than usual or the sounds are accompanied by other symptoms (does not freeze, heats up too much, turns off after a few seconds), this may indicate a breakdown. Let's look at the most common malfunctions:

Critical sign of malfunction: if the refrigerator crackles, tries to turn on, but after 1-2 seconds it turns off, and the cycle is repeated many times - this indicates a malfunction start relay or compressor. In 90% of cases, replacement of parts is required.

For diagnostics, follow these steps:

Disconnect the refrigerator from the mains for 10 minutes, then turn it on again - if the cracking noise repeats, the problem is electrical|Check if something is blocking the fan (in No Frost models)|Shine a flashlight on the back wall to see if there are any traces of oil (leakage) refrigerant)|Measure the temperature in the chambers - if it is higher than normal, the compressor is not working efficiently-->

⚠️ Attention: If the refrigerator with the system No Frost cracks and ice forms in the freezer, under no circumstances try to break it off with a knife or other sharp objects. This can damage the evaporator and lead to a freon leak. Use only a plastic spatula and defrost completely for 24 hours.

3. Peculiarities of crackling in refrigerators with No Frost

Models with the system No Frost (Samsung RB30J3000WW, LG GA-B489YVQZ, Bosch KGE39XW2AR etc.) often produce a crackling noise due to the specifics of the automatic defrosting. Unlike drip refrigerators, here the ice is removed using a heater and a fan, which is accompanied by characteristic sounds.

Typical “normal” noises No Frost:

• 🔊 Cracking during thawing (every 8-12 hours). This ice cracks under the influence of a heater.
• 🌀 Fan clicks. If condensation freezes on the blades, they may touch ice.
• 💨 Air noise. When you turn on the fan after defrosting, you hear a whistle or a short crackling sound.

If the cracking sound in No Frost becomes too loud or frequent, follow these steps:

1. Defrost the refrigerator for 12-24 hours (turning off completely from the mains).
2. Check the door seal - if it is damaged, warm air enters the chamber and ice builds up faster.
3. Clean the drainage hole (located on the back wall of the refrigerator) using a cotton swab or a special brush.

Why Ice builds up in No Frost, if the system is supposed to prevent this?

Even in refrigerators with No Frost ice can form due to:

- Frequent opening door (ingress of moist air).

- Dirty seal (it stops sealing the chamber hermetically).

- Faulty heater or defrost sensor (diagnostics required).

- Overloading of the freezer (products block air circulation).

Normally, the ice should thaw automatically, but if its layer exceeds 5-7 mm, this is a sign of a malfunction.

4. Cracking in inverter refrigerators: what you need to know

Inverter compressors (Samsung Digital Inverter, LG Inverter Linear Compressor, Hitachi Inverter) operate on a different principle than conventional ones. They do not turn off completely, but smoothly regulate the power. However, they can also make a cracking sound, especially in the following cases:

• 🔄 Switching modes. When the load changes (for example, after loading warm products), the compressor adjusts the speed, which is accompanied by clicks.
• ⚡ Protection activation. If the network voltage is unstable, the inverter may turn off briefly with a characteristic sound.
• 🛠️ Damper wear. Over time, compressor shock absorbers lose elasticity, and vibration is transmitted to the housing.

For inverter models, critical quality of power supply. If your network experiences frequent power surges, install a stabilizer (recommended power - at least 300 W). Also check:

• Compressor mounting - it should be rigid, without play.
• Condition of shock absorbers (rubber "cushions" under the compressor) - if they are cracked, they need to be replaced.
• Room temperature - if the refrigerator is located next to the stove or battery, the inverter will operate at the power limit.

⚠️ Attention: In inverter refrigerators LG series DoorCooling+ (for example, LG GC-B247SLQV) there is a crackling sound when opening the door may be due to the operation of an additional fan in the door. This is normal, but if the sound becomes louder, check to see if a foreign object has gotten into the blades.

5. How to reduce cracking: preventive measures

If diagnostics show that the cracking is not associated with breakdowns, but the sound annoys you, use these tips:

• 🔧 Level the refrigerator. Uneven installation increases vibration. Use a level and adjust the legs.
• 🧊 Do not overload the shelves. Especially avoid heavy objects on the top shelves - they increase the resonance.
• 🔌 Connect through a surge protector. This will smooth out voltage surges that can cause relay clicks.
• 🧼 Wash the seal regularly. Dirt and grease break the seal, causing the compressor to work longer and louder.

For models with No Frost additional recommendations:

• Defrost the refrigerator at least once every 6 months, even if the manufacturer claims that this is not necessary.
• Do not place open containers with liquid in the freezer - moisture accelerates the formation of ice.
• Check the drainage hole every 3 months. A clogged hole leads to the accumulation of water and increased cracking during defrosting.

6. When to call a professional: signs of serious damage

Not all problems with cracking can be solved on your own. Contact the service center if you notice the following symptoms:

• 🔥 Burning smell or smoke from the back of the refrigerator - a sign of overheating of the compressor or relay windings.
• ❄️ Ice in the freezer the chamber increases over 1-2 days after defrosting - system malfunction No Frost.
• ⚡ The compressor turns on for 1-2 seconds and turns off (the cycle is repeated constantly) - a problem with the start relay or a refrigerant leak.
• 💧 There is a puddle of water under the refrigerator, and the inside of the chambers is humid - the drainage system is clogged or there is a leak frequency system

The cost of repair depends on the breakdown:

• Replacing the start-protection relay: 1 500–3 000 ₽ (including work).
• System repair No Frost (replacement of heater, sensor): 3 000–6 000 ₽.
• Replacement of compressor: 8 000–15 000 ₽ (depending on the model).
• Elimination of freon leakage + refilling: 5 000–10 000 ₽.

Before the technician’s visit prepare the following information:

1. Make and model of the refrigerator (located on a sticker inside the chamber or on the back).
2. When the crackling sound first appeared and how it changed over time.
3. Are there other symptoms (does not freeze, turns off, water flows, etc.).
4. Have there been recent power surges or power outages?

7. Frequently asked questions about refrigerator cracking

❓ Why does the new refrigerator crack more than the old one?

New models use more powerful compressors and systems No Frostthat work more actively. Also, modern refrigerators have more plastic parts that expand when heated. After 1-2 months of operation, the crackling usually becomes less noticeable.

❓ Is it possible to replace the start-up relay yourself?

Theoretically, yes, but this requires skills in working with electricity. The relay is located next to the compressor (black box with wires). Before replacing, be sure to unplug the refrigerator and take a photo of the wiring diagram. For models Atlant and Indesit universal relays are suitable RBM-1 or DANFOSS 103N0020.

❓ Why does the crackling sound increase at night?

At night the room is quieter, so any sounds seem louder. There are also two possible technical reasons:

1. The compressor works more intensely due to a decrease in the temperature in the room (if the refrigerator is on the balcony or next to the window).
2. At night, the voltage in the network may be higher, which leads to louder operation of the relay.

❓ The refrigerator is crackling Samsung RL34ECSW when the door is opened. Is this normal?

In this model, a cracking sound when opening the door is associated with the operation of the system Multi Flowwhich distributes cold air among the chambers. If the sound is short and not repeated constantly, this is normal. But if the cracking is accompanied by a squeak, check the door hinges - perhaps they require lubrication.

❓ How to distinguish the cracking of a compressor from the cracking of ice in No Frost?

Ice cracking usually:

• Occurs at regular intervals (every 8-12 hours).
• Accompanied by the sound of pouring water (melting ice).
• Higher and “drier” in tone.

Crackling sound of a compressor or relay:

• Occurs at the moment of switching on/off refrigerator.
• Sounds like a click or pop.
• May be accompanied by vibration.