Top 8 Reasons for a Crackling Noise in a Refrigerator

All refrigerators make noises when operating, but they are quiet and normal sounds, and there is no danger from hearing them. However, when the clicking sounds become louder, you must investigate the reason behind the sounds and seek the help of the best specialists, to determine whether the refrigerator needs maintenance or technical repair to stop the clicking sounds and return the refrigerator to work quietly without annoying sounds or clicking sounds from one of the sides of the refrigerator or from the rear motor. The sounds remain normal until they become louder and appear in the form of annoying noises that increase the loudness of the clicking sounds. This is a problem that must be identified. What problems the refrigerator is facing must be identified by examining it under the hands of the best supervisors and specialists in the maintenance of refrigerators of various types.

How to know if a crackling sound in the refrigerator is normal or not?

This is the most frequently asked question by the public and housewives whose refrigerators are subjected to such noises, as they do not want to worry about refrigerator issues.

Complete knowledge on this topic is through several points that clarify the most important times and factors through which the refrigerator makes a clicking sound, and this is done in the following points:

All refrigerators contain components and parts that expand and contract according to noticeable changes in temperature, and therefore produce natural sounds that appear as crackling.
The refrigerator's components and accessories are at a relatively high temperature before cooling, and when the refrigerator starts to cool, changes in climatic conditions occur.
Changing climatic conditions cause the various parts of the refrigerator to expand, producing clicking sounds.
The refrigerator makes noises when the defrost heater, also known as the “defrost heater,” is turned on and off. This can cause loud clicking sounds coming from the freezer or refrigerator.

These are the most common clicking sounds that can occur from a refrigerator in its normal state. All of these sounds are normal and there is no need to worry when hearing them. However, if the sounds change and become louder than normal, then it is an abnormal clicking sound.

How to identify the source of a crackling sound in the refrigerator

If you suspect that the clicking sound in the refrigerator is not like the normal sounds it is used to, in this case you must seek the help of a specialist technician to identify the problem and reach the appropriate solution for it, by eliminating the possibility of a component of the refrigerator being exposed to a malfunction, and several successive steps must be followed as follows:

First, you need to know when the clicking sound occurs and how many times the sound occurs throughout the day.
If your refrigerator makes a clicking sound 4 times a day, you should check the defrost heater, as this is most likely the cause of the problem.
When the sound is caused by the defrost heater turning on and off, it is normal and not dangerous.

There are also multiple components that may cause a clicking sound in the refrigerator, and it is necessary to know all of the refrigerator components to easily identify the faulty component.

Refrigerator components that cause a clicking sound include:

Refrigerator door hinge, when it needs to be re-lubricated.
The cooling control timer needs to be replaced.
Evaporator fan.
Defrost heater.
Compressor.
Water bowl.
Evaporator pipes.
Condenser fan.
Ice maker.
Water inlet valve.

These are all the components of the refrigerator, and every clicking sound in the refrigerator comes from these components. It is necessary to know them and study them well to know how to reach appropriate solutions when loud noises are emitted.

Causes of a crackling sound in the refrigerator

There are many reasons why a refrigerator emits loud noises, and you need to be well aware of them to know what to do when your refrigerator is exposed to such noises. These reasons include the following:

Refrigerator components are subject to contraction and expansion due to temperature changes.
A clicking sound is sometimes heard in a refrigerator through the solenoid valve, which is the water inlet valve to the refrigerator. This happens when it is opened to allow water to enter the refrigerator for the water dispenser or ice maker. This results in a sound similar to the gurgling of water, or a loud clicking sound.
A faulty ice maker can cause a loud clicking noise in your refrigerator, especially in ice makers that eject ice cubes from the tray using an ejector arm.
A clicking sound is made when the timer is faulty.
An improperly installed evaporator fan can cause loud clicking noises, especially if there are bends. The fan may also change direction as the refrigerator responds to temperature changes.
The cooling unit is switched on and off by the temperature control unit, and a clicking sound is made when it is switched on or off, or when gas is drawn and compressed by the condenser.
A clicking noise is made in the refrigerator when the evaporator coils cool down immediately after the ice melts.
Weak electricity to the refrigerator, or if the refrigerator clicks to start a cooling cycle but fails due to weak electricity, this causes a loud clicking sound.

Refrigerators make a variety of noises, and determining the underlying cause takes time and patience. It's important to track the time and frequency of the noise, along with seeking the help of specialists.

Solutions to loud clicking noises in the refrigerator

Solutions to problems come after first identifying the causes that led to the increased clicking sound, and then determining whether the matter can be addressed manually or whether it is necessary to seek the help of a specialized refrigerator maintenance team. Among the solutions and causes are the following:

1. Treating the clicking sound coming from the refrigerator door

The main reason for a refrigerator's clicking noise is the door, which causes annoying noises coming from the door hinge. The appropriate solution is to seek professional help to lubricate the refrigerator door.

2. Crackling sound coming from the back

The clicking noise may come from the back of the condenser fan, which is located behind the refrigerator and is covered by a panel. The refrigerator must be disconnected from the power.

This is an essential step towards maintaining an electrical appliance. Clean the fan blades using a soft brush. If they are found clean, the motor must be replaced.

3. Noise coming from the bottom of the refrigerator

If you hear a cochlear-like noise coming from the bottom of the refrigerator, the cause is the drain pan, which is always located at the bottom of the refrigerator.

It often moves left and right, and while moving it produces an annoying clicking sound. The solution to the problem is to reassemble and fix it again.

4. Emitting a sound similar to birds chirping

The sound of birds chirping or crows croaking indicates a fault with the evaporator fan. You must seek the help of the best specialists to replace it with a similar fan.

Finally, you can use the information available on the topics below: clicking sound in the refrigerator When faced with a similar problem, as it is one of the most common problems affecting refrigerators in all homes, through our article you can learn the reasons behind it and learn how to treat it.