Question:

What causes the cracking and popping noise in my refrigerator?

Answer:

Your refrigerator may produce cracking and popping noises during its regular operations, which are normal. These sounds can be attributed to the cabinet material expanding and contracting when the fridge enters Auto Defrost mode, causing the interior refrigerator coils to heat up and prevent frost buildup. Rapid temperature fluctuations cause specific components within the fridge to flex, generating the loud popping and cracking sounds. Temperature changes can occur due to various factors such as manual adjustments on the control panel, recent installation, power restoration after an outage, prolonged door openings, returning from Cooling Off Mode, or placing hot/warm food inside the unit. These noises should subside once the fridge stabilizes. Ensure there is at least 2 inches of clearance around the refrigerator for adequate ventilation.

Terms:

Decibel (dB): A unit used to measure sound intensity.

Auto Defrost mode: A feature that periodically heats the interior refrigerator coils to prevent frost buildup.

Flexing: The movement or bending of certain parts in response to rapid temperature changes.

Control Panel: The interface used to adjust the temperature settings of the refrigerator.

Cooling Off Mode / Demo Mode: A temporary mode designed for display purposes in retail stores, allowing potential buyers to feel the fridge's cooling effect without consuming excessive energy.