Hearing popping, crackling, or clicking sounds coming from your refrigerator can be alarming. Many homeowners immediately think something is broken, but in most cases, those noises are completely normal.
At Starfix Appliance Repair, we’ve serviced thousands of refrigerators across Richmond, Vancouver, Surrey, and the entire Lower Mainland, and we can assure you — not every sound means a costly repair. However, knowing which noises are normal and which need attention can save you stress, time, and money.
If you’ve been searching for refrigerator repair near me, here’s everything you need to know about fridge noises, what causes them, and when to call a professional.
Understanding Why Refrigerators Make Popping or Crackling Noises
Your refrigerator is constantly working — cycling, defrosting, and adjusting to maintain the right temperature. These natural functions can create sounds that seem strange but are usually harmless.
Here are the most common reasons your fridge may be making popping or crackling noises:
1. Normal Defrost Cycles
Most modern refrigerators, including Whirlpool, Samsung, LG, GE, Frigidaire, and Maytag, have an automatic defrost cycle. When this cycle starts, a heater melts frost from the evaporator coils. As ice expands and contracts, you’ll often hear a series of popping or cracking sounds.
These noises usually occur a few times a day and last for several minutes — this is normal. The fridge is simply doing its job to prevent ice buildup and keep cooling efficient.
2. Plastic Parts Expanding and Contracting
The interior of your refrigerator is made of plastic panels and shelves. When cold air circulates and temperatures change, these parts expand and contract slightly, producing a popping or ticking sound.
This is especially noticeable after the compressor turns off or when the fridge door has been opened for a while and the unit is re-cooling.
3. Refrigerant Flow and Pressure Changes
Inside your refrigerator’s sealed system, refrigerant moves through narrow tubing at high pressure. As it expands or contracts, it can make gurgling, crackling, or hissing sounds. These noises often come from the back of the fridge and are completely normal.
If your fridge is cooling properly, these sounds are not a sign of trouble.
4. Condenser and Metal Component Movement
As the refrigerator cycles on and off, the metal components — such as the condenser coils, compressor casing, and mounting brackets — expand and cool. This process can cause sharp pinging or popping sounds. It’s just thermal expansion and nothing to worry about.
When Fridge Noises Might Indicate a Problem
While most refrigerator sounds are part of normal operation, there are a few noises that may signal a mechanical issue. Knowing the difference helps you decide whether to call for refrigerator repair near me.
🚨 Loud or Continuous Popping Sounds
If you hear constant, loud pops or cracks that don’t stop after a defrost cycle, it could mean your defrost heater is cycling too frequently or unevenly. This can lead to excess frost or temperature issues.
🚨 Frequent Clicking Noises
If your fridge clicks repeatedly without cooling properly, it might be a problem with the compressor relay or start capacitor. These components help your compressor turn on, and when they fail, you’ll hear repeated clicking.
🚨 Buzzing Followed by a Click
This sound often happens when the compressor tries to start but fails. It’s a common symptom of compressor or relay failure and needs professional inspection.
🚨 No Cooling Alongside Strange Sounds
If the fridge isn’t maintaining temperature or the freezer is warming up, that’s a clear sign to call a technician immediately.
If any of these issues sound familiar, schedule a diagnostic visit right away.
👉 Learn how our diagnostic process works:
Appliance Inspection Fee & Repair Fee Explained
Simple Ways to Reduce Refrigerator Noises
Even normal fridge sounds can sometimes be reduced with a few quick maintenance steps:
✅ Level Your Refrigerator – Use a level to ensure all four feet are balanced. Uneven footing can cause vibrations and amplified noise.
✅ Clean the Condenser Coils – Dust buildup forces your compressor to work harder, making it noisier. Clean coils every 6–12 months.
✅ Check for Loose Items Inside – Bottles or trays touching interior walls can rattle or click during operation.
✅ Leave Space Behind the Fridge – Proper airflow around the condenser area prevents overheating and excessive cycling.
These small maintenance steps can keep your refrigerator running quietly and efficiently.
Why Professional Diagnosis Matters
While some sounds are harmless, others can point to early warning signs of component wear. Our technicians at Starfix Appliance Repair use professional testing equipment to determine whether your fridge noise is normal or requires service.
When you call Starfix, you can expect:
✔ A complete on-site inspection before quoting
✔ Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
✔ Weekend and evening appointments (8 AM – 8 PM)
✔ Inspection fee deducted from your final invoice when you proceed
✔ Repairs backed by warranty and performed by experienced technicians
Learn more about how our two-step service process works:
👉 Why Quotes Require an Inspection
👉 Why Appliance Repairs Sometimes Require a Second Visit
Helping Us Fix It Faster
The more details you can share when booking, the faster we can help.
📸 Take a photo of your fridge label showing the model and serial number.
🧊 Describe the issue — when it happens, how often, and what it sounds like.
🔧 Share any history of past repairs or part replacements.
These details help us bring the correct tools and parts for the first visit.
Read our guide on how to make your first visit successful:
👉 How to Help Us Fix Your Appliance on the First Visit
Why Starfix Is Richmond’s Trusted Refrigerator Repair Team
We’ve completed over 6,000 appliance repairs across the Lower Mainland, and our mission is simple — deliver honest, reliable service that solves the issue properly the first time.
Our clients in Richmond, Surrey, Vancouver, Langley, and Abbotsford trust us because we communicate clearly, work efficiently, and always stand behind our repairs.
⭐ “Called Starfix at 8:30 am to repair my fridge and they had a repairman on site by 4 pm. Punctual, knowledgeable, professional, and courteous. Price was fair and service was excellent.” — Morgan H.
Service Areas
We proudly offer refrigerator repair near you in:
Vancouver, Burnaby, New Westminster, Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, Port Moody, North Vancouver, West Vancouver, Delta, White Rock, Langley City, Langley Township, Maple Ridge, Pitt Meadows, Abbotsford, Chilliwack, and Mission.
Need same-day refrigerator repair in Richmond or nearby? We’re here to help.
📞 Call 604-900-2105
🌐 Visit Starfix.ca to schedule your service today.
