Frost Free Freezers

[Dave Bradley]

I've recently purchased one of the above and have noticed it occassionally makes several loud cracking sounds- sometimes during the night which scares the crap out of me! Does anyone who owns one of these experience the same problems? is it part of the Frost free technology?

[Jules001]

yes it is quite normal for these noises, I get them as well. As the freezer is frost free, it defrosts itself every so often and I think this what the noises are - well that's what I have always believed anyway and yes it is quite scary especially if you are alone at night

[Clanad]

At least in the U.S., the defrosting cycle is caused by a timer that sends electricity to two or more devices that look like 8 inch long, 1/2 inch diameter light bulbs.  They don't actually give off light, but they do heat up.  A fan runs, drawing air over them to eliminate the ice build up.  The water from this then runs into a drain tube spilling into a pan underneath the fridge.  The bulbs make a noise when first powered because they are covered with frost.  Be sure to empty the drain pan occasionally.  If you don't the moisture does dry, but leaves a realy awful gunk...