17
Normal Operating Sounds & Sights
UNDERSTANDING THE SOUNDS YOU MAY HEAR
Your new high-efficiency refrigerator may make unfamiliar
sounds. Don’t be alarmed, these are all normal sounds. Hard
surfaces, such as vinyl or wood floors, walls, and kitchen
cabinets may make sounds more noticeable. Listed below
are descriptions of some of the most common sounds you
may hear, and what is causing them.
NOTE: Rigid foam insulation is very energy efficient,
but is not a sound insulator.
IMPORTANT: During the automatic defrost cycle, you
may notice a red glow in the vents on the back wall of
your freezer compartment. This is normal during the
defrost cycle.
A. Evaporator
The flow of refrigerant through the evaporator may
create a boiling or gurgling sound.
B. Evaporator Fan
You may hear air being forced through the refrigerator
by the evaporator fan.
C. Defrost Heater
During defrost cycles, water dripping onto the defrost
heater may cause a hissing or sizzling sound. After
defrosting, a popping sound may occur.
D. Automatic Ice Maker
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic ice
maker, you will hear ice cubes falling into the ice bin.
E. Cold Control & Defrost Timer
These parts can produce a snapping or clicking sound
when turning the refrigerator on and off. The timer also
produces sounds similar to an electric clock.
F. Condenser Fan
You may hear air being forced through the condenser
by the condenser fan.
G. Compressor
Modern, high-efficiency compressors operate much
faster than older models. The compressor may have a
high-pitched hum or pulsating sound.
H. Water Valve
If your refrigerator is equipped with an automatic ice
maker, you will hear a buzzing sound as the water valve
opens to fill the ice maker during each cycle.
I. Drain Pan
You may hear water running into the drain pan during
the defrost cycle.
J. Condenser