21
Normal Operating Sounds & Sights

UNDERSTANDING THE SOUNDS YOU MAY HEAR

Your new high-efficiency refrigerator may make unfamiliar
sounds. These are all normal sounds and soon will become
familiar to you. They also indicate your refrigerator is operating
as designed. 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.
F
A
C
HJ
G
I
K
E
B
D

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 & Automatic Defrost Control

These parts can produce a snapping or clicking sound
when turning the refrigerator on or off.

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.
IMPORTANT: Your ice maker is turned On at the factory
so it can work as soon as you install your refrigerator.
To ensure proper function of your ice maker, connect a
water supply immediately or turn the On/Off switch to
the Off (“O”) position.

I. Drain Pan

(not removable)
You may hear water running into the drain pan during
the defrost cycle.

J. Condenser

May create minimal sounds from forced air.

K. Motorized Damper

May produce a light humming during operation.