Normal Operating Sounds & Sights, A. Evaporator

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.

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.

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.

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 or Automatic Defrost Control

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

If condenser coils are located underneath your refrigerator as shown in the drawing at the left, you have a 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 (Nonremovable)

You may hear water running into the drain pan during the defrost cycle.

J. Condenser

May create minimal sounds from forced air.