Consumer
S
uppor
t
Tr
oubleshooting
Tips
Operating
Instructions
Safety
Instructions
Installation
Instructions
35
Normal operating sounds.
ge.com
Newer refrigerators sound different from older
refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features
and use newer technology.
HUMMM...
WHOOSH...
■
The new high efficiency compressor may run faster
and longer than your old refrigerator and you may
hear a high-pitched hum or pulsating sound while
it is operating.
■
Sometimes the refrigerator runs for an extended period,
especially when the doors are opened frequently. This
means that the
Frost Guard
™
feature is working to prevent
freezer burn and improve food preservation.
■
You may hear a whooshing sound when the doors close.
This is due to pressure equalizing within the refrigerator.
■
You may hear the fans spinning at high speeds.
This happens when the refrigerator is first plugged in,
when the doors are opened frequently or when a large
amount of food is added to the refrigerator or freezer
compartments. The fans are helping to maintain the
correct temperatures.
■
If either door is open for over 3 minutes, you may hear
the fans come on in order to cool the light bulbs.
■
The fans change speeds in order to provide optimal
cooling and energy savings.
■
You may hear the fans running after selecting
QuickFreeze
™
or one of the
CustomCool
™
settings.
CLICKS, POPS,
CRACKS and CHIRPS
■
You may hear cracking or popping sounds when
the refrigerator is first plugged in. This happens as
the refrigerator cools to the correct temperature.
■
Electronic dampers click open and closed to provide
optimal cooling and energy savings.
■
The compressor may cause a clicking or chirping
sound when attempting to restart (this could take
up to 5 minutes).
■
The electronic control board may cause a clicking
sound when relays activate to control refrigerator
components.
■
Expansion and contraction of cooling coils during and
after defrost can cause a cracking or popping sound.
■
On models with an icemaker, after an icemaking cycle,
you may hear the ice cubes dropping into the ice
bucket.
WATER SOUNDS
■
The flow of refrigerant through the freezer cooling coils
may make a gurgling noise like boiling water.
■
Water dropping on the defrost heater can cause a
sizzling, popping or buzzing sound during the defrost
cycle.
■
A water dripping noise may occur during the defrost
cycle as ice melts from the evaporator and flows into
the drain pan.
■
Closing the door may cause a gurgling sound due to
pressure equalization.
Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.
For additional information on normal
icemaker and dispenser operating sounds,
see the
About the automatic icemaker
and
About the ice and water dispenser
sections.