GE Side-by-Side Stainless Steel Free-Standing Refrigerators Owner's Manual page 23

Normal Newer refrigerators sound different from older refrigerators. Modern refrigerators have more features
and use newer technology.
operating
sounds
• The new high efficiency compressor may run
• Sometimes the refrigerator runs for an
• You may hear a whooshing sound when the
• You may hear cracking or popping sounds
• Electronic dampers click open and closed to
• The compressor may cause a clicking or
• The electronic control board may cause
• Expansion and contraction of cooling coils
• After an icemaking cycle, you may hear the
Do you hear what I hear? These sounds are normal.
HUMMM...
WHOOSH...
faster and longer than your old refrigerator
and you may hear a high-pitched hum or
pulsating sound while it is operating.
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.
doors close. This is due to pressure equalizing
within the refrigerator.
CLICKS, POPS,
CRACKS and CHIRPS
when the refrigerator is first plugged in.
This happens as the refrigerator cools to
the correct temperature.
provide optimal cooling and energy savings.
chirping sound when attempting to restart
(this could take up to 5 minutes).
a clicking sound when relays activate to
control refrigerator components.
during and after defrost can cause a cracking
or popping sound.
ice cubes dropping into the ice bucket.
The Problem Solver
Stainless Steel 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
one of the CustomCool
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.
For additional information on normal
icemaker and dispenser operating
sounds, see the Automatic Icemaker
and Ice and Water Dispenser sections.
™ settings.
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