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Saturday, September 10, 2011

Sounds and Noises a Refrigerator Makes

I'm trying to get hold of a serviceman to look at my GE fridge-freezer before I leave on holiday. The fan inside the freezer has started blowing irregularly (WHOOSH whoosh WHOOSH whoosh) and it is making a haunting whistling noise that won't stop. It is creeping me out and my dog actually barked at it.

I looked up the following information on the GE website and found it quite amusing.


The normal operation of your refrigerator will cause some sound. The following list contains sounds that are normal.
  • A Chirping/barking/woof/howl sound can sometimes be heard as the damper door opens/closes.
  • A change in fan speed as the refrigerator responds to changes in temperature due to door opening.
  • A clicking/tic toc noise can be heard when the defrost timer switches on and off.
  • A click can be heard when the temperature control unit turns the unit on and off.
  • A boiling, gurgling, or knocking sound can be heard when the unit is running. This is caused by the circulation of refrigerant.
  • Gurgling sound in the door. This sound can be heard just after the door is closed because of the water in drain tube trap area. It can last several seconds.
  • A drip may be heard when defrost water is dripping into the pan beneath the refrigerator.
  • The icemaker will make a loud noise when cubes are dropped into the bucket.
  • A hum or click can be heard when the icemaker fills with water. This sound may be heard once or multiple times.
  • A cracking or popping sound can be heard when evaporator coils on Top Mount No Frost models are cooling after defrost.
  • Buzzing noises can be heard after getting water from the door dispenser. The noise should not last longer than 7 seconds.
  • A snapping sound will be heard about 4 seconds after removing a glass from a dispenser. This is the sound of the dispenser chute closing.
  • A clicking noise may be heard after a power shortage. This stems from the compressor trying to re-start itself. The noise could last for 3 to 5 minutes.
  • A hissing, sizzling, buzzing, or arching noise may be heard on self-defrost models. This is produced when water drips on defrost heaters.

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