I have a GE model GSS25WGTA that is about 1 and 1/2 years old. It makes a groaning noise both when the compressor is running and when it is not, the noise is coming from the upper freezer side. The GE guy guy says it is evaporator noise (gas noise) and nothing can be done, is this true, it gets very loud and annoying.
Michael11
Hello Michael,
Thanks for your question, I hope I can help some. My answer is long winded but full of good info.
The noise could be as the GE guy said refrigerant (gas) noise. If it is refrigerant noise it happens as the liquid refrigerant comes out of the tiny capillary tube and enters the evaporator (cooling) coil in the freezer. Along with the liquid coming through the capillary tube there often are gas pockets. The flow of the liquid and gas pockets into the evaporator coil cause strange sounds. If the noise you are hearing is this refrigerant noise, you should only hear the noise while the compressor is running and then only for a short time (1 to 2 minutes) after the compressor shuts off.
If the noise continues after that I do not think it is a refrigerant noise.
There are times when the compressor will not be running but the fan in the freezer will be running on this model. This is normal and working properly but if the noise is present when the freezer fan is running and the noise stops when the freezer fan stops, the likely cause will be the main board located in a square panel on the rear of the refrigerator above the compressor compartment. I know that sounds crazy but the main board can cause the freezer fan motor to make some really strange noises. Eventually the board will probably fail.
One other test would be for you to listen for the compressor to turn off, then if the noise is present after the compressor turns off, you would next unplug the refrigerator from the receptacle. If the noise continues with the refrigerator unplugged it must be refrigerant noise. If it stops, I am betting on a bad main board.
I tried to locate for you information on a material that Whirlpool and Frigidaire as well as some others use as a noise deaden-er that they wrap around where the capillary tube enters the evaporator. I was not successful in locating anything. I am sorry I could not find it.
supertechks
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The ge man is right
the noises relate to the gases in evaporator in freezer so when the freezer starts up there is probably no groaning then builds up as the pressure builds up
when the fridge stops the noises keep on like water running this is the liquid in the evaporator condensing
You need to remove the back plate in the freezer to expose the evaporator check to see that the pipes in freezer are not pushing against the sides as this will make the sounds even louder (like a loud speaker in operation)
One thing you can try is to get some refigeration insulation putty that you can wrap around the inlet pipe to evaporator which can act like a noise stop plus there should be a evaporator tank at the other end of evaporator (where the return pipe goes back to compressor) wrap that as well
I have a similar problem on this model. Did you ever get the problem resolved ?
Regards from Celia
SOURCE: groaning noise on GE side by side refrigerator
Usually the groaning noise is from a locked up icemaker. Remove the icemaker and defrost it with hot water. Check to make sure the unit is in good shape and not chipping. Let it dry out and then reinstall.
Btw, I’m available to help over the phone in case u need at https://www.6ya.com/expert/robert_e97a69269ae71345
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Mine is similar, but more of a moaning. Happens when the defroster fan is on low.
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