DIAGNOSIS Yes, this is normal for this model. It's the sound of refrigerant moving through the coils, combined with condensate water collecting in and sloshing against the internal drain pan during operation.
FIX The noise can't be eliminated, but you can minimize it.
- Ensure the unit is sitting perfectly level on all four casters. Use a small level. An unlevel unit makes water pool unevenly and creates more sloshing.
- Engage the continuous drain with a hose. This prevents water from accumulating in the internal pan, which often reduces the sloshing sound significantly.
IF THAT DIDN'T WORK If the gurgling is accompanied by a drastic loss of cooling, it could indicate a refrigerant leak (where gas mixes with liquid in the lines). But for just the noise alone, it's a characteristic of the unit's design.
HEADS UP The noise is often most noticeable right after you turn the unit off, as the system equalizes. Don't mistake this for a malfunction.