Fridge FAQ

NOTE: When experiencing problems with any appliance, the first thing the customer should do is check to see that there is power going to the unit by checking the breaker box.

Can I put a refrigerator/freezer out in my garage?

Yes. But, if the refrigerator is self-defrosting, don't let the garage temperature drop to much below 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Otherwise, the oil becomes thick and causes premature compressor failure.

How full can I pack my freezer?

Full. There is generally no limit to how full it can be. Just take care not to block air vents. For best efficiency, try to keep it at least half full.

How full can I pack my refrigerator?

Refrigerators work best if they're not packed full, because the air flow becomes restricted, which limits cooling capability.

How cold should my refrigerator/freezer be?

Your refrigerator should be 36 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit and your freezer 0 to 8 degrees.

Can I change the doors from one side to the other?

Usually, yes. You can reverse the doors on most refrigerators. Consult the owner's manual for your refrigerator/freezer to get the proper instructions. If you no longer have the manual, but do have the model number of your refrigerator, you can order the manual.

How do I dispose of my old refrigerator/freezer?

New federal laws make it illegal to send a refrigerator to the dump without first removing the refrigerant. Contact a local appliance repair company to remove the refrigerant. And be sure they show a valid license and give you a certificate of compliance. Some local municipalities will pick up units and properly dispose of them, though often for a nominal fee. Check with yours to find out what to do.

Is it easy to add an ice maker to my refrigerator/freezer?

Yes, if your freezer has the necessary internal wiring (most do). If you have the model number of your refrigerator/freezer, you can order an ice maker kit.

How much clearance do I need behind my refrigerator/freezer?

If the unit has a large black, grid-like device on the back, you should leave at least 1 inch of space between the grid and the wall, and avoid "building-in" the appliance. If there is no grid on the back, you may push the unit all the way to the wall.

Can I change my manual defrost refrigerator to frost-free?

No. There are numerous component, internal wiring, and design differences.

How do I change the seal around the door?

Follow the instructions that come with the seal. A person with moderate repair skills can replace the seal.

How do I pull the refrigerator away from the wall to clean?

Virtually all refrigerators made in the past 15 years stand on built-in rollers. Often you need to retract the front leveling legs before trying to move the unit. Unloading the food from the unit first, really helps too. Grab the refrigerator near the bottom and pull it straight out, taking care not to damage your floor.

Can shelves be added to the refrigerator/freezer?

Usually. If there is room in your unit for an additional shelf, and the necessary hardware in the walls and/or ceiling, you can add a shelf. To order the shelf from our parts order center, you will need the model number of the unit.

How often should I clean the coils under the refrigerator?

At least once a year.

How do I prevent shelves and brackets from breaking?

Many of the plastic parts in your refrigerator/freezer are fragile. Take care not to load--or force--too many items onto the shelves or slam the door.

Does the freezer get warmer during self-defrost?

Yes. The freezer temperature increases by about 20 degrees during the defrost cycle. This is normal and doesn't affect the quality of the food in your freezer.

What is freezer burn, how can I prevent it?

Freezer burn is dehydration caused by food being exposed to the air in the freezer. Often the wrappings used in supermarkets don't prevent dehydration. Re-wrapping foods in airtight containers or wrappings usually avoids this problem. It's not unsafe to cook and eat freezer-burned food, but the resulting meal is often tough and tasteless!

My refrigerator seems to run constantly. Is that normal?

It's generally not normal. If your refrigerator/freezer runs constantly it may:

· Have a dirty condenser coil.

· Not have adequate clearance around the appliance for proper air flow

· Have a bad seal on one of the doors

· Have a light bulb that is not going off when the door is closed

· Have excessive frost build-up on the internal evaporator coils

· Have a defective thermostat

· Be low on refrigerant

How long can I expect my refrigerator to last before I replace it?

The average life of a refrigerator is 14 to 17 years. Some last many more years, others many fewer.