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Odours
- from interior
If an odour occurs
in refrigerator check the operating temperature with a good quality
thermometer. The temperature should be approximately: +5
degrees Fahrenheit in the freezer, and +38 degrees Fahrenheit in the
refrigerator section. A refrigerator that is
too warm can cause the plastic interior to become odourous.
An odour in a refrigerator is usually from a
food spill. Clean interior with warm water and mild detergent. Check
inside the crispers, underside of crisper cover, around the gasket, and air holes and crevices
in the freezer section.
Do not add spray chemicals to
the refrigerator interior. Most only mask the odour rather than remove it. Do
not add any odour producing devices to refrigerator interior.
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Odours
- does baking soda really work to capture odours
Yes, but not when left in the box. Instead, spread a small amount (3 or 4 tablespoons) of baking onto a
saucer before placing into refrigerator. This will greatly increase its surface area. When the surface of the baking soda starts to
harden its effectiveness lessens. Replace it with fresh baking soda to restart the process. Do not hide the baking soda away in a corner of the refrigerator. Place it where
it will pick up the most odours. Best location is directly in the air flow of the
refrigerator or freezer fan.
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Ice
cubes melting together
If ice bucket is large the weight of ice on the
top can compress the ice cubes at bottom, causing them to melt together. Usually occurs when ice has
been sitting inside bucket for extended period of time. To stop problem do not
allow bucket to fill more than ½ full. Do this by turning off ice maker when
this level reached. If icemaker cannot be turned off then dispose of excess ice once per
week.
Do not remove bucket to dispose of
excess ice. It can be difficult to reinstall. Instead, simply dispenser
into a bowl until proper ice bucket level achieved.
Rather than disposing of ice, use it to water household plants.
May
also be because ice maker is leaking water into ice bucket. Valve may be leaking between
cycles. Water level setting of icemaker too high.
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Ice
cubes - have funny taste
This problem more prevalent in non-icemaker refrigerators. Ice cubes produced using standard ice cube trays may
sit in the freezer section for weeks. During this time ice cubes can
pick up odours, just like any form of uncovered food. To reduce this
problem in non-icemaker refrigerators transfer ice cubes into a closed container to avoid contamination.
Ice cubes will accentuate any taste associated with
the water they are made from, so if your water source has changed recently expect
this to be reflected in the ice cubes.
We often taste impurities in an ice cube more
than we do in the water they are made from. Therefore many people add an
after market filter to the refrigerator water line to counteract this phenomenon.
If unusual tastes persist or
increase consider having water source tested for increased amounts of
particulates such as iron or sulfur.
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Ice
cubes - taste like plastic
With a new
refrigerator discard the first 2 or 3 productions of ice. This allows any
plastic residue from the water supply system or supply lines to be washed out of
the lines.
If using ice cube trays wash
them regularly, they can pick up odours. If taste continues, replace old
trays. They may be starting to deteriorate due to age.
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Icemaker
- how
much ice should it produce
An icemaker will produce approximately 2 to 4 pounds of ice per day. It can
often produce ice faster than it is consumed. For this reason you may have to
turn off the icemaker so that it does not overflow the container. If away on
vacation either turn off icemaker or water supply to refrigerator.
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Icemaker
no ice production or no water
entering
Check the
water filter for blockage. If filter more
than 6 months old, replace. Check
that hand valve feeding the water to refrigerator is fully open. Check
that water supply line to refrigerator is not kinked.
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Water
dispenser push water dispenser, but get ice
Usually an
electrical problem with the touch pad, water valve, or computer board. This
is a problem that will have to resolved by a service company.
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Icemaker
- bucket overflows with ice
Many refrigerator icemakers
operate 24 hours per day to match the increasing amounts of water and ice being consumed by
customers. Some icemakers will stop once ice bucket full, but many
do not. Therefore, if ice produced faster than you consume it the bucket can eventually overflow. Turning off
icemaker via a switch on front of it or by lifting up the metal bale arm on the body of
the icemaker. Or remove ice bucket
and
dispose of unwanted ice. Alternately, dispense excess ice into a bowl, which is then dumped into the
sink. Excess ice can be used to water household plants.
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Ice
cubes - shrinking
Ice cubes can
shrink when left exposed to the air inside the freezer section. Like other
food products they will become de-hydrated by the cold air flowing over
them. If long term storage of ice cubes is required then transfer them to a
sealed container.
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Water filter
- when
do I change
The water
filter inside the refrigerator section should be
replaced about every 4 to 6 months, even though they will successfully filter
your water for up to a year.
All water contains particulate material and
bacteria which the filter will strain and then hold within its core. But every
filter will eventually reach its limit. After about 4 months the bacteria level within the filter can
exceed it maximum,
and therefore may start to redeposit the bacteria back into the water as it
passes through filter.
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Water
filter - how do I change
Most
water
filters simply screw or snap into a receptacle inside the refrigerator
section. Some are accessed near the bottom front edge of refrigerator. Most are mounted on
the rear wall inside the refrigerator section. If filter cannot be located, look for a tag or
sticker inside the refrigerator indicating its placement. If cannot find filter
look for plastic water lines in the corners, or behind the crisper drawers, then
follow the water lines. Some filters require a special tool to remove. Others require that an
O-ring or seal be changed in conjunction with the filter. Before replacing read
all instructions associated with the new filter. For
step by step directions see your Care and Use guide. Each manufacturer uses a
different type of filter, and filter-mounting method. They are not interchangeable. If you already have
a new filter the installation instructions may be printed on the box.
Most manufacturers will
answer this question on their website.
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Water
filter - can I add external filter to the water line
Yes, a filter in the water supply line feeding the refrigerator will provide filtering.
If
added to the water line the weight of filter (and the water inside it) must be
supported by securing filter assembly to wall behind refrigerator.
Before installing
verify that will provide same quality of filtering as type provided by the
refrigerator manufacturer.
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Water
dispenser - water not cold
These devices are water dispensers, not water coolers. They are always
associated with an ice dispenser so that ice can be added to the glass
first, thus making the water cold once it enters the glass.
Some refrigerators contain a water
reservoir. They can give the impression of colder water entering during first
few glasses of dispensed water since they only hold a small amount of water. Their purpose is not to store cold water but rather to compensate for warm water that initially enters
the glass from the water line at the back of the refrigerator.
To cool the water an amount of ice
should be added to glass before water is dispensed.
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Water
dispenser - water tastes unusual
An unusual taste from a water
dispenser may indicate it is time to change filter.
If used
infrequently water may be
picking up odours leeching from the plastic water lines. Usually resolved
by clearing lines of stale water by disposing of first few glasses dispensed before dispensing water
to be drank.
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Door clicking noise
In their drive to increase
efficiency manufacturers have added door closers to the hinges. That is why many
doors now lift slightly as they open or close.
Referred to as a cam, its job is to
give the door a slight push as you release the handle. It provides a more
positive sealing of the door and gasket. If door cam malfunctions it will be
heard as a clicking or tapping noise. Easily diagnosed because only occurs while
door is opening or closing.
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Dries
out food
The problem is not the
food drying but rather the moisture being drawn out of the food because cold
air is flowing over it.
Keep all liquid laden foods covered so
they don't become dehydrated. You do not have to use expensive
containers. A plastic wrap, a bread wrapper, or even a plate covering a
container will work. The purpose is to stop the cold dry air, circulating
within the refrigerator, from coming into
direct contact with the moisture laden foods.
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Temperature
- what is normal
The operating
temperature of a modern
frost free refrigerator is approximately 5 degrees Fahrenheit in the
freezer and 38 to 42 degrees Fahrenheit in the refrigerator section. Within
the meat keeper (not on all models) the temperature will be approximately 34 to
36 degrees Fahrenheit.
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Hot
food into cold refrigerator
Most refrigerators can accept hot food. Foods
such as pies or meats
that are bubbling or spattering should be left until their initial cooking
process is complete. Most foods will continue to cook internally for a few
minutes after being removed from the heat. Once the internal cooking has stopped
the hot food can be safely placed into most refrigerators.
Use added caution when
refrigerator has glass shelves. Can crack if excessively hot items are
placed directly onto the cold glass surface.
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Temperature
- middle shelf too cold
Primarily a problem in
refrigerators with glass shelves. Glass shelves restrict the air flow
compared to wire shelves. Therefore, cold air can become trapped
between shelves causing one shelf to become colder than the others. Usually because the open space between the outer edge of the shelves and the cabinet
interior is being blocked by food or food containers. Do
not allow food or containers to overhang the shelves. Do not allow
food or containers to bridge between shelves. Do not allow food or
containers to bridge between shelf and cabinet walls. Redistribute food to allow
maximum air flow around and between shelves.
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Temperature - one side of interior colder
than other
Usually because of the
path the air follows as it enters the
refrigerator section. Cold air entering the refrigerator section is very cold.
Any air that falls directly onto a shelf or down the rear wall into a crisper this problem
may occur.
May be more pronounced at the end of the cooling cycle.
At this time the cold air stops moving and can quickly fall onto food at
bottom of refrigerator. What
can you do about this problem? First, determine where the cold air enters the
refrigerator section. Once determined, remember this will be the coldest point in
the refrigerator section. Therefore keep all delicate foods (fruits and
vegetables) away from this area. Place something less prone to problems
from temperature fluctuations in the area. Lastly,
move delicates
to the side of the refrigerator section opposite this cold air entry point. If cold air enters on the right side,
move
delicates to the left side. If it enters on the left side, move delicates to the right side.
This applies to the crisper drawer also.
If air entry point is on right side put delicate foods (tomatoes) inside left crisper
and move hardier food (potatoes) into the right crisper.
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Drain pan
- should
I clean it
Do not clean the defrost water drain pan in a
modern frost free refrigerator. It contains water and debris that has been
sitting in this warm drain pan for
long periods of time. It can contain bacteria harmful to humans. If it must
be cleaned use rubber gloves.
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Freezer
burn
Although the refrigerator is usually blamed, it is most often the
result of food de-hydration, not refrigerator temperature. Typical symptoms are
drying of foods, darkening of foods, and ice crystal buildup.
If improperly wrapped, foods can
very quickly become de-hydrated by the refrigeration
action. Any food left in a freezer more than 6 weeks, no matter how well
wrapped, will often show signs
of de-hydration.
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Feet
/ Rollers - Protecting floor
Many new style kitchen floors
will need protection from the weight of the refrigerator. Particularly vinyl and hardwood. You can provide protection by using foot pads under each
foot. They are similar to those used under furniture legs, but made for
appliances.
Also available
are pre-made plastic strips called Glide N Guard for approximately $29.95.
These work well. They come with four heavy plastic strips. One is placed under the
right feet, another under the left feet. The other two are stored under the
refrigerator until required. When the
refrigerator needs to be rolled, the extra two strips are brought forward and
locked into the stationary ones. Thus extending the floor guards under the feet.
The refrigerator can then be pulled away from the wall, allowing access for repairs or
cleaning.
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Economy switch
- will it save me money
The
economy switch is there to save money by turning off a small electric heater
in the refrigerator. Turn switch to economy
setting in spring, winter, and fall. Turn back to non-economy during the
humid summer season. The savings are minimal for individuals, but add up if
we all do our part to lower electrical consumption.
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Doors
- why so thick on new refrigerators
Doors on
modern refrigerators are twice as thick as in the past. Thicker doors allow
the addition of more insulation to help increase refrigerator efficiency and
lower electrical consumption.
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Doors
- not level
Top mount refrigerator
If
freezer door not level, loosen
(do not remove) top freezer hinge bolts. This allows hinge assembly to
move and the door to be raised or lowered. Adjust to level and re-tighten hinge
bolts. If refrigerator
the lower door
not level then usually because the lower hinge assembly is worn. Could also be
because the refrigerator feet or wheels are not adjusted properly. Feet can be
raised or lowered to correct, while wheels are often adjusted via an adjustment
bolt at front of refrigerator. Check Use and Care manual. Side
by side refrigerator
On a side by side
refrigerator door alignment is more critical because a misalignment is more
obvious. To correct use same methods as above. Always start with the
refrigerator section door, because it is often easier to realign than the
freezer door. Before
adjusting remove heavy items from the door shelves to see if this corrects
problem. Move heavy items to inside of the refrigerator. Use the door shelves for
lighter items. Check if feet or wheels have sunk into the floor.
Correction may be a simple matter of moving refrigerator enough to
provide firmer support.
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Door
when bottom door closed the top door pops open
Usually a consequence of
modern refrigerators being made more air tight. When lower door closed the air inside
this section is compressed and rushes into the freezer via interconnecting passages. The
freezer air being denser can transfer the force to the door allowing it to
flutter open for a second.
Try adding few heavy items to inside of freezer door,
or adjusting front feet lower to lean refrigerator back slightly.
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Energuide
- what
does it tell me
The
Energuide sticker is important when purchasing a new appliance. Comparing them will tell you how much electricity will be
used for each, size, model, and style.
The
large black numbers indicate the approximate electricity consumed per
year. Multiply this by the cost of electricity per kilowatt hour in your
area and you will know how much it will cost to operate per year.
Next look at the
horizontal bar below the large numbers. It shows the approximate high and
low electrical consumption for other appliances of the same size. There is
an arrow at the top of this bar. The farther the arrow is to the left of
the horizontal bar the better. Left means less electrical consumption when
compared to other manufacturers of a similar size.
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Extension cord
- can I use
Operating a refrigerator on a standard
household extension cord can cause the compressor to overheat or burn out.
Operating an appliance on a lawn mower cord, lamp cord, or power bar
can result in serious damage to
the appliance due to the voltage drop. Move the refrigerator close enough to an
electrical wall outlet so it can be plugged directly into it. If an extension cord is necessary then
only use one
made specifically for appliances. They are
only available in short lengths to a maximum of about 12 feet.
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Moving
- can
I lay down during move
Refrigerators
should be shipped in an upright fashion. If laid down
during a move return it to an upright position as soon as possible. Allow proper
recovery time (between 2 to 4 hours is usually sufficient) before restarting. If any unusual noises are heard
during startup turn refrigerator off immediately and call service company.
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Noises
- strange noises when operating
Modern
frost free refrigerators can make many strange noises while operating. Noises such as whistling, high pitched whining, gurgling, ice
cracking, increased noise level during start up, air blowing sounds, or
water dripping noises are common. These noises are often due to the new ozone-friendly refrigerants
and have changed the overall sound characteristics of refrigerators. If you have
purchased a new refrigerator these noises can be very different from what
you were accustomed to hearing.
See our consumer Info Articles section
for further details.
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Noises
- water
running noise
May
be water entering the ice maker. This will occur approximately every 4 hours. May also be water draining into the
drain pan at end of the defrost cycle. This will occur approximately every 6 to
8 hours.
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Run
time - runs
all the time
Many things
affect the run time of a refrigerator. In hot humid weather the run time
will increase. So will the frequency that the refrigerator starts. Frost
free refrigerators often run up to 20 hours per day in hot weather.
Check if gaskets are
worn or cracked. Check
if gaskets are sealing over
their total circumference.
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Scratches
on exterior finish
Use only paint recommended
for appliance touch-ups.. When using touch up paint on an
exterior painted finish try the following:
-
Dip applicator
brush into paint
-
Remove brush and wipe applicator
on rag until almost dry
-
Apply paint with a
light dabbing motion. Do not use painting motion
-
Allow paint to dry few
minutes
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Repeat and
continue until scratches covered
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When finished
allow to dry thoroughly
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Stainless
Steel finger prints
Stainless
steel will pick up fingerprints very easily. Oils from your hands
leaves residue that will become visible. To alleviate this use a stainless steel
cleaner. It will put a coating on the steel that helps this problem. It is
applied about once per week to maintain the clean look of stainless. If small
children in the house you may have to apply more frequently. If used do not get into eyes and keep out of reach of children.
A new product
to do this comes in the form of disposable quick wipes. This allows for quicker
applications with much less mess. See Parts section for product.
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Run
time - runs
more than my old refrigerator
Refrigerators
manufactured prior to 1990 had larger motor-compressors. After 1990
their size was reduced to conserve energy. This resulted in longer run times
and
more frequent starting. During hot humid
weather a frost free refrigerator will operate an average of 16 to 20 hours per day.
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Walls
or interior is cracking
Interior wall
cracking is usually due to stress caused by overloading of shelves. The shelf can warp, applying uneven pressure to the shelf mounts,
which in turn pulls and stresses on the interior walls.
If heavy item such as a large
frozen turkey is stored, remove the bottom crisper and its shelf and with
the use of a cooking pan rest
turkey directly on the bottom of the refrigerator. Most
vulnerable is the area at the bottom front of refrigerator. Any heavy
object dropped here can crack the interior. This most commonly happens when
transferred foods from refrigerator to counter
top.
If cracks appear on the interior walls they
can sometimes be patched. It may stop further cracking but the patch is
visible and not cosmetically pleasing.
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Vacationing
- should I turn off
Refrigerators consume a
significant amount of electricity even when away on vacation.
When vacationing for a short period of
time: leave operating but turn thermostat to a low setting, turn off icemaker, and
remove or dispense ice from ice bucket.
For an extended
vacation: unplug refrigerator (or turn thermostat to off position), remove food,
clean out any moisture buildup and wipe interior walls using a low
strength non-odourous detergent. Also remove or
dispense ice from ice bucket and leave doors propped
open to
avoid odours or mildew. Attach note to outside of refrigerator door to remind
house sitter that forty-eight hours before you return home they should
close doors, plug-in (or turn thermostat to on position), and turn on
icemaker.
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