Cleaning
Q.	I have frost build-up on the inside of my refrigerator. What should I do to get rid of it?
A.	If you have a manual defrost unit, frost build-up is normal in humid weather. Simply defrost the unit regularly during humid months and limit usage.
Q.	I keep smelling a strange odor on the outside of my refrigerator. What is it?
A.	Check the defrost pan under the unit and clean it with a mild soapy solution.
Q.	How can I control odors in my refrigerator?
A.	Wipe up any spills as they occur and regularly clean your refrigerator with a mild soapy solution. Next, check for spoiled foods and throw them out. If odors persist, use activated charcoal (found at most hardware stores), baking soda or coffee grounds to absorb the smells. You'll notice a difference in one or two days. You may also consider using a product called Odorid, available through Sears PartsDirect at 1-800-4-MY-HOME.
Q.	How do I clean the condenser coil? How often should I clean it?
A.	The coil can be cleaned using a long brush (available at most hardware stores) or a vacuum cleaner. Gently nudge the brush under the unit to pull out any dust or dirt build up. Be careful not to disturb the insulation. The coil should be cleaned once every six months. If you have pets, then you should clean it once every three months.
Energy_Other
Q.	How can I find the most energy efficient models on the market?
A.	You can write the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers to obtain a list of the estimated annual energy costs for a wide range of refrigerator models. To receive a current copy of the Consumer Selection Guide for Refrigerators and Freezers, send a check for $2.00 to the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers, 20 North Wacker Drive, Chicago, IL 60606.
Q.	When shopping for a new refrigerator, what kind of warranty should I look for?
A.	Most units come with a full one-year parts and labor warranty and a limited five-year warranty on the cabinet liner and refrigerating system. Some manufacturers and companies, such as Sears HomeCentral, offer optional maintenance agreements that save consumers money over the life of the model.
Q.	How can I cut my refrigerator's energy costs?
A.	The easiest way to trim your energy bill is to replace an older model with a newer one. By replacing a 15-year-old top-mount refrigerator with a new model, you can cut your refrigerator running costs by 50 percent. Other ways to cut costs: Keep door openings to a minimum Keep door gaskets tight and pliable Do not place your unit in direct sunlight Keep your unit well stocked Never put hot foods in the refrigerator Wipe the sweat off containers Keep condenser coils clean Keep the unit set between 37 and 40 degrees Farenheit
Q.	How long do refrigerators usually last?
A.	With proper maintenance, refrigerators can last 15 years or more.
Q.	How can I figure out how much energy my refrigerator uses?
A.	Simply multiply the nameplate wattage by the number of hours it operates. Sometimes a nameplate will show amps instead of watts. You can convert amps to watts by multiplying the amps by the voltage. Voltage at most outlets is about 120.
Q.	How much clearance is needed on the top and sides of a refrigerator?
A.	It is recommended that you have at least 1 to 1-1/2 inches of clearance.
Q.	How do I measure my refrigerator?
A.	Use a string to measure each dimension of your current refrigerator. Then take the string and line it up with a ruler. This should give you the correct dimensions of your refrigerator.
Q.	What is the difference between bisque/biscuit and almond in refrigerator colors?
A.	Bisque/Biscuit is an off-white (almost white) color. Almond appears more yellow or a deeper shade of cream.
Q.	Are top mounted freezer/refrigerators more energy efficient than bottom mounted freezer/refrigerators of the same size?
A.	Energy efficiency does not necessarily relate to the configuration of the refrigerator (i.e., top mounted or bottom mounted). A lot depends on the way the refrigerator is built -- the compressor, the insulation, the fan motor, etc.. The only way you can truly compare the energy efficiency of different refrigerators is to compare the energy guide labels that come with the refrigerators.
Q.	How long will a refrigerator/freezer remain cold/frozen during an extended power outage?
A.	Generally, the maximum time a refrigerator will stay cold during a power outage without opening the doors is approximately two hours. If you will be opening the doors, it will stay cold for approximately one to one-and-a-half hours.
Maintenance and Repair
Q.	Is it normal for air to blow out of the front grill at the bottom of my refrigerator?
A.	Yes. It's a good idea to make sure the condenser coils are clean, but otherwise it is perfectly normal.
Q.	Why is moisture collecting on the outside of my refrigerator?
A.	If your model has a power miser function, make sure it is turned to the damp weather or on position, but don't worry, some moisture in high humidity is normal.
Q.	What should I do if moisture collects under the crisper covers or at the top inside of my refrigerator?
A.	Make sure you remove excess moisture from vegetables or fruits before storing them in the crisper and set the temperature control to a colder setting.
Q.	My refrigerator runs too long, should I schedule a service call?
A.	Before making a service appointment, answer these questions: Is the condenser coil clean? If not, clean the coil. Is it an automatic defrost model? On automatic defrost models, the units run a little longer to eliminate frost. Is it a new model? It is normal for the newer models to run longer so they can maintain an even temperature.
Q.	My refrigerator makes a lot of noise. Why?
A.	Refrigerators make noise when the icemaker dumps ice into the tray and it is common for new models to create more noise than your older one. A few things you should do are: Make sure the unit is level Check to see if something has fallen behind the unit and is causing a vibration Move the unit away from the wall
Q.	My refrigerator is not running. What should I do?
A.	First, make sure the cold control and the on/off switches are in the on position. Then, make sure the unit is plugged into a live outlet - you may need to check the fuse box or circuit breaker as well. If you have an automatic defrost unit, it may be in a defrost cycle so wait at least half an hour to see if it starts running again.
Q.	I've noticed a little water leaking from my refrigerator onto the floor. What's the problem?
A.	Make sure the defrost pan is pushed far enough under the unit to catch any condensation.
Q.	The air in my freezer is cold but the air in my refrigerator feels warm. What should I do?
A.	Most likely there is an ice build up. If it is not an automatic defrost refrigerator, you should unplug the unit and let it defrost naturally for 24 hours. Occasionally, ice will build up in the drain tube of an automatic defrost unit, causing this problem. If this happens, manually defrost the unit.
Q.	If my refrigerator uses CFCs, do I need to buy a new refrigerator?
A.	Chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) were the main refrigerant chemical used in refrigerators for the past several decades. Because CFCs have been found to damage the earth's ozone layer, the federal government is phasing them out. All products manufactured since January 1, 1996 must be CFC-free. You may continue using appliances that contain CFCs, but newer models must use an alternative, environmentally safe refrigerant such as hydrochloroflourocarbons (HCFCs).