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The Americans With Disabilities Act is a federal law designed to provide equal access for people with disabilities. While private residences aren't subject to ADA regulations, following these guidelines can make your home more user-friendly for a family member who uses a wheelchair. When it comes to choosing a refrigerator, ADA guidelines cover everything from the amount of floor space needed in front of the unit to the force required to open the doors or operate various controls.
A white refrigerator has a clean appearance that attracts many homeowners. In a light-colored kitchen, it can help create a bright atmosphere. In a dark kitchen, it can create a stunning contrasting focal point. Whether your kitchen is light or dark, a white refrigerator covered in fingerprints made from skin oils and dirt, food or beverages though can look grimy. Over time, fingerprints can also harden and stain making them difficult to remove. To clean fingerprints off your white refrigerator doors, you need to remove any old prints and then maintain the surfaces.
Replacing an existing refrigerator or moving it to a new location requires some basic preparation and disconnection procedures. Proper disconnection will help reduce the possibility of damage and ensure your refrigerator is ready for transport. For best results, start the process on the day prior to moving to allow time for the interior to dry. Doing so will reduce the possibility of mold or mildew.
Teenagers can be difficult to please when it comes to food. They may be fussy, picking at the meals you prepare and grumbling about not getting what they want all the time. Or they may have huge appetites, constantly filling up with snacks between meals and rummaging in the fridge for something to eat at all times of the day and night.
When the exposed plastic tubing on the back of your Kenmore refrigerator becomes damaged, it could begin to leak water from the rear of the appliance. Damaged tubing can also cause the ice maker to stop producing ice. Rather than call an appliance repairman, you can replace the damaged tubing yourself, using the parts from a refrigerator tubing kit and a few tools.
A buzzing sound from a refrigerator can either signal a major problem or it can just be a nuisance. In many cases a buzzing sound is a common occurrence, and if it has been happening for a long time and there hasn't been a cooling problem, the chances are that it is normal. However, there are some buzzing noises that can be fixed, or at the very least, understood.
When cutting watermelon with the intention to refrigerate, you always need to keep a few important things in mind. Cut watermelon and refrigerate with help from a classically-trained chef in this free video clip.
Homemade freezer fruit cups are a great, quick treat to enjoy on a warm day. Make homemade freezer fruit cups with help from a longtime personal chef in this free video clip.
Oysters need to be refrigerated in a very particular way in order to preserve their freshness and taste. Refrigerate oysters with help from an experienced chef in this free video clip.
You should always store ripe tomatoes in a very specific way to maintain their freshness. Find out if ripe tomatoes should be kept in the refrigerator with help from a professional chef in this free video clip.
If your ice maker isn't performing to your liking, just adjust it. Adjust an ice maker with help from a registered interior designer in this free video clip.
Refrigerator drawers, such as crispers and meat drawers, help organize food storage. Using the drawers improves food safety in the home by separating raw meats from other foods, reducing the risk of contamination and foodborne illnesses. The main challenge in freeing a stuck drawer is working carefully to avoid breaking the drawer or its tracks. Getting a refrigerator sliding door unstuck doesn't require special equipment or supplies.
The drive cam coupling on a KitchenAid Superba ice maker can wear down over time and break along the ice bin's shaft, resulting in an inoperable Superba ice maker. You can replace the drive cam coupling using a pair of screwdrivers, even if you have never opened up a ice bin before.
A high-pitched squealing noise emanating from a refrigerator condenser fan motor indicates its bearings or bushings are worn out. Replacing the relatively inexpensive motor is necessary before it stops altogether. This maintenance prevents the needless spoiling of food inside the appliance once the motor stops operating properly. Replacement condenser fan motors are available from the original seller or appliance parts stores. The repair is not difficult for a homeowner who is familiar with do-it-yourself projects around the home.
Freezers normally have a pretty long life, but if you find yourself with a freezer full of rapidly melting ice cream, you'll want to fix the appliance as soon as possible. Two of the major components in freezers that fail are the service cords and compressors. Rewiring a freezer to replace or repair these components is within the scope of a do-it-yourself job.
The Kenmore 1062198597 ice maker possesses an LED ice control that provides an optical readout to the user via the front of the appliance's door, while also serving as the electronic circuitry that both senses bin ice level and sends operational commands to the ice maker.
Pumps contained in standard ice makers in home refrigerator/freezer units are simple to replace as a do-it-yourself project. Changing out the pump on the KitchenAid Ice Maker KUIS185JPB2 is not a difficult process. Make sure to have the new part on hand prior to starting the job so that the freezer downtime is minimal. KitchenAid ice makers, as well as Whirlpool models, Roper and Kenmore refrigerators, all require similar steps to replace the ice maker pump. Wear gloves to protect your hands, as many of the metal edges inside the ice maker are sharp.
Ice makers in refrigerator freezers are a great convenience, especially on a hot summer day. However, if your ice maker goes bust, you'll soon be feeling the heat. Even if a major component such as the motor fails on your Kenmore, this can easily be rectified. Because the icemaker motor is built into the overall icemaker assembly, the easiest and fastest way to change the motor on a failed Kenmore ice maker is to replace the entire ice maker assembly. This task isn't as difficult as it sounds because the do-it-yourselfer can accomplish it with a minimal set of tools.
Refrigerator compressors cycle on and off during normal operation and a device called a “start relay” supplies the initial current boost required to get the compressor going. Early models of the Maytag Performa PTB1553GRW refrigerator were fitted with an expensive electro/mechanical start relay, but this was soon replaced by a cheaper and more reliable PTC solid state relay. Since PTC relays are inexpensive and require specialized equipment for testing, replace the unit if your refrigerator fails to start. On the other hand, if you have an older model with an electro/mechanical relay, test the unit before buying a costly replacement.
Whirlpool refrigerators come in a range of styles, sizes and types, offering many options for storing food in your kitchen. Besides their wide product line, Whirlpool also offers many refrigerator models that have adjustable shelves. These shelves can be installed at different positions based on where you place the posts that support them, including the center posts. Some Whirlpool refrigerators feature adjustable-width shelves, which also rely on center posts for support. Reconfiguring shelves involves removing center posts, which is a simple process once you clear out the fridge.
When your refrigerator interior becomes damaged and punctured, it cannot function properly and will not keep the inside of the fridge at the designated temperature. Replacing the fridge is a costly option that many homeowners cannot afford at the moment. Fortunately, refrigerator repair kits are available to fix the puncture and restore the appliance to working order. For best results, follow the specific instructions included with the repair kit. Furthermore, check if the refrigerator is still under warranty.
The average refrigerator has a life expectancy of 13 years, according to the National Association of Homebuilders. This projection places refrigerators on the higher end of home-component durability ratings. However, like all appliances, refrigerators are subject to an occasional breakdown, and there may be several reasons why your Hotspot refrigerator is malfunctioning.
Frigidaire refrigerator owners appreciate that their appliance can now come with an automatic ice maker. Traditionally, people had to fill ice cube trays with tap water from the faucet and then transport it to the freezer compartment to produce ice cubes. This was annoying, especially if someone forgot to refill the trays. Refrigerators with built-in ice makers eliminate this hassle, since the appliance automatically pumps in fresh water to create batches of ice cubes. If something goes wrong with the water line to the freezer, it could cause your Frigidaire ice maker to cycle twice or even more often.
A refrigerator with its doors out of alignment may not work properly because the misalignment creates openings that may let out the cold air. If the refrigerator has dual doors, they may hit each other and be difficult or impossible to close completely. Most refrigerator manufacturers anticipate some alignment problems and have various ways of correcting doors that are not lined up properly.
Coffee must be stored in the freezer or refrigerator in a very specific way to avoid damaging the flavor. Store coffee in the freezer or refrigerator with help from a coffee industry professional in this free video clip.
A modular freezer or cold room is designed and built in a factory, then shipped in parts to buildings for installation. This makes it easy and affordable to put in a large freezer for a warehouse or restaurant, without taking time to plan out a customized version. However, these modular freezers must meet strict regulations regarding the stability of their factory-produced materials and how well the freezers operate. Deflection is a key factor in material quality.
When considered among other frozen meats, bacon has a relatively long shelf life, due to its high salt content, which acts as a preservative. Nonetheless, bacon lasts longest when stored in the freezer. It is safe to cook bacon while it is still frozen, but you might prefer to defrost it first to improve its texture and taste. As with all meats, there are safe and unsafe ways of defrosting bacon. If you sense that bacon has gone bad, you should dispose of it immediately.
The drain trough on a Kenmore freezer is located inside the appliance and can become clogged with frost or debris, which can, in turn, clog the drain. To help combat frost, there is a drain trough heater that can occasionally malfunction, which may contribute to the problem of a clogged or frozen freezer drain. Troubleshooting the drain trough heater can often help get the entire operation running again.
Carrots should always be refrigerated in a very specific way for maximum freshness. Refrigerate carrots with help from an author, therapist and wellness chef in this free video clip.
A Whirlpool ice maker with a through-the-door dispenser uses a rubber wheel, or flap, to cover the opening and keep cold air from escaping. This part seals the dispenser port when not in use and swings open when the lever recessed in the door is pressed to release ice. If the wheel separates from the hinges, you may be able to fix it. If the wheel itself is torn, the only repair is to replace the part, which is available at online retailers and appliance repair stores.
Optical sensors in Kenmore ice makers raise or lower the freezer temperature to maintain the correct climate, and gauge the level of ice in the bin to control ice production. Manual settings on your Kenmore ice maker allow you to bypass the optical sensor to control freezer temperature and ice production. You can turn the ice maker on or off without the sensor's aid. Do it yourself if your sensor fails or while waiting for repair of a faulty sensor.
A refrigerator relay is an electric switch that cycles the compressor on and off in response to the demand for cool air inside the appliance. Because compressors are not designed to run continuously, the relay is both an energy-saving feature and a safety component that prevents the compressor from wearing out prematurely. However, if the relay malfunctions, the compressor may not cycle on at all. Bypassing the relay is a quick technique for isolating the problem. Do not leave the appliance in bypass mode or you risk damage to the compressor.
General Electric manufactures a wide array of residential kitchen appliances, including an extensive collection of side-by-side refrigerators. GE refrigerators use an internal component known as a "damper control" to circulate cool air between the freezer and fresh food compartments. When the damper control fails, neither compartment is able to cool properly until the control is replaced. Fortunately, installing a damper control in a GE side-by-side refrigerator is a straightforward task that requires no previous appliance repair experience.
Electricity keeps freezers ice cold on the inside -- so when a freezer shorts out, temperatures rise and food can spoil. Worn wires and water leaking out of freezers can cause short circuits. In extreme cases -- such as when short circuits spark -- wires can heat up and launch a fire. Fixing the problem immediately is more than a convenient choice -- it's the safe thing to do.
When it comes to a refrigerator, size matters. Not only does the size of your refrigerator determine whether you can place a sheet cake or a month’s worth of frozen pizzas inside, but it also determines whether you can even fit the appliance inside of your home. Choose a refrigerator that is too large and you might not be able to get it through your front door, much less fit it inside your kitchen.
Freezer units operate under the same principles as refrigerators. A coolant circulated through the appliance expands into gas after passing through an expansion valve, which rapidly removes heat from the surrounding air and keeps the freezer compartment cold. The compressor that helps to circulate and compress the coolant requires a good deal of electricity to start, which is where the capacitor comes in. The capacitor acts like a storage battery, keeping a reserve supply of electricity on hand to help the compressor start. Troubleshooting a capacitor problem and replacing a start-up capacitor can be done without any specialized repair tools.
Manufactured by Maxi-Matic, Mr. Freeze ice makers are portable appliances that are capable of producing up to 35 pounds of ice each day. Operating a Mr. Freeze portable ice maker is as simple as filling the reservoir with water. Still, even incredibly user-friendly appliances can throw you a curve ball every now and again. If you're experiencing a problem with your Mr. Freeze ice maker, troubleshooting the following components and features may help you restore normal operation.
Refrigerators can be finicky appliances. While newer models are more adaptable than older models, refrigerators respond well to moving and are mostly intolerant to excessive tilting and lying on its sides. The refrigerator unit includes components that operate with oil and coolants that allow the refrigerator to operate smoothly while maintaining a constantly cool temperature. Tilting the refrigerator forces these fluids into the unit’s compressor and motor, as well as through its coils and lines. If this occurs, the fluids must settle before operating the unit to prevent permanent damage to the refrigerator.
When your refrigerator displays a multitude of flashing codes or the ice dispenser becomes faulty, it might be necessary to replace the refrigerator HV board. The HV board is the high-voltage control board that controls nearly all of the functions of the refrigerator. Changing a refrigerator HV board requires purchasing a replacement board first. Write down the model number and brand of your refrigerator, and order a replacement through the manufacturer or an appliance repair shop.
Since the 1930s, kitchens haven't been complete without a refrigerator. Today's models offer more features than their ancestors, such as freezer compartments and energy efficiency. The Bosch company manufacturers high-end refrigerators in different configurations other than the standard freezer-above-fridge models. However, none of its models features the convenient concept of being stackable.
Refrigerators contain a built-in thermostat with a control inside the appliance for adjusting the temperature. The wheel or knob control is typically situated inside the refrigerator at the back, while the thermostat is within the appliance cabinet behind the control. If the refrigerator is not cooling and you suspect the thermostat might be defective, a simple way to diagnose the problem is with an external thermostat to bypass the built-in thermostat. If the refrigerator begins cooling after running the bypass, you'll know the built-in thermostat is defective.
The condenser fan plays a vital role in the functioning of your freezer. It works in tandem with the compressor, blowing cold air through the appliance. A warm freezer or one that is working too hard may signal a broken condenser fan. You can attempt this replacement yourself, but you should always consult the manufacturer's guide to check on the correct replacement parts and processes. By replacing the fan yourself, you can save money on service costs and keep your freezer functioning at its best.
Recessing a refrigerator in an interior wall can increase available space in your kitchen, and can give your cooking space a more streamlined appearance. This project involves building a recessed area in an existing wall that's sufficient to accommodate the refrigerator. Creating a recessed area in a wall is an extensive and time-consuming process; however, basic carpentry skills, tools and supplies can help you complete this project to maximize your kitchen space.
Most homeowners seek out refrigerators with water filtering features to improve general taste and aroma. For various reasons, the water supply to a home may include chlorine, lead and an abundance of other elements and minerals that can make a regular glass of ice water not so refreshing. It's obvious that changing the filter affects water quality, but there are two other functional performance aspects of the refrigerator that are affected too. Additionally, many refrigerators have systems in place that give you a confirmation that the filter needs changing.
A small vented plate is located on the back or side wall of a freezer, and vents into the control damper. The damper, when open, allows cold air to pass from the freezer into the refrigerator. The vented plate may crack or become dirty, which would require you to either clean or replace it. Either option only takes a few minutes.
The GE Monogram is a stand-alone ice maker commonly used where a steady supply of ice is needed, such as for a wet bar. The Monogram connects to a water supply and operates with a circulating pump to keep water flowing through the machine continuously. This prevents water from freezing in the lines. If the pump breaks, the Monogram will not work properly. Buy a replacement part from GE or an appliance parts dealer and you can install it in less than an hour.
Kenmore is an appliance brand known for its reliability. One appliance Kenmore offers is upright freezers. Upright freezers include multiple features such as a large capacity for storing frozen food. The model number 253-9260411 is an older upright Kenmore freezer that provides 14.1 cubic feet of storage space.
The average life expectancy of a refrigerator is 13 years, the National Association of Home Builders says. While this durable appliance usually provides trouble-free performance, if your refrigerator is overheating you should diagnose the cause and fix it immediately. Some manufacturers have issued recalls to correct overheating, which often causes smoke and fire damage.
The digital defrost on your Kenmore side-by-side refrigerator automatically launches to regulate the amount of ice buildup in your freezer section, and raises the temperature of the refrigerator to prevent moisture that leads to bacterial growth in the refrigerator's compartments. A stuck defrost feature can be fixed through basic troubleshooting, or in extreme cases a replacement is necessary to prevent the refrigerator's defrost feature from damaging the appliance.
General Electric's Profile series of refrigerators often include an ice maker and filtered water dispenser mounted to the front of the freezer compartment door. The water reaches the appliance via a tube and shut-off valve attached to the cold water plumbing – a leak in this area could pose a risk to the refrigerator and other nearby electrics. When it comes to patching a water leak, there are several useful options.
