It is inevitable to encounter specific problems with the Kenmore French door refrigerator, especially when old.
These problems inhibit the proper functionality of the Kenmore French door refrigerator and lead to its abrupt deterioration.
On that note, what exactly are the issues with the Kenmore French door refrigerator?
The Kenmore French door refrigerator problems include dirty condenser coils, faulty condenser fan motor, faulty temperature control thermostat, and defective start capacitor. These problems break down the refrigerator and further disrupt the production of cool air, chilled water, and ice cubes.
Do French Door Refrigerators Have More Problems?
The French door refrigerator has other problems, including a defective start relay and a faulty temperature control board.
These problems adversely affect your French door refrigerator’s cooling system and functionality.
So, without further delay, I’ll highlight the issues with your refrigerator and how it affects its functionality.
#1. Dirty Condenser Coils
The condenser coils play a critical role in reducing heat, which helps to cool down the refrigerator. Unfortunately, if debris begins to clog the coils, it becomes filthy.
Due to this, it becomes difficult for the coils to dissipate heat effectively.
This impairment further leads to an imbalance in the temperature of your refrigerator. Nevertheless, you need to check the condenser coils frequently.
You can find the condenser coils under the fridge. If you discover that they are dirty, you need to clean them.
#2. Faulty Condenser Fan Motor
The condenser fan motor is responsible for the proper cooling of the refrigerator. It performs its function by bringing in the air via the condenser coils and over the compressor.
When it becomes faulty, the refrigerator fails to cool appropriately.
To test its continuity, use your hand to spin the fan motor. Subsequently, you can use a multimeter to test its continuity.
If it turns with obstruction, then you need to replace it immediately.
#3. Faulty Temperature Control Thermostat
The temperature control thermostat guides the voltage to different parts like the evaporator fan motor, compressor, and condenser fan motor.
When it becomes faulty, the refrigerator ceases to function due to a lack of voltage supply.
Use a multimeter to test for its continuity, and if it fails to work, you have to replace it.
#4. Defective Start Capacitor
The start capacitor is usually responsible for supplying power to the compressor.
The compressor will not work if the capacitor fails, and the refrigerator’s cooling system will not function.
You need to replace it if it is defective.
Kenmore French Door Refrigerator Ice Maker Problems?
Kenmore French door refrigerator ice maker has some problems such as faulty water inlet valves.
Others include a broken door switch, wrong temperature setting, and defective thermostat.
Now, how do these problems affect your ice maker?
Let’s find out!
#1. Faulty Water Inlet Valve
The water inlet valve supplies clean and fresh water to the ice maker and dispenser.
Unfortunately, the ice maker will not manufacture ice cubes when it fails to provide water to them.
Plus, the water dispenser will not dispense cold water. So for the valve to work, it needs about 20 psi of water.
If it receives more than 20 psi of water, it’s a clear sign that you need to replace it. However, the fault might also come from the solenoid coils.
You can use a multimeter to check its continuity. If it has issues, then you need to repair it or, better yet, replace it entirely.
#2. Broken Door Switch
The door switch turns off the water and ice dispenser when you open your refrigerator.
When it fails to function, the light in the fridge will always stay on even when you close the refrigerator.
In this case, you need to test its continuity using a multimeter. In addition, if it stops working, then you can replace it with a new one.
#3. Wrong Temperature Setting
One mistake you should never make is setting your ice maker to a hot temperature. Under that condition, your ice maker will not be able to produce ice cubes.
So instead, you need to set your ice maker to at least -5°F, -4°F, and lower.
This temperature is perfect, and your ice maker will produce ice cubes faster with the decrease in temperature.
In other words, the lower the temperature, the higher the rate at which your ice maker will make ice cubes.
#4. Defective Thermostat
The thermostat provides the best temperature that is suitable for your ice maker.
Unfortunately, when it begins to malfunction, the ice stops its ice production abruptly.
Fortunately, you can test its continuity by using a multimeter, and you can replace it if the need arises.
How Long Do French Door Refrigerators Last?
French door refrigerators can last for as long as 14-17 years. But, of course, this depends on the model and how you decide to maintain your refrigerator.
Other refrigerators like the Kenmore and Kenmore Elite refrigerators can last for 10-20 years.
The Kenmore Elite French door refrigerator comes in different models and can last for a long time with proper maintenance.
However, if your Kenmore Elite French door refrigerator exceeds the years for its function, then you need to replace it.
Otherwise, you might begin to spend a lot of money on repairs that would amount to the cash you need to purchase a new one.
Additionally, keeping a refrigerator that’s way overdue for replacement will consume unnecessary space in your home.
You can keep the one refrigerator in your garage or your shed. However, it is paramount to note that keeping a worn-out refrigerator will only do you more harm than good.
For instance, if you decide to keep it and store your foodstuff, the fridge might not cool.
As a result, your foodstuff will deteriorate badly due to excessive heat. With that said, it is best to know the duration of your refrigerator.
With that knowledge, you can quickly determine when to replace the fridge. Also, you can permanently repair it when you notice a few problems before its due date.
How Do I Know When To Replace My French Door Refrigerator?
You need to replace your French door refrigerator when you begin to notice these few signs, high consumption of energy constant spoilage of foodstuff.
Others include excessive condensation and continuous ringing noise.
These conditions are evident signs that indicate that your refrigerator is overdue and you need to replace it as soon as you can.
Well, how exactly do these factors tell you when to replace your refrigerator? Let’s dig deeper!
#1. High Consumption Of Energy
With the never-ending bills and general expenses piling up, the last thing you need is your refrigerator consuming lots of energy.
This excess energy consumption happens when you purchase a low energy efficiency refrigerator.
You may begin to notice that the energy bills are increasing every month, which will take a toll on your wallet.
You need to replace the refrigerator immediately and get an energy-efficient one in this situation. This way, you will save a lot of cash on high energy bills every month.
#2. Constant Spoilage Of Foodstuff
This is one factor that you should never ignore as it determines the state of your refrigerator.
When your foodstuffs keep deteriorating rapidly, it signifies that your refrigerator cannot maintain the right temperature for cooling.
Foodstuffs like veggies, bacon, sausages, and bread do not fare well under excessive heat.
Therefore, if you decide to preserve them in your refrigerator, they will become stale and unfit for consumption.
Nonetheless, you can replace it with a new refrigerator to stop the unnecessary loss of foodstuff and money.
#3. Excessive Condensation
When you begin to notice that your refrigerator produces excessive vapor under constant heat, there is a problem.
This vaporization happens when the cooling system of your refrigerator ceases to function.
And this condition often leads to the deterioration of your foodstuff. So this is another sign that you need to replace your refrigerator.
Otherwise, you will spend a lot of cash on repairs frequently.
#4. Constant Ringing Noise
If you often hear a ringing noise that’s very loud in your refrigerator, then you can unplug the cable from the socket.
However, if you plug it in and it continues, you need to call a technician to assist you.
This usually happens when your refrigerator is due for replacement. Notwithstanding, you can repair the affected area or, better yet, replace it with a new refrigerator.
Conclusion
Although Kenmore French door refrigerators have specific problems, you can easily spot them and rectify them before escalating.
Furthermore, the refrigerator has a lifespan of 14-17 years. However, this depends on how you handle your refrigerator.
In addition, you need to accurately determine the duration of your refrigerator to know when to replace it with a new one.
