Question 1

Can I install a refrigerator without professional help?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the individual fridge and your circumstances. It is possible to self-install small or simple units that do not have ice dispensers in the door or need to hook up to a direct water line. Be sure your floors are already level, your power situation is correct, and the size of the unit does not cause issues for you physically. The bigger and more complicated the unit and set-up, the more likely it is that you will need professional help.

Question 2

What is “new refrigerator” smell?

Accepted Answer

Refrigerators are made with special plastics with insulation between the walls. These materials can release a faint chemical odor after manufacturing. There are also trace amounts of lubricants, adhesives and protective coatings that can linger, especially in enclosed spaces like drawers or behind panels. The rubber door gasket can also have a faint odor when new, and because the refrigerator is sealed, the smell can linger.

Question 3

How long will that smell last in a new refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Generally, 1 to 3 days, with the smell fully gone in 1 to 2 weeks. The duration may vary based on a number of factors, and how you use it.

Question 4

Is new appliance smell in a refrigerator harmful to highly sensitive or high-risk individuals?

Accepted Answer

Some people report a mild headache, throat irritation or stuffy feeling. If you have concerns, ventilate the area and contact Kenmore or your professional installer.

Question 5

How long does it take for a new fridge to reach its designated temperature?

Accepted Answer

The compressor must work through the full internal air volume, plus cool down all the interior surfaces, shelving, and drawers — not just the air itself. In general, this will be four to six hours to reach a safe, usable temperature (around 37–40°F in the fridge compartment) for basic use, and 12 to 24 hours to reach full, stable operating temperature throughout both the fridge and freezer compartments. This includes the freezer getting down to its target of 0°F.

Question 6

What is the correct temperature setting?

Accepted Answer

Kenmore recommends setting your refrigerator between 37 to 40°F (3 to 4°C), as perishables stored above the 40°F threshold may be subject to significantly accelerated bacterial growth. Temperatures below 37°F risks accidentally freezing items like lettuce, milk, or eggs stored near vents. For freezers, 0°F (-18°C) is the standard for safely storing food long-term without degrading quality or promoting bacterial growth.

A new refrigerator is still working through its initial cool down so the temperature can read a bit warmer than target for the first 12 to 24 hours. That's normal, and not a sign that something is wrong. If the temperature does not become stable to the correct range after a full day, that's when it's worth double-checking the setting itself, or considering a service call.

Question 7

When can I safely start storing perishable food in a new refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

When the compartment reaches the correct temperature. For the refrigerator, that is at or below 40°F, and for the freezer, that is at or below 0°F.

Question 8

Why do new refrigerators make noise?

Accepted Answer

New refrigerators are often noisier than expected in the first few days. This is generally completely normal. Most noises noticeably settle down within the first few days to about a week, as the unit completes its initial cool down.

Question 9

What noises are normal in a new refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Humming, buzzing, clicking, gurgling, popping, cracking, mild rattling or water running are all common.

Question 10

What kind of noises are signs of trouble in a new refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Loud grinding, squealing or banging, which could indicate that a fan blade is obstructed, or a shipping bolt or bracket was not removed. Loud vibrations or extreme rattling could be a sign that the refrigerator is not level. A burning smell with an unusual noise warrants a service call.

Question 11

Is it normal for the compressor in a new refrigerator to run almost constantly at first?

Accepted Answer

Yes. A new refrigerator starts at room temperature and has a big job to do to get the entire area to the refrigerated temperature. After that the compressor is designed to run in shorter cycles to maintain the proper temperature. Also, once you have cooled items in the fridge, they act as other cold objects (technically, thermal mass) that help to hold the temperature steadily. An empty new fridge has nothing but air inside, so when the door is opened, it loses cooling faster than a filled fridge. Most of this happens during the first 12-to-24-hour cool down period.

Question 12

My refrigerator is connected to my water line to produce water on demand and ice. How do I know if my water is "hard"?

Accepted Answer

To determine whether your water is hard, you should get a home-hardness test kit. Kits range from basic test strips to titration-based kits, to full lab water analysis. Depending on the option you chose, cost may range from $4.00 to over $350.00. Your water utility company may also publish an annual water quality report with data about the hardness of your water.

By some estimates, roughly 85% of American households have water that qualifies as "hard", with local geography (especially a high amount of limestone or groundwater heavy regions) being the main driver. The softest water is generally in the Northeast and Pacific Northwest, while the hardest water is in the Southwest, Texas and Midwest.

Question 13

Does hard water impact the performance of a refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Yes, if the refrigerator is connected to a water line. Hard water minerals can form a residue on water lines and impact ice production and water dispensing. Hard water carries dissolved calcium and magnesium, which leave mineral scale behind as water passes through or evaporates. This can lead to slower water flow from the dispenser, smaller, hollow, or fewer ice cubes, cloudiness or white flakes in your water or ice, and a chalky crust on the dispenser nozzle and drip tray. Left untreated, hard water could even stop your ice maker from filling, as deposits restrict the inlet valve.

Question 14

How do you prevent hard water buildup in refrigerators that are connected to water lines?

Accepted Answer

Replace the filter on schedule, as specified in your owner’s manual. Following the recommendations on the filter will not remove hard water buildup, but it will prevent buildup from accumulating quickly.
Wipe the dispenser nozzle and drip tray regularly with white vinegar.
Check the inlet valve if ice production drops.

Question 15

Is it better to solve hard water for my whole house, rather than using single-use additives for each appliance that uses water?

Accepted Answer

A whole-house softener is the most thorough fix, but it's a major installation expense. This is generally a decision that people make for their own comfort (hard water in showers causing skin issues), rather than preventive appliance care or future investment.

Question 16

Will a new refrigerator need special electrical outlets?

Accepted Answer

Check your manual as it may recommend a dedicated, grounded outlet and no extension cords. Typically, refrigerators do not have the same hard power spike use as a range or dryer, meaning they can usually function on normal outlets. Extremely large units may vary.

Question 17

My new refrigerator was transported on its side. How long should I wait to plug it in?

Accepted Answer

Check your manual. If the manual is silent on this point, wait at least 24 hours.

Question 18

Why should I stand up a new refrigerator that was transported on its side?

Accepted Answer

A refrigerator’s compressor contains lubricating oil. When a refrigerator is tipped, some of that oil can flow out of the compressor and into the refrigerant lines. By standing it up, the oil has time to drain back to where it belongs.

Question 19

What happens if I plug in a refrigerator that was transported on its side right away?

Accepted Answer

The compressor may run without enough lubrication, and oil may partially block the cooling system. This may result in poor cooling, unusual noise, or in the worst case, compressor damage not covered under warranty.

Question 20

Should I throw out the first few batches of ice made by my new refrigerator?

Accepted Answer

Yes. It’s generally best to discard the first two or three batches, or all ice made in the first 24 hours. It’s a good precaution against trace manufacturing residue from the refrigerator, or carbon particles from the new water filter, getting into your ice.

Refrigerators and Freezers

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