Consumer Question: Refrigerator Not Cold

Hi, Joe,

Re: Kenmore/Coldspot  Model#106-58916800 Upright Double Door freezer/refrigerator
The Refrigerator side will not get cold - it only gets cool.


What should be done to fix it?

Thanks for your help,

Robert

A: Hi, Robert,

Thanks for your note. 

Look at the back wall inside the freezer. Move the food packages. If you see any snow on that back wall it usually indicates a defrost problem. Defrost heater, terminator, timer. One of these components has failed.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Spin Cycle Doesn't Work

Hi, Joe,

I have a Sears Kemore 80 washer model 110.26882500 and the spin cycle will not work. The machine is not that old and when I tried it on the other spin cycle (non-permanent) it started to work. Now, it doesn't work on either cycle. I did see some water on the floor today. Doc, I NEED your HELP, PLEASE...before my wife stuffs me in the machine!

Thanks for your help,

Lou

A: Hi, Lou,

Thanks for your note. 

I would like to have you activate the lid switch a few times before you condemn the timer. Take a pencil and push on the lid switch several times. It is located in the hole on the top that the plunger on the lid goes into. Let me know.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Get Rid of Washing Machine Odors

Hi, Joe,

Re: Whirlpool HE High Efficiency Washing Machine, top load; model #WTW6800WW

When my wife is finished washing she leaves the lid open for the rest of the day and also props it open about an inch until the next time she washes. I just got an e-mail today about preventing odors and/or mold forming inside the machine.Whirlpool is advertising a product (Affresh). Have you heard of this product and would you suggest using it? It sells for $6.99 for 3 tablets and is recommended to be done monthly. Your opinion is and always has been welcomed in our household.

Thanks for your help,

John

A: Hi, John,

Thanks for your note. 

Isn't it a shame that you have to use a product to get rid of odors and mold in todays washing machines? I could go on forever...


Yes, the product mentioned is the manufacturer's method of solving the problem. Mine solution is to use a gallon of white vinegar in a tub full of the hottest water possible. Let it agitate for 10 minutes, sit for 24 hours, and then turn it back on to complete the cycle.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Portable Air Filter

Hi, Joe,

I live in an apartment condo built in the 60s. It is only 625 sq. ft. and not well insulated and the neighbor's cigarette smoke/order comes through the radiator in the living room and the walls. I have my window cracked open 365 days a year 24 hours a day. If I do not do this my entire condo will smell. This does not solve the problem as I still smell smoke when I am watching TV. What type of air filter is best for this? There are so many out there. I want to purchase one that handles smoke. 

Thanks for your help,

Michelle

A: Hi, Michelle,

Thanks for your note. 

I don't know much about air filtering units but I suggest you contact a cigar bar that may use them in their establishment. I know that in the past when smoking was allowed, a typical bar had these units were portable and sat right on the bar. 

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Replacing Dryer Vent Line

Hi, Joe,

My laundry room is in the front of the house and the exhaust from the electric dryer extends about 25 feet to the back of the house and vents the hot air outside. I want to replace the aluminum accordion flex line with the stove pipe as you recommended.

My question is: Do I need to get 25 feet of stove pipe to carry hot air to the back of the house to vent out? Or do I just need to get stove pipe from the back of the dryer to the wall which is only about a 2 foot clearance from back of dryer to the exhaust hole that carries the hot air to the back of the house?

Thanks for your help,

Michael

A: Hi, Michael,

Thanks for your note. 

The law says, 16 feet of solid pipe with only 2 elbows and clean it every year. With 25 feet, clean it twice a year.

I'm pleased that you were listening!

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Water in Freezer

Hi, Joe,

I have a Maytag fridge with the freezer bottom drawer. I am getting an accumulation of water inside the freezer. What is causing this? How can I fix it?

Thanks,

Michael

A: Hi, Michael,

Thanks for your note.

You have a plugged drain! During the defrost cycle the snow on the evaporator melts, drips into a drain trough and then flows down a tube into the drain pan under the refrigerator. Take the back wall off inside the freezer, find the drain hole, use a turkey baster filled with hot water to blow it through.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Freezer Repair

Hi, Joe,

I have a compact refrigerator and one side of the freezer will not work. It is not getting cold anymore. Do I need to replace this unit?

Thanks,

Billy

A: Hi, Billy,

Thanks for your note.

Your question does not give me a clear picture of what product you have. The kind and model would help. 


In general, the compressor fan motor should be checked as well as the fan motor inside the freezer. Sometimes a defective light switch will cause the light to stay on inside the product and give you a poor cooling condition. Before you send a refrigerator to the appliance graveyard you need to be sure it is not worth repairing. It might require the need of a qualified technician.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon

Consumer Question: Noisy Dryer Danger

Hi, Joe,

I have a squeaky dryer that keeps getting louder. What can I do? I sprayed belt dressing on the dryer belt, but it didn't help. It's a Frigidaire Model FER231ASO and it is about 9-10 years old. 

Thanks,

Corey

A: Hi, Corey,

Thanks for your note.

A dryer making noises is a huge fire hazard. Stop using it until it is repaired!


There are drum rollers and an idler pulley which could need replacing. The front panel comes off and then you can check these parts.

Regards,

Joe Gagnon