Ice Maker Kits

If your refrigerator only comes with ice cube trays, but you just can't seem to keep them filled, consider purchasing an ice maker kit. Additional water hoses are available if needed. You'll be able to enjoy chilled beverages at all times without the hassle of filling up ice cube trays.

• An ice maker kit requires the installation of an additional waterline by a qualified individual

Installation Tips and Guidelines

Before you confirm the delivery, verify your size and space requirements; the last thing you want is for your new refrigerator to be too big for the space. Also, consider what you will do with your old refrigerator. Will you use it as a backup appliance in the garage or basement, or do you need to have it hauled away? What you decide determines the type of delivery service that you'll require. Allow the following tips and guidelines to prepare you for a successful installation.

Prepare Your Home:

• Walk through your home to inspect the path that will be traveled during delivery
• Make sure doorways are wide enough, and that there are no other "roadblocks"
• Ask your sales associate about a "Walk the Path" tape measure kit to help you
• For top-mount or bottom-mount refrigerators, inspect the refrigerator location to decide which way the doors should swing
• If a water supply will be connected, make sure there is (1) a shut-off valve close by and on the same level of your house, and (2) a valve or copper tubing at the connection point. A water supply with water pressure between 30 and 120 psi (207 and 827 kPa) is required to operate the water dispenser and ice maker. You can check for adequate water pressure and flow. If you already have a refrigerator installed which has a water dispenser, you should be able to dispense about 3 to 6 ounces of water in about 5 seconds from your dispenser. -- contact a certified plumber if your water supply does not meet these conditions
• It is recommended you use a 1/4" saddle valve that requires a drilled hole. Self-piercing and 3/16" valves are not recommended because they clog more often. Check your local plumbing codes for specific recommendations in your area
• If the water is supplied through a reverse osmosis filtration system, water flow/pressure to the refrigerator may be reduced (Make sure you check for adequate water pressure before delivery and installation)
• Delivery teams and Sears Appliance Service Technicians DO NOT install or replace water lines in the home; they only complete connections using approved tubing or hoses

• Ensure the water is connected (if applicable) according to instructions in the Use and Care Guide
• Once the water is connected, open the water valve
• If you have an ice maker but do not have water connected, turn the ice maker off by raising the wire shutoff arm or sliding the ice maker ON/OFF switch to the right (OFF) position -- otherwise, the ice maker will make a buzzing sound when it tries to run without water
• Make sure refrigerator is level from left to right and tilt it back slightly to ensure the doors will close when released, also ensure that all four leveling legs contact the floor to support and stabilize the full weight of the refrigerator
• Refrigerators not leveled properly could have door swing problems or noise issues -- for the best alignment; make adjustments after putting food in the doors

• After installation; wait 24 hours for the refrigerator to reach the recommended temperature setting
• If you feel like you need to change the temperature setting, adjust the control only one-half setting or one degree at a time and wait 24 hours between adjustments
• Your new refrigerator may run up to 80% of the time, noticeably more than your old one -- even though it runs more, it actually uses less energy because of its energy-efficient design
• It takes about 12 hours for the freezer to get cold enough to make ice
• Ice cubes are made about every 2 hours, averaging up to 48 hours to fill the storage bin
• To turn the ice maker ON, place the wire shut off arm in the down position or slide the ice maker ON/OFF switch to the left (ON) position
• Your new refrigerator may have some different sounds than your old model. Here are some normal sounds you may hear from your refrigerator. Keep in mind that hard surfaces, such as the floor, walls and cabinets, can make these sounds even louder. A rattling or vibrating sound may result due to the flow of refrigerant through the cooling system or the flow of water through the water line. A dripping sound may be heard as the refrigerator is in the defrost cycle. That dripping is the result of water running into the drain pan in the back of the freezer compartment. A sizzling or hissing sound may also be heard during the defrost cycle. That sound is due to water dripping on the defrost heater as it runs into the drain pan. A pulsating or high-pitched sound may come from the compressor or fans as they adjust to optimize performance. This may be different from the steady speed motors and fans you are used to on your old model. If your refrigerator has an ice maker, the water line may make a thumping or hammering sound as well as a running water sound as the ice maker takes water during a fill cycle. It's possible the water supply line could be banging against the wall or back of the product as it moves during the fill cycle. If this sound seems excessive, check the supply line behind the refrigerator. A gurgling sound may be heard as the refrigerator shuts off after a cooling cycle. This is due to the refrigerant flowing through the tubing in the cooling system. A gurgling sound may also be heard when opening or closing the refrigerator or freezer door due to water equalizing in the drain pan as air is forced through the tube. A popping or cracking sound may result from the contraction and expansion of the inside walls of the refrigerator. This is likely to occur only when the refrigerator cools down for the first time or defrosts
• If you have water filtration, replace the water filter cartridge every 6 months or as indicated by the filter indicator light. You can buy replacement cartridges at a Sears store or online

Water Filters

Various filters can remove asbestos, mercury, lindane, atrazine, chlorine, cysts and other particulates from the water. You should change filters regularly. Adherence to the filter's lifespan will improve the clarity, taste and odor of your water and ice. Consider filters that are tested and certified by NSF International.

• Various refrigerators may only accept one specific type of filter
• Check to see if the filter is easily accessible
• Some models will tell you when it is time to change the filter