A Kenmore Elite Refrigerator is a popular choice for many households due to its sleek design and efficient cooling capabilities. However, over time, you may notice that your refrigerator is not level, which can be quite annoying and even affect its overall performance. Thankfully, leveling a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator is a fairly simple process that can be done at home with a few basic tools and a little bit of patience.
Before we dive into the step-by-step guide on how to level a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator, let’s first understand why it is important to have a level refrigerator. A level refrigerator ensures that the doors seal properly, preventing cool air from escaping and warm air from entering. This helps to maintain the optimal temperature inside the refrigerator, keeping your food fresh and reducing energy consumption.
Gather the necessary tools and materials
To level your Kenmore Elite Refrigerator, you will need a few tools and materials. Here’s a list of what you will need:
1. Bubble level:
This tool will help you determine if your refrigerator is level or not. You can find a bubble level at any hardware store or online.
2. Adjustable wrench:
This will be used to adjust the leveling legs of your refrigerator.
3. Wooden shims:
Shims are thin pieces of wood that can be used to balance and stabilize the refrigerator.
Now that you have gathered all the necessary tools, let’s proceed to the step-by-step guide on how to level your Kenmore Elite Refrigerator.
Step 1: Find a suitable location
Before you can level your refrigerator, you need to find a suitable location for it. Choose a flat and stable surface where the refrigerator can stand without any wobbling or tilting. Avoid placing it near direct sources of heat or cold, such as an oven or a window.
Step 2: Check the levelness
To determine if your refrigerator is level or not, place the bubble level on top of the refrigerator. If the bubble is centered between the two lines of the level, then your refrigerator is level. However, if the bubble is more towards one side, then it is not level and needs to be adjusted.
Step 3: Adjust the leveling legs
Most Kenmore Elite Refrigerators come with adjustable leveling legs located at the bottom front corners of the appliance. To level your refrigerator, follow these steps:
1. Locate the leveling legs:
Carefully inspect the bottom front corners of your refrigerator to find the leveling legs. They are usually screw-like mechanisms that can be turned to adjust the height of the refrigerator.
2. Protect the floor:
Before you start adjusting the leveling legs, place a piece of cardboard or a towel underneath the refrigerator to protect the floor from scratches.
3. Rotate the leveling legs:
Using an adjustable wrench, turn the leveling legs clockwise or counterclockwise to raise or lower them. Make small adjustments and check the levelness after each adjustment.
4. Check the levelness:
Once you have made the necessary adjustments, place the bubble level back on top of the refrigerator to check if it is now level. Continue adjusting the leveling legs until the bubble is centered between the two lines.
Step 4: Stabilize with shims (if needed)
In some cases, even after adjusting the leveling legs, your Kenmore Elite Refrigerator may still not be perfectly level. If this is the case, you can use wooden shims to stabilize the fridge. Here’s how:
1. Tilt the refrigerator:
Carefully tilt the refrigerator forward, allowing you to place the shims underneath the front leveling legs.
2. Slide the shims:
Slide the wooden shims one by one under the leveling legs until the refrigerator is stable and level. The shims should be thick enough to provide stability but thin enough to fit comfortably.
3. Check the levelness:
Once the shims are in place, check the levelness of the refrigerator using the bubble level. Adjust the shims if needed to ensure that the bubble is centered.
Step 5: Test the door alignment
After leveling your Kenmore Elite Refrigerator, it is essential to check if the doors are aligned correctly. Open and close the refrigerator doors to ensure they seal properly and do not swing or sag. If the doors need adjustment, refer to the refrigerator’s user manual for specific instructions on how to realign them.
Conclusion
Leveling a Kenmore Elite Refrigerator is a simple yet crucial task that ensures optimal performance and energy efficiency. By following the step-by-step guide outlined above, you can easily level your refrigerator at home, without the need for professional assistance. Remember to regularly check the levelness of your refrigerator and make any necessary adjustments to maintain its performance and prolong its lifespan.