If you have a Kenmore freezer, you might have heard a fan running inside the freezer compartment. This fan is called the evaporator fan, and it’s responsible for blowing cold air across the evaporator coils and circulating it through the freezer. The evaporator fan helps to keep your food frozen and prevent frost buildup on the walls and shelves. In this post, we’ll show you how to test the evaporator fan in your Kenmore freezer and how to replace it if it’s not working properly.
Why You Need To Test And Replace The Evaporator Fan In Your Kenmore Freezer
Testing and replacing the evaporator fan in your Kenmore freezer can have several benefits, such as:
- Improving the cooling performance and efficiency of your freezer
- Preventing food spoilage and waste
- Reducing noise and vibration
- Extending the lifespan of your freezer
If the evaporator fan is faulty or damaged, it can cause several problems or issues with your freezer, such as:
- The freezer is not cold enough or running for longer than normal
- There is frost buildup or ice crystals on the walls, shelves or food in the freezer
- There is water leaking from under or around the freezer door
- The freezer is making loud or unusual noises
How To Test The Evaporator Fan In Your Kenmore Freezer
Testing the evaporator fan in your Kenmore freezer is not a difficult task, but it may require some time and tools. Here are some steps to follow:
- Unplug your freezer from the power source or turn off the circuit breaker for safety.
- Open the freezer door and remove any food or items from inside.
- Locate the evaporator fan behind the interior rear panel of the freezer, which many call the evaporator fan cover. You may need a screwdriver or a nut driver to remove the screws or clips that hold the panel in place.
- Check the fan blades for any signs of damage or obstruction. If they are bent, broken or hitting something, you may need to replace them or clear the obstruction.
- Check if there is any ice buildup around the fan. If there is, you may need to defrost your freezer manually by unplugging it and letting it sit for several hours, or by using a hair dryer or hot water to melt the ice. Be careful not to damage any wires or components with heat or water.
- Test the fan motor by turning it by hand. It should spin freely and smoothly. If it doesn’t, you may need to replace it.
- Test the fan motor with a multimeter or a continuity tester. Set your multimeter to ohms and touch the probes to the terminals of the motor. You should get a reading between 0 and 50 ohms. If you get no reading or an infinite reading, the motor is defective and needs to be replaced.
How To Replace The Evaporator Fan In Your Kenmore Freezer
Replacing the evaporator fan in your Kenmore freezer is not a difficult task, but it may require some time and tools. Here are some steps to follow:
- Unplug your freezer from the power source or turn off the circuit breaker for safety.
- Open the freezer door and remove any food or items from inside.
- Locate and remove the evaporator fan cover as described in the previous section.
- Unplug the wires from the evaporator fan motor. You may need to use needle-nose pliers to pull them out gently.
- Remove the mounting bolts or screws that hold the evaporator fan motor in place. You may need a screwdriver or a nut driver to do this.
- Pull out the old evaporator fan motor from the freezer. Be careful not to damage any wires or components.
- Install the new evaporator fan motor by reversing these steps. Make sure to align it properly and secure it with the mounting bolts or screws.
- Plug in the wires to the new evaporator fan motor. Make sure they are connected correctly and firmly.
- Replace the evaporator fan cover and secure it with the screws or clips.
- Put back any food or items in your freezer.
- Plug in your freezer or turn on the circuit breaker and wait for 24 hours for the temperature to stabilize.
FAQs About Testing And Replacing The Evaporator Fan In Your Kenmore Freezer
Here are some frequently asked questions about testing and replacing the evaporator fan in your Kenmore freezer and their answers:
Q: How do I know if I need to test or replace my evaporator fan?
A: Some signs that you may need to test or replace your evaporator fan are:
- The freezer is not cold enough or running for longer than normal
- There is frost buildup or ice crystals on the walls, shelves or food in the freezer
- There is water leaking from under or around the freezer door
- The freezer is making loud or unusual noises
Q: How often should I test or replace my evaporator fan?
A: There is no definitive answer to how often you should test or replace your evaporator fan, as it depends on several factors such as how often you use your freezer, how well you maintain it, and how old it is. However, a general rule of thumb is to test it once a year and replace it every 5 to 10 years, or whenever you notice any signs of damage or wear.
Q: Where can I find a replacement evaporator fan for my Kenmore freezer?
A: You can find a replacement evaporator fan for your Kenmore freezer online or at your local appliance parts store. You will need to know the model number of your freezer, which can be found on a label inside the freezer door or on the back of the freezer. You can also use the part number of the fan, which can be found on the fan itself or in the owner’s manual.
Conclusion
Your evaporator fan is an important part of your Kenmore freezer that helps to blow cold air across the evaporator coils and circulate it through the freezer. The evaporator fan helps to keep your food frozen and prevent frost buildup on the walls and shelves. If your evaporator fan is faulty or damaged, you should test it and replace it as soon as possible to avoid any problems or issues with your freezer. In this post, we showed you how to test the evaporator fan in your Kenmore freezer and how to replace it if it’s not working properly.
