User Manual Whirlpool WZF79R20DW 20 cu. ft. Upright Freezer with Temperature Alarm

• User Manual - (English, French, Spanish)

• Warranty - (English)

• Energy Guide - (English)

• Dimension Guide - (English)

Table of contents

• INSTALLING YOUR FREEZER.
• OPERATING YOUR FREEZER
• CARING FOR YOUR FREEZER
• TROUBLESHOOTING
• SAFETY

User Manual Refrigeration

INSTALLING YOUR FREEZER.

Unpacking

Remove Packaging Materials

• Remove tape and glue residue from surfaces before turning on the freezer. Rub a small amount of liquid dish soap over the adhesive with your fingers. Wipe with warm water and dry
• Do not use sharp instruments, rubbing alcohol, flammable fluids, or abrasive cleaners to remove tape or glue. These products can damage the surface of your freezer. For more information, see “Safety.”

Clean Before Using

After you remove all of the packaging materials, clean the inside of your freezer before using it. See the cleaning instructions in the “Caring for Your Freezer” section.

Location Requirements

Ventilation and Clearance

• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from freezer.
• Do not cover the freezer with items such as blankets, sheets, tablecloths, etc. This reduces air circulation.
• Allow at least 3" (7.5 cm) of air space at the top and on both sides of the freezer and 1" (2.5 cm) between the back of the freezer and the wall. If the freezer is to be next to a fixed wall, leave extra space on the hinge side so the door can open wider.

Temperature

Your freezer operates most efficiently when located in an area where the temperature will not fall below 40°F (5°C). Place your freezer in a location where the temperature will not fall below this recommended temperature.

Upon Moving to Final Location

NOTE: Allow for a 3" (7.5 cm) clearance at the top and sides and a ¹⁄4" (6.4 mm) clearance between the appliances.

Electrical Requirements

Before you move your freezer into its final location, it is important to make sure you have the proper electrical connection.

Recommended Grounding Method

A 115 Volt, 60 Hz., AC-only, 15- or 20-amp fused, grounded electrical supply is required. It is recommended that a separate circuit serving only your freezer be provided. Use an outlet that cannot be turned off by a switch. Do not use an extension cord.

NOTE: Before performing any type of installation, cleaning, or removing a light bulb, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds to turn off cooling, and then disconnect the freezer from the electrical source.

Water Supply Requirements (on some models)

Gather the required tools and parts before starting installation. Read and follow the instructions provided with any tools listed here.

Tools Needed

• Flat-blade screwdriver
• 7 ⁄16" and ½" open-end or 2 adjustable wrenches
• ¼" nut driver
• ¼" drill bit
• Cordless drill

Water Pressure

A cold water supply with water pressure of between 30 and 120 psi (207 to 827 kPa) is required to operate the water dispenser and ice maker. If you have questions about your water pressure, see “Troubleshooting” or call a licensed, qualified plumber.

Reverse Osmosis Water Supply

If a reverse osmosis water filtration system is connected to your cold water supply, the water pressure to the system needs to be a minimum of 40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa). If the water pressure to the reverse osmosis system is less than 40 to 60 psi (276 to 414 kPa), a booster pump can be inserted into the small tubing that goes from the cold water line to the reverse osmosis system.

If the water dispenser is still not dispensing water properly:

• Check to see whether the sediment filter in the reverse osmosis system is blocked. Replace the filter if necessary.
• Allow the storage tank on the reverse osmosis system to refill after heavy usage.
• If your refrigerator has a water filter, it may further reduce the water pressure when used in conjunction with a reverse osmosis system. Remove the water filter.

If you have questions about your water pressure, refer to “Troubleshooting” or call a licensed, qualified plumber.

Connect the Water Supply (on some models)

Connect to Water Line

1. Unplug freezer or disconnect power.

2. Turn off main water supply. Turn on nearest faucet long enough to clear line of water.

3. Locate a ½" to 1¼" (12.7 mm to 3.18 cm) vertical cold water pipe near the freezer.

4. Determine the length of plastic tubing you need. Measure from the connection on the lower-left rear of freezer to the water pipe. Add 7 ft (2.1 m) to allow for cleaning. Use ¼" (6.35 mm) O.D. (outside diameter) plastic tubing. Be sure both ends of plastic tubing are cut square.

5. Using a cordless drill, drill a ¼" (6.35 mm) hole in the cold water pipe you have selected.

A. Cold water pipe

B. Pipe clamp

C. Plastic tubing

D. Compression nut

E. Compression sleeve

F. Shut-off valve

G. Packing nut

6. Fasten the shut-off valve to the cold water pipe with the pipe clamp. Be sure the outlet end is solidly in the ¼" (6.35 mm) drilled hole in the water pipe and that the washer is under the pipe clamp. Tighten the packing nut. Tighten the pipe clamp screws slowly and evenly so washer makes a watertight seal. Do not overtighten or you may crush the plastic tubing.

7. Slip the compression sleeve and compression nut on the plastic tubing as shown. Insert the end of the tubing into the outlet end squarely as far as it will go. Screw compression nut onto outlet end with adjustable wrench. Do not overtighten.

8. Place the free end of the tubing in a container or sink and turn on the main water supply. Flush the tubing until water is clear. Turn off the shut-off valve on the water pipe. Coil the plastic tubing.

Connect to Freezer

1. Attach the plastic tube to the valve inlet using a compression nut and sleeve as shown. Tighten the compression nut. Do not overtighten.

2. Use the tube clamp on the back of the freezer to fasten the tubing to the freezer as shown. This will help avoid damage to the tubing when the freezer is pushed back against the wall.

3. Turn shut-off valve on.

4. Check for leaks. Tighten any connections (including connections at the valve) or nuts that leak.

A. Tube clamp

B. Tube clamp screw

C. Plastic tubing

D. Compression nut

E. Valve inlet

5. The ice maker is equipped with a built-in water strainer. If your water conditions require a second water strainer, install it in the ¹⁄4" (6.35 mm) water line at either tube connection. Obtain a water strainer from your nearest appliance dealer.

6. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet

Remove and Replace the Handle

To Remove the Handle:

1. Loosen the setscrews located on the side of handle at each end. See “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” graphic.

2. Remove the handle from the grommets.

To Replace the Handle:

1. Place the handle onto the grommets making sure the grommets are fitted into the handle holes.

2. Tighten the upper and lower setscrews with the hex key provided. See “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” graphic. Do not overtighten the setscrews.

Freezer Door

Tools Needed: 5 ⁄16" hex-head socket wrench, ³⁄8" hex-head socket wrench, flat 2" putty knife.

Remove Door and Hinges

1. Unplug freezer or disconnect power.

2. Keep the freezer door closed until you are ready to lift it free from the cabinet.

NOTE: Provide additional support for the door while he hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the door in place while you are working.

3. Remove the parts for the top hinge as shown in Top Hinge graphic in the “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” section.

4. Lift the freezer door free from the lower hinge and cabinet and set aside.

5. Remove the 4 hex-head hinge screws and bottom hinge assembly. See Bottom Hinge graphic in the “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” section.

Reverse Door (optional on some models)

Cabinet

1. Remove the cabinet hinge hole plugs from the cabinet top and move them to the opposite side hinge holes as shown in Graphic 2 in “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” section.

2. Remove the bottom hinge pin from the hinge bracket.

3. Remove the decals covering the holes on the opposite side of the bottom hinge.

4. Reinstall the bottom hinge pin in the alternate hole in the hinge bracket. See Graphic 3 in “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” section.

5. Reinstall the hinge bracket to the cabinet with the 4 hex-head hinge screws.

Door

1. Remove the hinge thimble hole plug from the top of the door.

2. Remove the door stop from the bottom of the door.

3. Move the door stop to the opposite side, making sure that the hole in the door stop plate is aligned perfectly with the hole in the door for the bottom hinge pin.

4. Using the screws removed in Step 2, fasten the door stop bracket to the bottom of the door.

5. Tighten all screws. Set aside the door until the bottom hinge is in place

Replace Door and Hinges

1. Replace the parts for the bottom hinge as shown and tighten screws. See Bottom Hinge graphic. Replace the freezer door.

NOTE: Provide additional support for the door while the hinges are being moved. Do not depend on the door magnets to hold the door in place while you are working.

2. Assemble the parts of the top hinge as shown in the Top Hinge graphic in the “Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal” section. Do not tighten the screws completely.

Final Steps

1. Check all holes to make sure that hole plugs and screws are in place. Reinstall top hinge cover. See Top Hinge graphic.

2. Using the provided decals, cover the remaining holes located on the opposite side from the bottom hinge.

3. Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.

4. Reset the control. See “Using the Control.”

5. Return all removable door parts to door and food to freezer.

Door Removal & Replacement

Door Swing Reversal and Handle Removal (optional)

Freezer Leveling and Door Closing

Style 1—without Grille

1. Locate the 2 front leveling legs taped among the packing materials.

2. Screw these legs into the front holes on the bottom of the freezer. The back of the freezer rests on 2 fixed supports.

3. Adjust the front legs enough to lift the cabinet up off the floor.

4. Place a leveling tool on top of the freezer first side to side, then front to back. Turn leg counterclockwise to raise a corner. Turn leg clockwise to lower a corner.

5. Repeat Step 4 until freezer is level.

6. After freezer is fully loaded with food, recheck with level as in Step 4.

Style 2—with Grille

Your freezer has 2 front adjustable legs — one on each side. The back of the freezer rests on 2 fixed rollers. The base grille covers the adjustable brake feet and roller assemblies located at the bottom of the freezer below the freezer door. Before making any adjustments, remove the base grille and move the freezer to its final location

Tools Needed: ¹⁄4" hex driver, Phillips head screwdriver

1. Remove the base grille screws. Grasp the grille firmly and pull it toward you. Open the freezer door to access the brake feet.

NOTE: To allow the freezer to roll more easily, raise the brake feet by turning them counterclockwise. The front rollers will be touching the floor.

2. Move the freezer to its final location

3. Lower the brake feet, by turning them clockwise, until the rollers are off the floor and both brake feet are snug against the floor. This keeps the freezer from rolling forward when you are opening the freezer door.

4. Make sure the door closes easily. If you are satisfied with the door opening and closing, skip the next section. If, however, the door does not close easily or the door pops open, adjust the tilt.

To Adjust the Cabinet Tilt:

NOTE: Having someone push against the top of the freezer takes some weight off the brake feet. This makes it easier to turn them. Open the freezer door. Use a ¼" hex driver to turn both brake feet clockwise the same amount. This will raise the front of the freezer. It may take several turns to allow the door to close more easily

A. Brake foot

B. Front roller

5. Make sure the freezer is steady. If the freezer seems unsteady or rolls forward when the door is pulled open, adjust the brake feet

To Steady the Refrigerator:

• Open the freezer door. Using a ¹⁄4" hex driver, turn both brake feet clockwise the same amount until the brake feet are snug against the floor. Check again. If not satisfied, continue to adjust the brake feet by half turns of the screw until the freezer does not roll forward when the door is opened.

6. Replace the base grille by aligning the ends of the grille with the leveling assemblies on each side and snapping the grille into place. Reinstall the Phillips screws.

OPERATING YOUR FREEZER

Ensuring Proper Air Circulation

In order to ensure proper temperature, you need to permit proper airflow in the freezer. As shown in the illustration, cool air enters from the freezer wall and moves down. The air then recirculates through the vent near the bottom. Do not block any of these vents with food packages. If the vents are blocked, airflow will be restricted and temperature and moisture problems may occur

Using the Control

The temperature control is located at the top front of the freezer compartment.

Temperature Control

For your convenience, the temperature control is preset at the factory. When you first install your freezer, check that the control is still set to the recommended setting as shown.

Adjusting Control

If you need to adjust the temperature in the freezer compartment, press TEMP SETTING to display the desired temperature setting from the snowflake on the left (least cold) to the snowflake on the right (coldest)

Cooling On/Off

Your freezer will not cool when cooling is turned off. To turn cooling off, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds. In the Off condition, none of the lights on the control panel will be illuminated. The main freezer light bulb will still operate. To turn cooling on, press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds. When cooling is On, the control panel lights will be illuminated.

Fast Freeze

Use this feature before adding large amounts of unfrozen food. For the best food quality, do not exceed 3 lbs (1,361 g) per cu. ft (28.32 L) of freezer space. To activate Fast Freeze, press TEMP SETTING until all the snowflake positions are illuminated simultaneously. The freezer will remain in the Fast Freeze setting for 24 hours after the extra-low temperature is reached. Once the time has expired, the freezer will return to the previous temperature setting. Fast Freeze may be manually turned off by pressing TEMP SETTING to select the desired temperature setting from the snowflake on the left (least cold) to the snowflake on the right (coldest)

Over Temperature Alert (on some models)

The Over Temperature Alert lets you know if the freezer temperature has risen to 19°F (-7°C) or higher. This alert feature will sound a continuous alert tone and repeatedly flash a red light on the control panel. The tone can be turned off by pressing TEMP SETTING on the control panel once. As you press TEMP SETTING, the red light will then also change from flashing to continuously illuminated. The red light will remain illuminated until the freezer temperature falls below 19°F (-7°C)

Door Ajar Alarm (on some models)

The Door Ajar alarm lets you know when the freezer door has been open for 5 minutes or longer and the cooling is turned on. This alarm feature will sound an alert tone that will repeat every 2 minutes. Close the door to turn off the tone. The feature is reset and will reactivate when the door is again left open for 5 minutes.

Key Eject Lock (on some models)

To lock or unlock the freezer, you must hold the key in the lock while turning. The lock is spring loaded, so the key cannot be left in the lock. If the key is lost, contact your dealer for a replacement. Always give the model and serial number of your freezer when requesting a replacement key.

Ice Maker (on some models)

To Turn the Ice Maker On/Off

• To turn the ice maker on, simply lower the wire shut-off arm.
• To manually turn the ice maker off, lift the wire shut-off arm to the Off (arm up) position and listen for the click to make sure the ice maker will not continue to operate.

Ice Production Rate

The ice maker should produce approximately 7 to 9 batches of ice in a 24-hour period. If ice is not being made fast enough, press TEMP SETTING to display the next colder setting. Wait 24 hours and, if necessary, set the temperature control to the highest setting, waiting 24 hours between each increase.

Remember

• Allow 24 hours to produce the first batch of ice. Discard the first three batches of ice produced.
• The quality of your ice will be only as good as the quality of the water supplied to your ice maker. Avoid connecting the ice maker to a softened water supply. Water softener chemicals (such as salt) can damage parts of the ice maker and lead to poor quality ice. If a softened water supply cannot be avoided, make sure the water softener is operating properly and is well maintained
• Do not store anything on top of the ice maker or in the ice storage bin.

Freezer Features

Door Bin

To Remove and Replace the Bin:

1. Remove the bin by tipping the front of the bin forward and sliding out.

2. Replace the bin by sliding it in above the desired support, tilting it back into place.

Storage Basket (on some models)

The slide-out basket provides separate storage space for items that are difficult to store on freezer shelves. To remove the basket, pull out and lift up.

Storage Gate (on some models)

To Remove the Storage Gate:

1. Lift up the top of the gate and out of the supports.

2. Return the gate to original position. Lower the gate into the supports.

Freezer Shelves

Store similar foods together and adjust the shelves to fit different heights. This reduces the time the freezer door is open and saves energy. To Remove and Replace a Shelf: 1. Remove the shelf by lifting straight up and pulling the shelf out. 2. Replace the shelf by lowering the shelf onto the supports on the side wall.

To Remove and Replace a Shelf:

1. Remove the shelf by lifting straight up and pulling the shelf out.

2. Replace the shelf by lowering the shelf onto the supports on the side wall.

CARING FOR YOUR FREEZER

Cleaning Your Frost-Free Freezer

Frost-free means that you will not have to defrost your freezer. Frost is removed by air moving and collecting any moisture and depositing it on the cooling coil. The cooling coil periodically warms up enough to melt the frost, and it then flows down to the drain pan (located behind the base grille) where it is evaporated. Complete cleaning should be done at least once a year.

1. Press and hold TEMP SETTING for 3 seconds to turn off cooling.

2. Unplug freezer or disconnect power.

3. Remove all frozen food. Wrap frozen food in several layers of newspaper and cover with a blanket. Food will stay frozen for several hours. You may also store frozen food in a cooler, additional refrigerator-freezer, or in a cool area.

4. Remove all removable parts from inside, such as shelves, bins, etc.

5. Hand wash, rinse, and dry removable parts and interior surfaces thoroughly. Use a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water.

■ Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners such as window sprays, scouring cleansers, flammable fluids, cleaning waxes, concentrated detergents, bleaches or cleansers containing petroleum products on plastic parts, interior and door liners, or gaskets. Do not use paper towels, scouring pads, or other harsh cleaning tools. These can scratch or damage materials.

■ To help remove odors, you can wash interior walls with a mixture of warm water and baking soda (2 tbs to 1 qt [26 g to 0.95 L] of water).

6. Replace the removable parts.

7. Use the appropriate cleaning method for your exterior finish. Painted metal: Wash exteriors with a clean sponge or soft cloth and a mild detergent in warm water. Do not use abrasive or harsh cleaners or cleaners designed for stainless steel. Dry thoroughly with a soft cloth.

8. Clean the condenser coils regularly. Coils may need to be cleaned as often as every other month. This may help save energy.

■ Open the freezer door and remove the base grille by removing 2 Phillips-head screws and pulling the grille toward you.

■ Use a vacuum with an extended attachment to clean the condenser coils when they are dusty or dirty.

■ Replace the base grille by aligning the ends of the grille with the leveling assemblies on each side and snapping the grille into place. Reinstall the screws.

9. Replace all frozen food.

10. Plug in freezer or reconnect power.

11. Set temperature control to desired setting. See “Using the Control.

Changing the Light Bulb

1. Unplug freezer or disconnect power.

2. Remove the light shield by squeezing the lens from the sides, pushing back and pulling down.

3. Replace bulb with a 40-watt maximum appliance bulb or an LED rated for wet/damp locations.

4. Replace the light shield.

5. Plug in freezer or reconnect power.

Power Interruptions

If the power will be out for 24 hours or less, keep the door closed to help food stay cold and frozen. If the power will be out for more than 24 hours, do one of the following:

■ Remove all frozen food and store it in a frozen food locker.

■ If a food locker is not available, consume or can perishable food at once.

REMEMBER: A full freezer stays cold longer than a partially filled one. A freezer full of meat stays cold longer than a freezer full of baked goods. If you see that food contains ice crystals, it may be refrozen, although the quality and flavor may be affected. If the condition of the food is poor, dispose of it.

Moving Care

When you are moving your freezer to a new home, follow these steps to prepare it for the move:

1. Remove all frozen food.

2. Unplug the freezer.

3. Take out all removable parts, wrap them well, and tape them together so they don’t shift and rattle during the move.

4. Clean the freezer thoroughly.

5. Tape the freezer shut and tape the electrical cord to the cabinet.

When you get to your new home, refer to the “Installing Your Freezer” and “Operating Your Freezer” sections for information on installation and setting the controls.

TROUBLESHOOTING

Freezer Operation

Ice Production

Ice Quality

SAFETY

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire, electric shock, or injury when using your refrigerator, follow these basic precautions:

• Plug into a grounded 3 prong outlet.
• Do not remove ground prong.
• Do not use an adapter.
• Do not use an extension cord.
• Disconnect power before servicing.
• Replace all parts and panels before operating.
• Remove doors from your old refrigerator.
• Connect to a potable water supply only.
• Use nonflammable cleaner.
• Keep flammable materials and vapors, such as gasoline, away from refrigerator.
• Use two or more people to move and install refrigerator
• Disconnect power before installing ice maker (on ice maker kit ready models only).
• Use a sturdy glass when dispensing ice (on some models).
• Do not hit the refrigerator glass doors (on some models).
• This appliance is not intended for use by persons (including children) with reduced physical, sensory or mental capabilities, or lack of experience and knowledge, unless they have been given supervision or instruction concerning use of the appliance by a person responsible for their safety.
• Children should be supervised to ensure that they do not play with the appliance.