How To Convert A Whirlpool Freezer To A Fridge And What To Consider

The good news is that it is possible to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge with some simple steps and a new thermostat. The bad news is that it may not work for all models and it may affect the performance and warranty of your appliance. In this post, we will show you how to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge and what to consider before doing it.

To convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge, you need to turn off and unplug your freezer, remove the existing thermostat, connect a new fridge thermostat, and turn on your fridge. You also need to consider the energy efficiency, defrost function, temperature control, and warranty of your appliance.

How To Convert A Whirlpool Freezer To A Fridge

Converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge is not a very complicated process, but it does require some basic tools and skills. You also need to buy a new refrigerator thermostat that is compatible with your freezer model. You can find them online or at appliance stores for around $30 or less. Here are the steps to follow:

Step 1: Turn Off And Unplug Your Freezer

Before you start working on your freezer, you need to make sure there is no power going into it. You will be dealing with some electrical wires and you don’t want to risk getting shocked or causing a short circuit. Turn off your freezer and unplug it from the wall outlet. You should also empty your freezer of any food items and store them in another place.

Step 2: Remove The Existing Thermostat

The thermostat is the device that regulates the temperature inside your freezer. It tells the compressor when to turn on and off to maintain the desired level of coldness. To convert your freezer to a fridge, you need to replace the freezer thermostat with a fridge thermostat that has a higher temperature range.

The thermostat is usually located at the back of the freezer, behind a panel or cover. You may need to unscrew or unclip the panel or cover to access it. Once you find it, take a picture of it with your phone or camera. You want to remember how the wires are connected so you can replicate it with the new thermostat.

Carefully disconnect the wires from the old thermostat and remove it from its mounting bracket or clips. You can keep the old thermostat in case you want to revert back to a freezer later or sell it online or to an appliance store.

Step 3: Connect The New Fridge Thermostat

Using the picture you took as a reference, connect the wires from the new fridge thermostat to the same terminals as the old one. Make sure they are secure and not touching each other or any metal parts. You may need to use wire nuts or electrical tape to insulate them.

Mount the new thermostat in the same place as the old one using the same bracket or clips. Make sure it is not loose or dangling inside the freezer. You may need to drill some holes or use some adhesive tape to secure it.

Step 4: Turn On Your Fridge

Plug in your freezer and turn it on. Set the new thermostat to the desired temperature for your fridge. It may take some time for the temperature inside the freezer to adjust to the new setting. You can use a thermometer to check if it is within the normal range for a fridge (between 35°F and 40°F).

You can now load your food items into your new fridge and enjoy more space for your fresh produce and beverages.

What To Consider Before Converting A Whirlpool Freezer To A Fridge

While converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge may seem like an easy and convenient solution for your kitchen needs, there are some drawbacks and risks involved that you should be aware of before doing it. Here are some things to consider:

• Energy efficiency: Freezers are designed to operate at lower temperatures than fridges, which means they have thicker insulation and more powerful compressors. By raising the temperature inside a freezer, you may reduce its energy consumption, but you may also compromise its efficiency and performance. The compressor may not run as often or as long as it should, which may affect its lifespan and reliability.
• Defrost function: Most freezers have an automatic defrost function that prevents ice buildup on the evaporator coils and walls of the freezer. This function works by periodically heating up the coils and melting any ice that forms on them. However, this function may not work properly or at all when the freezer is converted to a fridge. The temperature inside the fridge may not be low enough to trigger the defrost cycle, or the heating element may not be powerful enough to melt the ice. This may lead to ice accumulation and reduced cooling capacity.
• Temperature control: Freezers have a narrower temperature range than fridges, which means they have less flexibility and accuracy in maintaining the desired temperature. By converting a freezer to a fridge, you may not be able to achieve the optimal temperature for your food items, especially if you have a lot of them or if you open the door frequently. You may also experience temperature fluctuations and variations within the fridge, which may affect the quality and safety of your food.
• Warranty: Converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge may void your warranty and make you ineligible for any repairs or replacements from the manufacturer or the seller. This means that if anything goes wrong with your appliance, you will have to pay for it yourself or buy a new one. You may also lose any consumer protection or rights that you may have under the law.

FAQs

Q: Can I convert any Whirlpool freezer to a fridge?

A: Not necessarily. Some Whirlpool freezers may not be compatible with a fridge thermostat or may have other features that prevent them from being converted to a fridge. For example, some models have digital controls or sensors that may not work with a manual thermostat. You should check your freezer model and specifications before attempting to convert it.

Q: Can I convert a Whirlpool fridge/freezer combo to a fridge only?

A: No. A Whirlpool fridge/freezer combo is a single appliance that has two separate compartments for cooling and freezing. You cannot convert one compartment to another without affecting the whole appliance. If you want more fridge space and less freezer space, you should buy a separate freezer and use it as a fridge.

Q: How much does it cost to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge?

A: The main cost of converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge is buying a new refrigerator thermostat, which can range from $10 to $50 depending on the brand and model. You may also need some basic tools and materials, such as a screwdriver, wire nuts, electrical tape, etc. The total cost should not exceed $100.

Conclusion

Converting a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge is a possible DIY project that can give you more fridge space and less freezer space in your kitchen. However, it is not without its drawbacks and risks, such as reduced energy efficiency, defrost function, temperature control, and warranty. You should weigh the pros and cons carefully before deciding to do it.

We hope this post has helped you understand how to convert a Whirlpool freezer to a fridge and what to consider before doing it. If you have any questions or comments, feel free to leave them below. And don’t forget to check out our other posts on kitchen appliances and food safety at PressToCook.com!