This document describes the Epic 7.5 cu.ft. Top Mount Refrigerator/Freezer, model ER82W, an appliance designed for household use.
Function Description
The Epic ER82W is a top-mount refrigerator-freezer combination, providing both refrigerated and frozen storage. It is designed to keep food fresh and frozen, with separate compartments for each function. The appliance features a reversible door, allowing for flexible placement in various kitchen layouts. The refrigerator compartment includes shelves, a vegetable crisper, and door rails for organized storage. The freezer compartment also has shelves for frozen items. The temperature for both compartments can be adjusted via a thermostat control knob located in the refrigerator compartment.
Important Technical Specifications
- Capacity: 7.5 cubic feet (cu.ft.) total. The manual does not specify individual capacities for the refrigerator and freezer compartments, but it is a top-mount configuration.
- Refrigerant: The appliance uses R600a refrigerant, which is an isobutene-based, environmentally friendly, and flammable gas. This is a critical safety specification, requiring careful handling and ventilation.
- Electrical Requirements: The refrigerator operates on a standard 115/120 Volt A.C., 60Hz electrical outlet with a three-prong plug. It is recommended to plug the appliance into a dedicated, properly installed, ground-fault protected (GFCI) wall outlet. The use of extension cords or adapters is strongly discouraged.
- Temperature Control: The refrigerator temperature is controlled by a thermostat knob with settings from "0" (off) to "7" (coldest). The freezer temperature is indirectly controlled by the refrigerator thermostat.
- Dimensions: While specific dimensions are not provided in the text, the diagrams show a standard top-mount configuration.
- Weight: Not specified in the manual.
- Energy Efficiency: Not explicitly stated, but proper installation and usage, such as avoiding frequent door openings and maintaining appropriate temperature settings, contribute to energy efficiency.
Usage Features
- Temperature Adjustment: The thermostat control knob in the refrigerator compartment allows users to set the desired coldness. Setting "0" turns the appliance off, while "7" provides the coldest setting. For optimal food preservation, a setting between "3" and "5" is generally recommended. Adjustments should be made gradually, allowing 3 to 5 minutes for the compressor to restart and several hours for the temperature to stabilize.
- Food Storage:
- Refrigerator Compartment: Designed for storing fresh foods. It includes door rails for bottles and smaller items, shelves for general food storage, and a vegetable crisper for fruits and vegetables. Proper arrangement of food, allowing for air circulation, is advised.
- Freezer Compartment: Intended for long-term storage of frozen food. It is recommended to freeze fresh food quickly after purchase.
- Defrosting:
- Refrigerator Compartment: The refrigerator compartment is designed to defrost automatically. Water from defrosting is collected and evaporated.
- Freezer Compartment: The freezer compartment requires manual defrosting. It is recommended to defrost when the ice/frost layer is ¼" thick or every 3 months. To defrost, remove all contents, turn the thermostat to "0", leave the freezer door open, and place towels to absorb meltwater. Avoid using hot water or electric heating devices to speed up defrosting, as this can damage the appliance.
- Interior Light: The refrigerator is equipped with an interior light. The manual provides instructions for replacing the light bulb, which involves removing the light bulb cover and unscrewing the old bulb.
- Reversible Door: A key feature allowing the user to change the door swing direction (left or right-hand opening) to suit their kitchen layout. Detailed instructions with diagrams are provided for this process, which involves disassembling and reassembling various door components and hinges.
- Leveling Legs: The appliance has leveling legs to ensure it stands stable and level on uneven surfaces. This is crucial for proper operation and door alignment.
Maintenance Features
- Cleaning:
- Interior: The interior should be cleaned regularly with a solution of lukewarm water and baking soda (about 2 tablespoons per quart of water). Avoid harsh chemicals, abrasive cleaners, or strong detergents.
- Exterior: The exterior can be cleaned with a mild detergent and warm water, then wiped dry with a soft cloth.
- Door Gasket: The door gasket should be cleaned regularly to ensure a tight seal, which is important for energy efficiency.
- Condenser Coils: The condenser coils, located at the back of the refrigerator, should be cleaned periodically (at least every 3 months) to remove dust and debris, as this improves efficiency and extends the appliance's lifespan.
- Vacation Tips:
- Short Vacations: For vacations of less than three weeks, the refrigerator can be left operating.
- Long Vacations: For longer periods, it is recommended to remove all food, unplug the power cord, clean the interior thoroughly, and leave the door open slightly to prevent odors and mold growth.
- Moving the Refrigerator: When moving the appliance, turn off the thermostat, remove all food, secure loose items inside, and tape the doors shut. The refrigerator should be kept in an upright position during transportation.
- Energy Saving Tips:
- Locate the refrigerator in the coolest area of the room, away from heat-producing appliances or direct sunlight.
- Avoid overloading the refrigerator, as this forces the compressor to run longer.
- Allow hot foods to cool to room temperature before placing them in the refrigerator.
- Open the door only as necessary and close it promptly.
- Organize and label food to reduce door openings and extended searches.
- Ensure the door gasket is clean and sealing properly.
- Troubleshooting: The manual includes a comprehensive troubleshooting guide to help users identify and resolve common issues such as the refrigerator not operating, compressor running too frequently, temperature issues, and unusual noises. It provides possible causes and solutions for each problem.
- Warranty: The product comes with a 1-year limited warranty, covering repair or replacement for defects in materials or workmanship. The warranty requires registration and adherence to the use and care manual. Exclusions from the warranty include damages due to shipping, improper installation, misuse, normal wear and tear, and unauthorized service.