Samsung RFG298AARS refrigerator Parts

A bottom-freezer refrigerator typically lasts 12 to 15 years with normal household use. For your Samsung RFG298AARS bottom-mount refrigerator, lifespan depends most on condenser cleanliness, door seal condition, and how hard the compressor has to work; our RFG298AARS user manual covers routine care that helps it reach that range.

Typical lifespan and what usually ends the run

Most bottom-mount units are replaced due to cooling-system wear or repeated component failures rather than cosmetic issues.

• Compressor running excessively (wear over time)
• Sealed-system leaks or inefficient cooling
• Evaporator or condenser fan motor failures
• Defrost system problems leading to frost buildup
• Door gasket leaks causing warm air intrusion
• Ice maker and water system issues (more common on dispenser models)

What you can do to hit the 12 to 15 year mark

These habits reduce run time and heat load, which is what shortens refrigerator life.

• Keep condenser coils clean and airflow clear behind/under the unit
• Confirm doors close fully and gaskets seal all the way around
• Avoid overpacking; keep vents inside the fresh-food section unobstructed
• Set stable temps (avoid frequent big adjustments)
• Replace the water filter on schedule if you use the dispenser

Quick “repair vs. replace” guide

If your RFG298AARS is…	Usually worth doing	Usually a replace signal
Under 8 years old	Repair most non-sealed-system issues	Rarely
8 to 12 years old	Repair if it is a fan, gasket, sensor, or ice maker issue	Consider replace if cooling is weak and repairs stack up
Over 12 years old	Repair only if it is low-cost and cooling is otherwise strong	Sealed-system or compressor-related problems

Why it matters

Bottom-freezer fridges are efficient, but they rely on strong airflow and tight door seals. When airflow is restricted or warm air leaks in, the compressor runs longer, energy use rises, and major components wear out sooner.

Last updated: January 2026

Bottom-freezer designs (including the Samsung RFG298AARS bottom-mount style) tend to be less popular mainly because they usually cost more than top-freezer models and the freezer layout is often a deep drawer that can make it harder to see and reach items quickly.

What makes bottom-freezer models feel less convenient for some homes

Even though a bottom freezer puts fresh food at eye level, many shoppers still prefer other layouts for day-to-day access.

• Freezer items can be harder to organize because you stack food in a drawer
• You may need to bend and lift more when grabbing heavy frozen foods
• The freezer can feel “out of sight, out of mind” for frequent freezer users
• Comparable models often have more features (ice, water, pantry drawers), which raises price
• Some kitchens prefer side-by-side shelves for frozen-food visibility

How the RFG298AARS layout changes the tradeoffs

Your RFG298AARS is a French door refrigerator with a bottom freezer drawer and features like dual ice makers and a full-width pantry drawer. Those features improve convenience, but they also add complexity and cost compared to simpler top-freezer refrigerators.

Layout type	Typical reason people choose it	Common drawback
Top freezer	Lowest cost, simple storage	Fresh food is lower, more bending for fridge use
Bottom freezer (drawer)	Fresh food at eye level	Freezer visibility and “digging” in drawers
Side-by-side	Easy access to both sections	Narrower shelves for wide items

Why it matters

Popularity often comes down to daily habits. If you use the refrigerator section far more than the freezer, a bottom-freezer design can feel like an upgrade. If you use the freezer constantly (meal prep, bulk frozen foods), a top-freezer or side-by-side can feel faster and easier.

Helpful model-specific reference

For feature details (pantry drawer, dual ice makers, controls), see the RFG298AARS user manual.

Last updated: January 2026

For the Samsung RFG298AARS, the most common service issue we see is a cooling complaint (fridge warm, freezer warm, or temps swinging), often tied to airflow restrictions from frost/ice buildup, a fan not moving air, or doors not sealing well. Ice maker and water system issues are also frequent.

What to check first on the RFG298AARS

Start with the basics that most often cause “not cooling” symptoms on this model:

• Confirm the unit is not in Cooling Off (demo) mode; the display can show an “OF” style code when cooling is disabled.
• Verify set temperatures are reasonable (Samsung’s typical recommended targets are about 38°F fresh food and -2°F freezer).
• Make sure rear air vents inside the compartments are not blocked by food packages.
• Listen for evaporator fan operation; a stalled or iced-up fan can cause warm temps and unusual noise.
• Inspect door gaskets for gaps and check that both doors close fully.
• Check for heavy frost on the back wall inside the freezer or fresh food section (a common clue of a defrost/airflow problem).

For control panel functions, temperature ranges, and Cooling Off mode steps, use the RFG298AARS user manual.

Common problem areas (and what symptoms look like)

These are the most common “root causes” behind complaints on Samsung French door units like the RFG298AARS:

Problem area	What you notice	What it usually points to
Airflow restriction	Fridge warm but freezer seems closer to normal	Frost/ice buildup, blocked vents, weak fan airflow
Defrost system issue	Frost returns quickly after manual defrost	Defrost heater, defrost sensor/thermistor, or control issue
Ice maker performance	Small cubes, clumping, no ice	Low water pressure, frozen fill tube, ice maker fault
Water leaks	Puddles under crisper or at front	Clogged/iced drain, water line connection, filter housing issue

Why it matters

Cooling problems can snowball fast: restricted airflow makes the compressor run longer, temperatures drift, food spoils sooner, and ice buildup can eventually interfere with fans and vents.

Helpful DIY resources

If your issue is tied to the dispenser or filter maintenance, we recommend reviewing how to change the water filter in a Samsung refrigerator and Samsung refrigerator filter light reset explained.

Last updated: January 2026