Installation guide
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How can I tell how many cubic feet my Whirlpool refrigerator is?
Your Whirlpool GD5THGXKS00 side-by-side refrigerator’s cubic feet (capacity) is the usable interior volume of the fresh food and freezer sections combined. The most reliable way is to look up the capacity by model number in the installation guide; measuring the interior can also give a close estimate.
- Check documentation: Capacity is often listed with specifications in the installation guide.
- Use the model number: Since you already have GD5THGXKS00, match it to the listed specs for this exact model.
- Measure for an estimate: Measure interior width x height x depth (in inches) for each compartment, then convert to cubic feet.
- Empty enough space to measure the inside liner (not the door bins).
- Measure the fresh food section: width, height, depth.
- Measure the freezer section: width, height, depth.
- Convert each section to cubic feet and add them together.
Conversion:
- Cubic feet = (width x height x depth in inches) ÷ 1,728
| What you’re doing | What you get | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Look up specs by model | Exact listed capacity | Confirming true cubic feet |
| Measure fresh food + freezer | Close estimate of usable space | When specs are not handy |
| Compare to typical side-by-side sizes | General expectation | Sanity-checking your result |
Most Whirlpool side-by-side refrigerators are about 20 to 26 cubic feet total. Your measured estimate should usually land in that neighborhood unless shelves, bins, or icemaker components reduce usable space.
Knowing cubic feet helps you compare refrigerators accurately, choose the right storage organizers, and set realistic expectations for food capacity. It also helps when troubleshooting cooling complaints because an overpacked compartment can restrict airflow.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the biggest problem in a Whirlpool refrigerator?
For the Whirlpool GD5THGXKS00 side-by-side refrigerator, the biggest problem we see is loss of cooling (fresh food warm, freezer not holding temperature). Cooling problems often trace back to airflow restrictions, defrost system trouble, or a failed cooling component, and they can also trigger ice maker and water dispenser complaints.
Start with the most common, most fixable causes first:
- Dirty condenser coils: reduces heat removal and makes the compressor run longer.
- Evaporator frost buildup: blocks airflow; points to a defrost system issue.
- Fan problems: weak or stopped airflow can warm the refrigerator section fast.
- Temperature control issues: a bad control can cause wide temperature swings.
- Water/ice side effects: poor cooling can slow ice production and cause clumping.
If you need model-specific access and safety steps, use the installation guide.
These checks help separate an airflow problem from a sealed-system problem:
- Confirm settings: freezer around 0°F, refrigerator around 37°F.
- Listen for fans: you should typically hear an evaporator fan when the compressor runs.
- Look for frost on the freezer back panel: heavy frost usually means a defrost failure.
- Clean condenser area and verify the condenser fan is running (if equipped).
- Check door sealing and closing: gaps cause moisture, frost, and temperature drift.
If troubleshooting points to a failed component, these parts are commonly involved:
| Symptom | Common suspect | Example part on this model |
|---|---|---|
| Warm temps, long run time | Temperature control issue | Refrigerator thermostat WP2198202 |
| Heavy frost, poor airflow | Defrost system issue | Refrigerator heater WP2323198 |
| No water to ice maker/dispenser | Water supply control issue | Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 |
Cooling problems are the root cause behind many “secondary” complaints (no ice, soft ice cream, food spoiling, water leaking from defrost drain overflow). Fixing airflow and defrost performance first prevents repeat failures and wasted parts.
Last updated: February 2026
What's the average lifespan of a Whirlpool refrigerator?
Most Whirlpool refrigerators last 10 to 18 years. For your Whirlpool GD5THGXKS00 side-by-side refrigerator, lifespan depends most on condenser airflow, door seal condition, and how hard the sealed system and ice maker work day to day; routine maintenance keeps it in the upper end of that range.
| Appliance type | Typical lifespan | What usually ends it first |
|---|---|---|
| Side-by-side refrigerator (Whirlpool) | 10 to 18 years | Cooling system wear, fan motors, defrost issues |
| Ice maker and dispenser components | 5 to 10 years | Valve leaks, ice maker wear, clogs |
| Door gaskets and door-closing parts | 5 to 15 years | Poor sealing, sagging doors, warm air leaks |
- Keep the condenser area clean and unobstructed so the compressor runs cooler.
- Confirm doors close fully every time; a weak seal forces longer run times.
- Replace water and ice components when they start leaking or starving for water.
- Avoid overpacking; blocked vents cause temperature swings and frost.
- Set stable temps (typical targets: 37°F fresh food, 0°F freezer).
- Compressor runs almost constantly but temperatures still drift warm.
- Repeated heavy frost buildup (defrost heater, timer/control, or airflow problems).
- Water leaks at the valve or inside the cabinet.
- Doors will not self-close or you see persistent condensation around the gasket.
If cooling is fine but water or ice performance is declining, these model-matched parts often solve it:
- Refrigerator inlet valve W10408179 (low water flow, no ice, leaking)
- Ice maker assembly 4317943 (no ice, small cubes, intermittent harvest)
- Refrigerator defrost timer 4388932 and refrigerator heater WP2323198 (frost and warm temps)
A refrigerator that runs hot, leaks water, or has air leaks uses more energy and wears out the compressor faster. Fixing airflow, sealing, and water delivery issues early usually adds years of reliable service.
For model-specific setup and installation clearances, follow the installation guide.
Last updated: February 2026
