Owner’s manual
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How wide is a 24.5 cu ft refrigerator?
Most 24.5 cu ft refrigerators are built for a standard 36-inch cabinet opening, so the exterior width is typically about 35 1/2 to 36 inches. For your Whirlpool GD5NHAXSY00 side-by-side refrigerator, confirm the exact cabinet cutout and clearance requirements in the owner's manual.
Typical width ranges (what you can expect)
Capacity alone does not set the exact width, but 24 to 25 cu ft models usually fall into these common ranges:
- Standard full-size width: 35 1/2 to 36 inches
- Less common narrower designs: about 33 inches (varies by model line)
- Built-in and specialty units: can vary widely (not typical for this Whirlpool style)
Don’t forget clearance space
Even if the cabinet opening is 36 inches, you still need room for airflow and door swing.
- Plan for about 1/2 inch of space on each side and at the top for ventilation
- If installed next to a fixed wall, allow about 2 inches minimum on the hinge side so the door can swing open
- If the refrigerator has an ice maker, leave extra room behind for the water line connection
Quick sizing checklist
Use this checklist before ordering or moving the refrigerator:
- Measure the cabinet opening width (wall to wall)
- Measure the refrigerator width at the widest point (often the doors or hinges)
- Confirm door swing clearance near walls, islands, and trim
- Confirm rear clearance for the water line (if connected)
- Verify the pathway width (doorways, hallways) for moving the unit
Width vs. opening: simple guide
| What you are measuring | Typical number for a 24.5 cu ft unit | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Cabinet opening | 36 inches | Standard space many kitchens are built around |
| Refrigerator exterior width | 35 1/2 to 36 inches | Determines if it physically fits |
| Side clearance (each side) | 1/2 inch | Helps ventilation and reduces heat buildup |
Why it matters
A refrigerator that is even slightly too wide can rub cabinets, restrict door swing, and reduce ventilation, which can hurt cooling performance. Getting the opening and clearance right prevents installation headaches and temperature issues.
If you are also shopping for maintenance items for GD5NHAXSY00, you can order model-matched parts from the parts list for this refrigerator or search by model on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
What is the capacity of the GD5NHAXSY00?
The Whirlpool GD5NHAXSY00 side-by-side refrigerator has a total capacity of about 25.2 cu. ft. For the exact usable space (which can vary slightly by shelf and bin configuration), we recommend confirming the specification in the GD5NHAXSY00 owner's manual.
Quick capacity details
- Model: Whirlpool GD5NHAXSY00
- Total capacity: 25.2 cu. ft.
- Type: Side-by-side refrigerator
- What changes usable space: ice bin size, door bin setup, and shelf positions
Why “total capacity” and “usable space” can feel different
Total capacity is the overall interior volume. Usable space is what you can practically load after accounting for fixed components like the ice maker, air ducts, and shelving.
Common space factors in side-by-side refrigerators
- Ice maker and ice storage bin reduce freezer storage area
- Door bins trade depth for easy access
- Airflow channels must stay clear for even cooling
- Shelf height adjustments affect how tall items fit
Related specs that matter when planning storage
| Spec | What it helps with | Typical impact |
|---|---|---|
| Total capacity (cu. ft.) | Overall storage planning | Best for comparing models |
| Shelf and bin layout | Day-to-day usability | Determines real-world fit |
| Ice maker installed | Freezer space | Reduces usable freezer volume |
Parts that can affect storage layout
If your storage feels limited because a component is missing, broken, or not seating correctly, these model-matched parts are commonly involved:
- Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597 (ice bin area and ice production setup)
- Refrigerator crisper pan WPW10233488 (fresh food drawer space)
- Refrigerator deli drawer cover WP2223242 (deli drawer support and fit)
Why it matters
Knowing the GD5NHAXSY00 capacity helps you plan grocery loads, freezer bulk storage, and container sizes. It also helps when comparing replacement refrigerators or deciding whether to keep an ice maker installed.
Last updated: February 2026
Where are the controls on a whirlpool side by side refrigerator?
On the Whirlpool GD5NHAXSY00 side-by-side refrigerator, the temperature controls are on an interior control housing (control box). You access them by pressing the control button on the side of the control box so the control pops out, then you turn it to the setting you want.
How to locate and adjust the controls
Use this method for both the refrigerator and freezer temperature controls:
- Open the fresh food (refrigerator) door and look for the interior control housing.
- Press the control button on the side of the control box, then release.
- Let the control pop out.
- Turn the control to the desired setting.
- Push the control back in to lock it in place.
- Keep both controls at the factory mid-settings as a starting point; wait 24 hours between changes.
For the exact control layout and any model-specific features (such as additional switches or indicator lights), use the GD5NHAXSY00 owner's manual.
What each control changes
These controls work together, but each targets a different compartment.
| Control | Adjusts | Higher number does | Lower number does |
|---|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator control | Fresh food temperature | Makes refrigerator colder | Makes refrigerator warmer |
| Freezer control | Freezer temperature | Makes freezer colder | Makes freezer warmer |
If temperatures still feel wrong
These checks solve most “too warm” or “too cold” complaints after adjusting controls:
- Allow 24 hours after installation or a major setting change for temperatures to stabilize.
- Minimize door openings; confirm doors close and seal fully.
- Let the unit recover after adding a large load of warm groceries.
- If the refrigerator control is set to OFF, cooling stops.
- If ice production seems slow, allow 24 hours to start and up to 72 hours for full output.
Why it matters
Correct control location and adjustment keeps food safe, reduces moisture buildup, and helps the ice maker maintain steady production. Setting controls colder than recommended does not cool faster; it can freeze items in the refrigerator section.
Last updated: February 2026
Why is my Whirlpool refrigerator water working but not the ice maker?
If your Whirlpool GD5NHAXSY00 dispenses water but won’t make ice, the usual causes are the ice maker being turned off, a closed or kinked water supply line, low water pressure, a clogged filter, or a frozen fill tube. Use the GD5NHAXSY00 owner's manual to verify the ice maker is ON and the supply valve is fully open.
Quick checks (do these first)
- Confirm the ice maker control (wire shutoff arm or switch, depending on version) is in the ON position.
- Make sure the household water shutoff valve is fully open.
- Inspect the water line behind the refrigerator for a kink or pinch.
- If the ice maker was just turned on or installed, wait 24 hours for first ice and up to 72 hours for full production.
- Pull out the ice bin and check for a jam or clumped ice blocking movement.
Water filter and flow (why water can still dispense)
A dispenser can still seem normal even when the ice maker is getting reduced flow. If you’re due for a filter change, replace the refrigerator water filter EDR3RXD1. The manual also notes that using a reverse osmosis system along with the refrigerator filter can reduce pressure enough to affect ice production.
Symptom guide
| What you see | Most likely cause | Best first step |
|---|---|---|
| No ice at all | Ice maker OFF, shutoff closed, kinked line | Turn ON, open valve, straighten line |
| Small or hollow cubes | Restricted flow (filter/pressure) | Replace filter, check kinks |
| Buzzing but no fill | Frozen fill tube or weak valve | Check for ice blockage at fill tube |
When to suspect a failed part
If the checks above don’t restore ice production, replacement is often the next step.
- Ice maker won’t cycle or harvest: Whirlpool refrigerator ice maker assembly 2198597
- Water supply to ice maker is weak or intermittent: refrigerator water inlet valve WPW10159839
Why it matters
The ice maker needs a full, timed fill to freeze and harvest properly; small restrictions show up as “no ice” before the water dispenser seems affected.
You can order parts from the list for GD5NHAXSY00, or search by model number on Sears PartsDirect.
Last updated: February 2026
